Kayaking Norway's Western Fjords 2010
6 days / 5 nights, Ålesund - Vemøya - Storfjord - Stordal – Åkernes -Geiranger Fjord - Syltevik - Geiranger - Ålesund | THE #1 BEST-RATED DESTINATION - NORWEGIAN FJORDS
A National Geographic commissioned a panel of 419 experts in sustainable tourism and destination stewardship selected Norway's Western Fjords as the world's #1 Best-Rated Destination. National Geographic Traveler Nov/Dec 2006
Paddle the Fjords of the Sunnmøre Alps
Storfjord is a spectacular fjord surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps. Beginning near Ålesund, Storfjord cuts deep into the mountains of Sunnmøre where it divides into the smaller more dynamic fjords of Norddalsfjord,
Tafjord, Sunnylvsfjord and finally the majestic waterway of Geirangerfjord, on the UNESCO´s World Heritage List.
In Geiranger the mountains block the sea from further penetrating Westward and the granite walls climb up 1500m to mark the gateway to the Jotunheimen. This is an area of raw beauty with snow capped mountains, towering granite walls, high mountain farms, flowering fruit trees, and quaint villages tucked into small protective bays.
Trip Classification: Scandinavian Camping Sea Kayaking
Our Scandinavian Camping trips are outdoor trips with a knowledgeable, friendly guide. Our staff is responsible for all trip preparation. Accommodation is in tents and meals are prepared by the entire group. Clients take part in all aspects of the trip, including camp set up and clean-up.
"To float in Geirangerfjord is an astonishing, complete natural experience - steep, lush and rocky canyon walls, endless waterfalls". National Geographic Panel Member
Tours are led by an established sea kayak operator with 10 years experience in organizing world class paddling tours.
They are the only 5 star rated company by NHKGIF and have a strong commitment to responsible tourism.
The trip starts and ends in Ålesund
Number of Days: 6
Max. Group Size: 8
| Departure | July 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August 1st, 8th, 15th |
| Price | $2,675 per person |
| Included | Professional guides 3 person Exped tents for spacious double accommodation Scandinavian breakfast daily All meals are included except breakfast on Sunday morning, lunch and supper on the final day Expedition kayaks, tents, lifejackets, paddling jackets and safety equipment Transportation back from Geiranger to Ålesund |
| Not Included | Airfare and airport taxes and customs fees Transfers Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items Alcoholic beverages $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | The trip starts and ends in Ålesund Number of days: 6 Maximum group size: 8 Prices are subject to change depending on currency exchange rate to the NOK. Level: Easy to intermediate sea kayaking, hiking The tour operator reserves the right to make route and accommodation changes as needed. Itineraries are intended as guidelines only and are subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other general logistical conditions at the time of the trip. We endeavor to produce trips of consistently high quality and safety without compromise! |
Day 1 ÅLESUND - VEMØYA (L, D) Sunday We pack and load the kayaks prior to setting out from Prinsen Camping in Ålesund. Paddling north, up Ellingsøyfjord, passing many small island as we kayak up the fjord towards Skodje. Our destination for the day is Vemøya, a small island at the entrance to the canal at Solnør. Our camp site tonight is in a bay on the South-west corner of Vem Island.
Day 2 VEMØYA - YTSTE SKOTET (B, L, D)
Monday We begin the day by paddling through the Solnør canal which leads us to Storfjord, stopping for lunch and to stretch our legs in Solnør Bay. This is our last stop before we enter the fjords. Paddling south we cross the mouth of Ørskog Bay and down Storfjord towards Vågs Bay, here we stop to stretch our legs before we cross Storfjord to Ytste Skotet our paddling destination for the day.
Upon landing at the trail head of Ytste Skotet we unload the gear that we will need for a night at the farm. The hike up to this historic farm takes about 25 min. After arriving at Ytste Skotet a refreshing dip in the creek feels wonderful after 2 days of paddling. Tonight we sleep indoors and enjoy a very traditional evening meal in the manor house.
Day 3 YTSTE SKOTET - STORDAL (B, L, D)
Tuesday After a good night's sleep in the farms annex house. We hike down to our kayaks and launch onto Storfjord for the short paddle across to the North side of the fjord and to the point just past the hamlet of Stordal.
We arrive at our camp site early and spend this leisurely afternoon relaxing by the fjord or enjoying some fjord fishing. Supper around a campfire is the perfect finish to our rest day on Storfjord.
Day 4 STORDAL - ÅKERNES (B, L, D)
Wednesday Fully refreshed we push off early this morning, the village Stranda is our first stop of the day. In Stranda; you have the opportunity to visit some shops, buy a treat at the bakery or a bottle of wine at the liquor store. Leaving Stranda we paddle along the steep mountain walls to where Storfjord splits into Norddalsfjord and Sunnylvsfjord. We round the headland head down Sunnylvsfjord. Our paddling destination is the historic farm at Åkernes.
After landing at Åkernes the short hike up to the farm is a refreshing stretch of our legs after this long paddling day down the fjords. The view is fantastic from this historic farm; and as the evening sun dips below the rugged mountains, we dine on another glorious fjord meal.
Day 5 ÅKERNES - SYLTEVIK (B, L, D)
Thursday Today's paddle takes us further down Sunnylvsfjord to the mouth of Geiranger fjord. Rounding the point at Matvik we enter Geirangerfjord from here we paddle the short distance to historic farm of Syltevik, where we will camp for the night.
This afternoon we have the opportunity to hike to Geiranger fjord's highest mountain farm; Blomberg. One of the best vistas' of Geiranger fjord and the surrounding mountains make the hour long hike up to the farm well worth the effort.
Day 6 SYLTEVIK - GEIRANGER (B)
Friday After a good nights rest at Syltevik, we load our kayaks for the last time and launch onto Geirangerfjord. The thundering waterfalls of Geirangerfjord; the Bridesvail, the Severn Sisters, and the Suitor entice us to stop and play. Get your cameras ready as the world's most photographed fjord presents many a postcard backdrop.
The hamlet of Geiranger is at the very end of this marvelous fjord with its thundering waterfalls and abandoned farms dotting the mountain walls. This is where our journey through the Majestic Fjords of the Sunnmøre Alps ends.
After unloading the kayaks at Geiranger Camping there is time for you to get a bite to eat and explore the hamlet of Geiranger before the Coastal Odyssey van transports you back to Ålesund.
In Ålesund the trip ends with a no-host supper at one of Ålesund's many restaurants.