Jagged peaks jut dramatically straight from icy blue waters while quaint villages and lively cities hug the shoreline. This is the essence of coastal Norway, where verdant mountains cascade into the Norwegian Sea offering adventures as epic as the terrain. Coastal Norway is a land where mountains meet the sea.
The jagged geography of coastal Norway’s steep mountains and deep fjords conceals charming small towns that surprise first-timers as they navigate hairpin highway turns—but expect heart-stopping views at every bend.
Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord at 127 miles, cuts between towering cliffs into the mountain valleys. Take the Flåm railway as it roller coasters up 3,000 feet offering nonstop vistas. Follow its tributaries to discover medieval stave churches tucked out of sight behind roaring waterfalls. Many of these iconic wooden churches with their ornate spires and carvings date back as far as the 12th century. Then hike the trails linking the Aurlandsdalen and Geiranger Valleys, staying in remote mountain lodges between epic sessions.
For a true step back in time, hop a ferry over to villages from another era. In isolated hamlets like Mundal and Balestrand, locals still don traditional bunad outfits—Norway’s intricate national folk costumes embroidered with vibrant colors and patterns. Wandering the wharf-side streets lined with quaint cottages, it’s easy to feel transported to a different century. The fjords here do more than showcase Norway’s famous natural beauty—they also safeguard historic gems.
The Lofoten Islands above the Arctic Circle dazzle in winter when the low angle of the midnight sun illuminates powder skiing and the sky burns green with Northern Lights. Each summer 11 million puffins and other seabirds return to nest on vertical cliffs jutting out over the sea. Join wildlife safaris by boat or kayak, then relax in the evenings grilling freshly caught cod, a regional specialty, under the endless summer sun.
Coastal Norway is a land of surprises that continually amazes with its primal clash of sea and sky. Visit and let your spirit soar where mountains dive into Arctic waters. This is a land where mountains meet the sea.
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