Latest news with #Sognefjord
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Forbes
Skjolden Delivers Big Views And Cultural Depth On Norway Cruises
Skjolden cruise port delivers incredible beauty but also a surprising amount of cultural depth. getty Cruise passengers heading deep into the Norwegian fjords often expect dramatic landscapes, peaceful villages, and perhaps a waterfall or two. But in the tiny community of Skjolden, located at the innermost tip of the country's longest fjord, the surprises go far beyond the scenery. Don't make the mistake of thinking a Norwegian fjords cruise is all about the ports. The journey itself is just as important to the itinerary. To reach Skjolden, ships sail more than 100 miles inland along the mighty Sognefjord, with the landscape growing more dramatic at every turn. The final stretch into Skjolden follows the Lustrafjord, a narrow arm of the Sognefjord that feels like a hidden passageway, flanked by sheer cliffs and quiet wooden cabins perched above the water. Sensational fjord scenery including cabins and waterfalls on the approach to Skjolden. David Nikel Whether you rise early for the sail-in or enjoy the views on departure, this is one voyage best enjoyed out on deck. Cruise ships dock at a dedicated pier about half a mile from the village center. While vendors offering outdoor adventures including RIB safaris and kayaking are conveniently located at the pier, most visitor facilities are found within Skjolden itself. One of the most popular cruise excursions from Skjolden is a journey up the Sognefjellet national tourist route. This mountain road is the highest of its kind in Northern Europe and a true showcase of Norwegian nature at its most raw and beautiful. Tours from the port climb quickly through forested valleys, then burst above the tree line to reveal a vast high-mountain plateau. Even in early summer, snow and ice are often still on the ground at the highest points. Oscarshaug viewpoint is a popular stop on the Sognefjellet mountain road. David Nikel Panoramic views from stops such as the Oscarshaug viewpoint, located at over 3,500 feet above sea level, offer a taste of Norway's alpine wilderness within easy reach of the fjords. Skjolden's Philosopher Hideaway One of Skjolden's most unexpected attractions lies tucked away on a remote hillside above the lake behind Skjolden. The modest wooden cabin hard to see until it's pointed out is where the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once lived and worked. In the early 20th century, Wittgenstein sought solitude to reflect and write, and he found it in Skjolden. Today, the Wittgenstein cabin is preserved as a cultural site, and while it's only accessible on foot, guided hikes or private visits can be arranged via the Wittgenstein Foundation. For those intrigued by philosophy, solitude, or simply unusual travel stories, it's a truly unique detour. Urnes Stave Church: A World Heritage Site For visitors more interested in history and architecture, Skjolden also offers access to one of Norway's oldest and most iconic wooden churches. The 12th-century Urnes Stave Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched on a hillside overlooking the fjord. Urnes Stave Church, the oldest church of its type in Norway, stands above the Lustrafjord on approach to Skjolden. getty The church is admired for its intricate wood carvings and well-preserved medieval design that blends Norse beliefs with early Christian influences. While it's a scenic 20-mile journey from Skjolden by road or bike, it's also visible from the water as cruise ships enter the Lustrafjord. Village Life In Skjolden Tucked away far from major cities, Skjolden is home to just a few hundred people. As such, it offers a low-key but charming visitor experience. The waterfront is lined with wooden buildings and leads to the compact village center, where a visitor hub offers maps, souvenirs, a cafe, and even an indoor climbing wall. You don't need to book a mountain excursion to enjoy the region's natural beauty. From the village center, a moderately steep hike leads to Sengaberget , a scenic viewpoint overlooking the fjord, lake and valley. It's perfect for travelers seeking a rewarding walk close to port. For a less demanding walk, consider the 1.8-mile stroll to Åsafossen, a powerful waterfall just outside the village. The viewing area also marks the starting point for the longer hike to Wittgenstein's secluded hillside cabin. While larger fjord ports may boast more stores and headline attractions, Skjolden wins hearts with its intimacy and cultural depth. For travelers looking to explore the deeper layers of Norwegian culture, Skjolden is well worth seeking out on cruise itineraries. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Here's How To Move To Norway In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Why Norway Is Now A Year-Round Cruise Travel Destination By David Nikel Forbes Norway Confirms Phased Introduction Of Tourist Tax In 2026 By David Nikel
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Forbes
