A Local's Look at the Norwegian Fjords

I still remember my first experience at a Norwegian fjord – it was 1965 and I was just 10 years old. My family was visiting Hardangerfjord in Hardanger, Norway. It was springtime, everything was green and lush. The flowers were beginning to blossom in all the apple, pear and plum trees and the small farms were surrounded by bright green rolling hills. And I remember there was still bright white snow capping the mountains. The water in the fjord was a vivid blue-green. The setting was pure magic and it is one l will remember forever.

Since then I’ve established a fulfilling career at sea and my preferred way of experiencing fjords is to maneuver my own vessel through the narrow areas in good weather and enjoy the spectacular view from the bridge. It’s a special experience to be able to navigate these fjords, especially when I grew up surrounded by them.

In Norway, we learn about the fjords from when we are very young. In school, I remember learning that the Norwegian fjords were created by massive glaciation that went below sea level during a period of 2.5 million years. The U-shaped valleys were carved out of the ground during a succession of glacial cycles. It’s fascinating to think about this geological history as you take in the present-day beauty of the scenery. I love watching the colors of the mountains, the blue-green sea and waterfalls play off each other.

During my career, I have navigated several fjords around the world, but since I’m Norwegian, I will admit Geirangerfjord is very special to me. The first time I navigated this fjord, the scenery stunned me and it continues to amaze me every time since then. It is one of the most beautiful fjords, especially during the sunny days in spring and summer. I’m always very happy to share this moment with guests from all over the world – to see them outside on the deck and observe their reactions is so rewarding.

My favorite fjord is a little less well-known – it is called Trollfjord and is situated between two archipelagos, Vesteralen and Lofoten, in northern Norway. It’s considered “home of the trolls” and gets this name from the legends that say the far mountains and caves of northern Norway are home to these creatures that are also very common in Norse mythology. The fjord is a little more than a mile long and just about 330 feet wide at the mouth. The surrounding mountains rise more than 3,200 feet high, which makes for quite dramatic surroundings. To visit this fjord, you will most likely need to go on an arranged excursion with a smaller vessel. It is such an amazing location to visit and I highly recommend it if you are in the area.

The best thing you can do on a cruise to Norway is get out and explore fjord country and that natural beauty. Go for a hike and take in the beautiful views, go kayaking and boating and just enjoy the wonderful nature that surrounds you. I look forward to seeing you on a cruise to Norway soon!

About Captain Gunnar Romtveit
Captain Gunnar Romtveit was born in a small village in Telemark, Norway. In 1971, he started his career at sea as a deckhand aboard various cargo vessels. Over time, he held a range of positions on different types of vessels as well as several positions in shoreside maritime operations, including the Norwegian Maritime Authority in the department of Certification & Education and as a Maritime Attaché in the Norwegian embassy in Manila, Philippines. Captain Romtveit joined the Oceania Cruises family in 2010 aboard Nautica. When he is not working, Captain Romtveit enjoys fishing and loves spending time on a quiet lake up in the Norwegian mountains, where his family resides.