Nærøyfjorden

The UNESCO-listed Nærøy fjord (Nærøyfjorden) is one of the most narrow fjords in the world, and its beauty is jaw-dropping. It is situated in the picturesque nature of Aurland in Sogn in western part of Norway!

All the fjords in the western parts of Norway are in my opinion beautiful. They’re unique because of the high, steep mountains, wild, long waterfalls and the cultural landscapes surrounding them.

UNESCO description

The reasoning for why Nærøy fjord and Gerianger fjord are on the UNESCO list is long, and you can read all about it on the official UNESCO list here, but the short version is:

Situated in south-western Norway, north-east of Bergen, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, set 120 km from one another, are part of the west Norwegian fjord landscape, which stretches from Stavanger in the south to Andalsnes, 500 km to the north-east. The two fjords, among the world’s longest and deepest, are considered as archetypical fjord landscapes and among the most scenically outstanding anywhere. Their exceptional natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1,400 m from the Norwegian Sea and extend 500 m below sea level. The sheer walls of the fjords have numerous waterfalls while free-flowing rivers cross their deciduous and coniferous forests to glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged mountains. The landscape features a range of supporting natural phenomena, both terrestrial and marine, such as submarine moraines and marine mammals.

Best view to Nærøyfjorden

To get the best view, ride through old Gudvangen – on the opposite side of the river from Viking Valley and the gas station. When you see piles of gravel and a ferry dock, it looks like the road is ending, but just continue. Ride through the narrow tunnel, and when you reach the other side, you discover the beauty of Nærøyfjorden. Continue to Bakka on road Fv. 241 (dead-end road) and make sure to also have a look at Tufte waterfall (Tuftefossen) while you are there.

In the area

This area of Norway is full of sites and great roads to explore. Make sure to ride Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet, stop at the viewpoint Stegastein, ride the world’s longest tunnel Lærdalstunnelen, have a walk in Old Lærdalsøyri, check out Vindhellavegen, Stalheimskleiva and Borgund stave church.