Given the abundance of water in Norway, it is understandable that kayaking is so well-liked there. Locals kayak on interior lakes and rivers in the summer to go to remote summerhouses or just to go camping in the middle of nowhere. Here is our selection of the top kayaking in Norway, from lesser-known areas to some of the nation’s most treasured beauties.
Norway is the perfect spot to explore by kayak because of its distinctive combination of mirror-flat fjords, mountainous coastline, and breathtaking islands.
By substituting this modest watercraft for a cruise liner, you may come closer to the natural world. You’ll get a closer look at this nation’s huge and magnificent rivers, which are teeming with species.
Nothing compares to the sensation of silently paddling through a glacial fjord bordered by high cliffs or gliding through icebergs and glaciers in the furthest reaches of the Arctic Circle.
How To Explore Norway By Kayak
When it comes to planning kayaking in Norway, you have various possibilities. Kayaking on your own, going on a guided trip, or going on a self-led expedition. Each has unique advantages and drawbacks. Each has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
Only those with extensive sea kayaking expertise and an understanding of route planning, navigation, and cold weather situations should attempt solo kayaking. You’ll have the ability to travel wherever you want, anytime you want, which is a huge bonus.
However, you will be responsible for organizing your logistics, including how you will get to the expedition’s starting site and where to buy supplies, particularly a kayak.
If you’ve never kayaked in a remote Arctic area, we’d highly suggest attending a guided adventure in Norway. To start, you won’t have to worry about the details and can concentrate on learning and having fun.
As your guide teaches you methods and takes you to locations that only locals know about, you’ll appreciate their expertise. In addition, you’ll meet like-minded individuals who you can relate to during the highs and who will support you through the lows.
The best of all worlds, a self-directed kayaking tour offers independence and convenience and is frequently a bit less expensive than a guided excursion. All of the kayaking gear you require will be given to you, and renting camping gear is frequently an option.
Additionally, you’ll receive directions, maps, and assistance with the practicalities of getting to the water. However, you won’t benefit from the dynamics of a group or the guide’s local expertise.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that adventure travel firms only let experienced kayakers participate in self-guided trips, and many of them demand that you have certification from a recognized kayaking organization.
These are the locations for kayaking in Norway, whether you decide to join a tour or do it alone.
Oslofjord, Oslo
The canals and islands of Oslofjord are conveniently situated at a short distance from the city centre, making them ideal for those wishing to mix some adventure into a city trip.
For those who are new to paddling and want to learn more about this adventure travel style, this is a fantastic alternative. You’ll get a taste of what the rest of the nation has to offer from it.
An enclosed body of water, the 100 km long Oslofjord is studded with various-sized islands. There are several activities there, including swimming, sailing, and fishing. However, kayaking is the greatest method to go to the many islands and beaches that surround the city.
Escape the hustle and commotion of the city and explore it from the sea while getting some exercise and obtaining a view of the metropolitan skyline in the background.
Geirangerfjord, Western Fjord Area
Kayaking along the towering rocks of the world-famous, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord is incredible.
At sea level, the 15 km long fjord’s encircling cliffs and its cascading waterfalls appear unimaginably enormous. The mountains covered in trees are reflected in the deep blue lake, giving it a beautiful green hue.
Kayaking provides a far more tranquil method to explore the fjord; after only a few strokes, your mind begins to relax.
Paddle through deserted fields where the occasional goat is grazing, then paddle straight up to the Seven Sisters Falls, feeling the spray of the cascading water on your face as you get closer to the famous waterfall. You can only accomplish it while paddling a kayak.
For those wishing to combine kayaking and hiking, the hamlet of Geiranger is a fantastic choice because it has several top-notch walking routes.
Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway
The Lofoten Islands are an archipelago near the Arctic Circle. Mountainous volcanic islands emerge from the clear ocean, and the rocky coastlines are lined with old-fashioned red fisherman huts.
The greatest way to experience the secret coves, pristine beaches, and towering rock faces is from the water. Kayaking between the islands is the best option because the Gulf Stream has warmed the water.
Vestfjorden, known for its cod fishing and orca population in winter, separates the main islands of Austvgy, Vestvgy, Flakstady, and Moskenesy from the mainland.
Try one of the smaller islands, like Skrova, for breathtaking views away from the people because these islands are crowded in the high season.
Lofoten’s fjords and skerries provide some of Norway’s best beauty and fauna while yet being more approachable for first-timers than other of the country’s more inaccessible locations.
The Lofoten Islands are famous for a reason. Kayaking excursions can be combined with climbing and mountaineering because of the area’s stunning alpine scenery.
