Think of any cliché of wilderness beauty and it’s nearly certain to fit in with the fjord region of Norway. Last month, after a week of kayaking, hiking and climbing in the country I was awed and honestly moved by the natural beauty of the place. Here’s a peek of what I saw along the way. —Sean McCoy
Fjord hike
Kayaking into the fjords
Chilly wet-exit drill in icy fjord
The water of the fjord was surprisingly fresh for what is essentially an extension of the ocean. Our guides explained that due to the immense snowmelt the water of the fjords, especially near the surface, was nearly fresh. In a couple months, it would be closer in salinity to the open ocean.
View from top of climb
Via Ferrata climb near Tyssedal; full story on this adventure here
Start of 15-mile hike down the Aurlandsdalen Valley, known as the Grand Canyon of Norway
Guides remove a fishing lure from a goat’s mouth (no idea how it got there!)
Flam Railway
Close view of the falls
Wooden boat and church, a classic Norway scene
—Words and photos by Sean McCoy.
