Nordfjord

Nordfjord is a district in Sogn og Fjordane in West Norway. Nordfjord is the area around the namesake fjord, one of the major fjords in Norway.

Understand


Nordjord is typical fjord landscape. The area is dominated by one long fjord, the Nordfjord at more than 100 km (about 65 miles), and some smaller branches. Fjords continue as valleys into the land and valleys are filled with pristine lakes. Nordfjord has an array of lakes, many of which are coloured turquoise by glacial melt water.

Hornindalsvatnet is the deepest lake in Europe and the largest in Western Norway. At 50 meters above sea, the 500 meter deep lake is in fact mostly below sea level. Because of the great volume, water on average takes more than 15 years to pass through. Hornindalsvatnet is unusually clear, as there is no inflow of glacial melt water.

Fjords are complex and mountains rise directly from the fjord making land transport challenging. The geography is very varied and complex, featuring high mountain peaks, islands, and glaciers (including the Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe), gorge-like valleys, lovely lakes and many tall waterfalls. Because of the very fragmented landscape, settlements and roads are largely confined to low valleys and shores.



Nordfjord and neighbouring districts are home to Norway's largest population of red deer ("hjort"). They are often seen along roads at dusk or dawn, particularly in spring.

Villages and towns
There are no big towns in this county. Regional hubs are Nordfjordeid and Stryn.


 * – major fishery port at the mouth of Nordfjord
 * – administrative centre of Stad, with several tourist attractions, including the Sagastad viking ship
 * – administrative centre of Gloppen
 * – pretty village at the beautiful lake Jølstervatn
 * and Olden – romantic fjords, lovely lakes and iconic glaciers

Other destinations

 * — the largest glacier in Norway occupies a prominent position within the county; arms can be observed from various locations in the region.

By plane
There is one small airport at Sandane (, on E39. There is also an airport in Førde in the neighbouring Sunnfjord district and a small airport just north of Nordfjord, in Volda/Ørsta.

The nearest airports seeing international traffic are:
 * Bergen airport
 * Oslo airport
 * Ålesund airport

By rail
There are no railway lines in Nordfjord. The closest railway stations are in Flåm and Otta.

By bus
There are bus connections with Bergen, Otta and Ålesund.

By boat
There is a high-speed catamaran services from Bergen up the coast ending in Selje at the border with Møre og Romsdal, operated by Norled. Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Steamer) calls at Florø and Måløy.

By car
E39 is the major route from Bergen. From north on E39, from Ålesund. Road 15 is a good road from Otta/E6.

See


The wild landscape is the main "must see" in Nordfjord. The area has many waterfalls, high peaks and breathtaking views.

Off the beaten track




Drink
Tap water is drinkable and often of very good quality. Olden is bottled water, the source of which is the glacier Jostedalsbreen. It is sold as natural water (In Norwegian: Uten kullsyre), or as carbonated water (In Norwegian: med kullsyre).

Stay safe


The crime rat is low. But even so, common sense applies.

Be careful around waterfalls. Also, along the very coast, Atlantic waves are treacherous. Fjords and lakes are very deep and very cold most of the year.

Glaciers
Glaciers are one of the most dangerous places for visitors to the Norwegian outdoor. Never underestimate the power of the glacier. Observe warning signs. Never approach the front of the glacier. A glacier is not a stable piece of ice, it is constantly moving and huge chunks regularly fall of.

Do not enter a glacier without proper equipment and a skilled local guide. Sunrays get reflected from the white snow, so it necessary to use sunscreen to protect your skin. Bring warm clothes for tours on the glacier.