Kayaking Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – UNESCO fjord paddling adventure

The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are two majestic fjords that are great to explore from a kayak. Guided kayak trips start from both Flåm and Gudvangen, giving you close contact with nature in this spectacular UNESCO‑listed fjord region.

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For safety reasons, we recommend guided kayak tours if you are going to kayak in the fjords. You can join guided kayak tours starting from Flåm in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord and from Gudvangen in the innermost part of the Nærøyfjord.

 

Kayaking on the Fjords – Guiding and Important Safety Information

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Kayaking in the Norwegian fjords and lakes can be an incredible experience, but conditions can also be demanding and change rapidly. Read more about responsibility and important safety information here, and get an introduction to kayaking in Norway at Visit Norway.

GUIDED TOURS: For safety reasons, it is recommended to join guided kayak tours when paddling in the fjords. Njord Sea Kayak and Wilderness Adventures in Flåm and Nordic Ventures in Gudvangen offer guided kayak tours on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

GUIDE & EXPERIENCE: It is recommended to use a guide when kayaking in the fjords and lakes of Norway. For safety reasons, you should avoid paddling alone. You should be an experienced kayaker with knowledge of paddling, safety and rescue techniques.

COURSES & REQUIREMENTS: Many guided kayak tours require certifications such as the “Wet Card”, a basic kayaking course, and training in self-rescue and assisted rescue. Requirements vary between operators and between single and double kayaks.

CHECK WITH THE OPERATOR: Kayaks are usually provided by the guide companies. Always check with the operator regarding required skills, experience and certifications before joining a tour.

SEASON: Kayaking in the fjords typically takes place during summer. Check with the operators for exact seasons. Dates mentioned on this website are approximate.

EQUIPMENT & COLD WATER: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). A dry suit with warm layers, preferably wool, is strongly recommended. The water in Norwegian fjords and lakes is cold, even in summer. Bringing a paddle float for self-rescue is also recommended.

WEATHER, WIND & WAVES: Always check weather conditions before heading out. Fjords and lakes in Norway can be exposed to strong winds, currents and rapid weather changes. Sudden winds can create frequent and large waves. Avoid kayaking in thunderstorms, strong winds or rough conditions.

BOAT TRAFFIC: Keep a safe distance from boats, ferries and cruise ships. Always stay alert and check behind you frequently. Some fjords have heavy marine traffic.

STEEP MOUNTAINSIDES AND CLIFFS: Many fjords and lakes have steep mountainsides and cliffs. This can make it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get ashore if the weather deteriorates or an emergency occurs. Keep a safe distance from steep terrain where there is a risk of rockfalls, landslides or avalanches.

WHALES & ORCAS: Whales and orcas are sometimes seen in the fjords. These are wild animals and must be treated with respect. Never paddle towards them, and always keep a safe distance.

 

NJORD – Guided kayak tours from Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord

View from the kayak towards the Aurlandsfjord.
View from the kayak towards the Aurlandsfjord.

The Aurlandsfjord is a 29 kilometer long branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord. Along the Aurlandsfjord we have the villages Undredal, Aurland and Flåm. At Mt Beitelen, 11 kilometers from where the Aurlandsfjord starts, the Aurlandsfjord devides into two fjords; the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.

In Flåm, in the heart of the Aurlandsfjord, you will find NJORD, which organizes guided kayak tours in the summer.

Season Kayaking: Summer, check with NJORD when they offer guiding. Seasons mentioned on this website are approximate dates.

The guided tours vary in length and time. They organize tours on the Aurlandsfjord that last only a few hours, but also guided tours where you get to experience both the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. The longest guided kayak tours last several days, some of the tours are combined with mountain hikes and overnight stays in tents. On these tours you get to experience the best that our world heritage can offer.

Pictures and video from some of my kayak trips on the Aurlandsfjord

NORDIC VENTURES – Guided kayak tours from Gudvangen by the Nærøyfjord

Kayaking on the Nærøyfjord.
Kayaking on the Nærøyfjord.

The Nærøyfjord is a 17 kilometer long branch of the Aurlandsfjord and was in 2005 included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The landscape on and around the Nærøyfjord is considered to be one of the most scenic fjord areas on earth, and was added to the list due to its unique natural quality and beauty.

In Gudvangen, in the heart of the Nærøyfjord, you will find Nordic Ventures, which organizes guided kayak tours in the summer.

Season Kayaking: Summer, check with Nordic Ventures when they offer guiding. Seasons mentioned on this website are approximate dates.

The guided tours vary in length and time. They organize tours on the Nærøyfjord that last only a few hours, but also guided tours where you get to experience both the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. The longest guided kayak tours last several days, some of the tours are combined with mountain hikes and overnight stays in tents. On these tours you get to experience the best that our world heritage can offer.

Some of the guided tours start from Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord, this is stated on the website or by contacting Nordic Ventures.

Pictures and video from some of my kayak trips on the Nærøyfjord

Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – What to See and Do

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences and activities in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On July 14, 2005, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and the surrounding area were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Geirangerfjord. The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are both branches of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord, which is located in the middle of Western Norway.

Visit Sognefjord

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord area.

Salthella beach by the Nærøyfjord.
Salthella beach by the Nærøyfjord.

Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord 



“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.

Reis Sakte - Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord.
Reis Sakte – Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord.

 

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway – FJORDS HOTELS, FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway – hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 13 restaurants that have awarded Michelin Stars and Michelin Guide’s Point Of View in Western Norway. Seven of the Michelin restaurants are located in Stavanger, five in Bergen, and one in Bekkjarvik on the coast near the Hardangerfjord. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is an overview of websites with useful information about Norway and the fjords.

Flåm and Gudvangen – Map Overview