This Remote Coastal Region Is Norway's Newest UNESCO Treasure
The islands of Værlandet and Bulandet appear like a string of pearls, linked together by six new bridges. On Norway's far western coast, a dramatic stretch of fjords, islands and mountains has been recognised as one of the world's most important natural landscapes. The 'Fjord Coast Regional- and Geopark' is now a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its rare geology and also the strong connection between nature and community, shaped over centuries by wind and wave. Unlike the more widely known World Heritage Sites that recognize cultural or natural importance, UNESCO Geoparks focus on telling the story of the Earth itself, highlighting landscapes of geological significance while promoting education, conservation and sustainable development led by local communities. Stretching across five municipalities—Solund, Fjaler, Askvoll, Hyllestad, and Sunnfjord—this remote area of western Norway at the mouth of the Sognefjord is rugged, remote, and packed with dramatic scenery. From folded cliffs shaped by ancient mountain ranges to centuries-old fishing and farming traditions, the region offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore both the story of the Earth and the people who live on it. Hundreds of millions of years ago, the land that is now western Norway was the site of a colossal tectonic clash. Ancient Europe and North America collided, forcing up the vast Caledonian Mountains, which once rivaled the Himalayas in scale. Over time, the mountains wore down. You'll see the remains in the folds of Brurastakken, the polished mineral beds at Hyllestad's stone park, and the conglomerate formations of Solund and Storehesten. The latter are massive cliffs made from long-buried boulders and sediment, now hardened into stone. But this isn't just a park for geologists. For centuries, people here have followed a unique fisher-farmer rhythm of growing crops and tending animals through the summer, then heading to sea in winter. The land shaped their lives, and in return, they shaped the land. That legacy lives on in Hyllestad's historic quarries, which once exported millstones across Europe, and in the poetry of Jakob Sande, who captured the dialect and soul of life along the fjords. Solund, in particular, is home to a striking example of how local knowledge is breathing life into the landscape. At the far western edge of Norway, this remote archipelago of 1,700 islands and islets is home to an unusual project: a community-run wild sheep cooperative. In recent years, locals noticed that parts of the coastal landscape were becoming overgrown. What many didn't realise was that the open horizon they cherished was disappearing because those traditional practices of free-grazing sheep and controlled heather burning had nearly vanished. To restore the balance, residents, farmers and the local school joined forces to bring back a hardy native breed: the Old Norwegian Sheep. Known for their resilience, these animals thrive in the harsh, windswept landscape and graze on everything from mountain grasses to seaweed. Crucially, they help maintain the open heathland that defines the landscape. The 'Fjord Coast Regional- and Geopark' isn't a single site, but a sprawling, varied landscape stretching across five municipalities. Each offers its own geological and cultural highlights, ideal for travellers looking to explore deeper. Solund: This outermost archipelago offers dramatic scenery, unique cultural experiences, and a true sense of isolation. In addition to the wild sheep, you can travel by postal boat between tiny inhabited islands, or head out to Utvær, Norway's westernmost point, where a historic lighthouse stands watch. Hyllestad: Inland from the coast, Hyllestad tells a story of stone. Its historic millstone quarries once produced grinding stones exported across Northern Europe. Today, you can visit the Millstone Park and see how geology shaped both the landscape and livelihoods here. The fjord views are a bonus. Askvoll: Known for its varied natural landscapes, Askvoll gives easy access to everything from fjords and waterfalls to open sea and rugged peaks. Hike up Lihesten, a mountain that once lay deep in a Caledonian valley, or explore the quiet beauty of the Dalsfjord region. Fjaler: Home to quiet villages and rich literary heritage, Fjaler is where you can follow in the footsteps of poet Jakob Sande. It's also a great place for hiking, with well-marked trails that weave through forests and into the heart of the coastal landscape. Sunnfjord: Nestled among steep mountains and glittering fjords, Sunnfjord's highlights include the spectacular Storehesten, a peak formed during the final collapse of the Caledonian mountain range. There's also countless opportunities to kayak, fish, hike or simply soak up the scenery. UNESCO's recognition of the area is a reminder that some of the world's most remarkable natural treasures don't always shout for attention. Sometimes they're tucked away on a windswept coastline, quietly telling stories through stone and sheep.
