Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kayaking
Withallthehypesurroundinghiking,white-waterraftingandextremesummersports,Nor-
way's kayaking possibilities rarely receive the attention they deserve. And yet the chance
to take to the water is a wonderful way to experience Norway's waterways without doing
so in the company of countless other travellers aboard cruise ships and tourist boats.
Kayaking Resources
To find out more about the Norwegian paddling scene, contact
Norges Padleforbund (
21 02 98 35;
www.padling.no
)
, which has lists of kayaking operators and routes in Nor-
way, although that section of the website is only in Norwegian.
Kayaking Destinations
Norway's premier kayaking sites are clustered around (although by no means restricted to)
the western fjords and there are numerous operators offering guided kayaking excursions.
It's also possible in many places to rent kayaks and the accompanying equipment from
fjord-sidecampsitesandtouristoffices.Othergoodplacesforseakayakingarefoundalong
the Nordland coast (including in Lofoten, Vesterålen, Narvik and Mo i rana), Langøya and
Svalbard.
Top kayaking destinations include the following:
»
Jostedalen
(
Clickhere
)Guidedkayakingandhikingtripsthatgetupclosewithaglacier.
»
Svalbard
(
Click here
) Difficult to imagine a more dramatic backdrop for your paddle.
»
Langøya, Vesterålen
(
Click here
) Introductory and more advanced courses around the
time of 170km Arctic Sea Kayak Race in July.
»
Voss
(see the boxed text,
Click here
) One- to three-day kayaking trips on gorgeous
Nærøyfjord.
»
Flåm
(
Click here
) Takes you away from the crowds on one of Norway's prettiest but
busiest fjords.
»
Geiranger
(
Click here
) Coastal kayaking trips from a spectacular Geiranger base.
»
Lustrafjord
(
Click here
) Four-hour kayaking tours on this lovely arm of Sognefjorden.
Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
Norway's astounding vertical topography is a paradise for climbers interested in rock, ice
and alpine pursuits. In fact, outside the Alps, Norway is probably Europe's finest climbing
venue, although Norway's climatic extremes mean that technical climbers face harsh con-
ditions, short seasons and strict restrictions. The western fjords region in particular is all
the rage among serious climbers.
Climbing Resources