Hidra Island, Southern Norway
A stunning island with a long nautical history, Hidra is close to Flekkefjord and is referred to as the Riviera of Norway. Ancient Vikings lived on the island, which is where southern and western Norway converge, and antiquities from their time may still be seen today.
The Rasvgfjorden divides the island, and a passageway for small boats, the Eie Canal, was constructed through the remaining isthmus.
Navigate its tranquil; kayak-friendly waters while travelling through the island’s white-painted clapboard church and multicoloured boathouses down the tiny canals.
Alternately, you may paddle between the fishing communities of Rasvag and Kirkehavn, where several little isles are dispersed across the water.
Svalbard, The Arctic
Svalbard is roughly halfway between Norway and the North Pole. There are more polar bears than humans in this magnificent archipelago of snow-capped mountains, unexplored glaciers, and the Northern Lights.
The arrival of the midnight sun in the summer means long days that are ideal for kayaking in Norway. Select between shorter excursions to Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, or longer journeys that include overnight stays in log cabins.
As you cross neon-blue glaciers and push deformed slabs of ice with your paddle, you can’t help but feel a feeling of calm and stillness in this authentic Arctic environment while wearing a warm dry suit.
When your arms are worn out, bring your kayak ashore and go on a foot exploration of the long-abandoned town of Hiorthhamn, or put on your hiking boots and head out for a mountain trek while keeping a lookout for whales and reindeer.
Finnøy Island, Stavanger Region
Finnøy Island is a terrific option for avid bird watchers (that’s birds, not live streaming), and it’s situated in a convenient location between the cities of Haugesund and Stavanger.
A protected bird sanctuary on the island is home to a variety of seabirds, including the white-tailed sea eagle, which is the biggest bird in Europe.
Although the island is covered with hiking paths, kayaking is the greatest method to see the amazing wildlife. Just make sure to keep your distance from the birds and take in the scenery.
Additionally, the island has a long history of agriculture, producing 40% of Norway’s tomato crop and hosting an annual tomato festival.
Sotra
Sotra is a big island in an archipelago off Norway’s southern coast, west of Bergen. More services including cafés, bird sanctuaries, restaurants, and a range of bed and breakfast and cabin lodgings are available in the area’s bigger population centres.
The seas surrounding Sotra provide a variety of alternatives, from sheltered quiet waters that are suitable for day cruises to exposed rocky coastline waters on the western side.
Day-trippers can travel from one settlement to the next, and experienced kayakers who are more daring will like the challenge of making the 7-day round of the island while camping.
Since Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is only a 30-minute drive away, getting to Sotra is simple. From Oslo, you may take a short and affordable flight to Bergen or, if you prefer, a beautiful rail trip.
Sommarøy
A fishing community called Sommarøy may be found on an island to the west of Troms. Due to the area’s exposed shoreline, the wind and waters are stronger and more subject to shifting weather.
Day outings exploring the renowned white sand beaches along the coastline are fun for intermediate kayakers. Kayakers with more experience will like making longer journeys from Troms to Sommarøy and setting a camp along the route.
Aside from the stunning beaches, tourists may also explore the area’s tiny rocky islets and skerries or take in the never-ending spectacular outer coast landscape. The word “day trip” may be deceptive in this region of the world because the sun doesn’t set for 69 days straight from May 18 to July 26.
Lysefjord
A wonderful body of water to go across is Lysefjord. It measures 42 kilometres in length and is mostly encircled by tall, hostile rocks. There are places where the water is more than 1000 m deep, or as high as the mountains.
Preikestolen, often known as Pulpit Rock, is one of these magnificent cliffs that stand out from the others.
One of the most popular tourist sites in Norway, getting to the plateau of this mountain requires a 2- to 3-hour climb up a seldom flat trail that is difficult for the faint of heart. However, the view is well worth the effort.
There are just two communities in the Lysefjord—Forsand on the west end and Lysebotn on the east—and the waters there are tranquil. It takes four days to paddle from one community to the next, and you may camp along the route.
Take a simple 50-minute flight from Oslo to Stavanger to get to Lysefjord, then drive an hour to Oanes or Forsand.
Sandefjord and Tønsberg
With a kayak, you may independently explore the areas in and around Sandefjord and Tnsberg by navigating the shallow waters between islands and islets.
The towns of Sandefjord and Tnsberg have a pristine shoreline that is also a part of the Padleled Vestfold paddling route where the Oslo fjord meets the Skagerrak strait. The recreational area Verdens Ende is also located in Tnsberg.
Arendal to Tønsberg
Southern Norway is home to the picturesque seaside town of Arendal, a well-liked summer vacation destination. You’ll pass through several charming places along the way, including Tvedestrand, Risr, and Krager, as you travel from Arendal North to Tnsberg.
Arendal to Tnsberg is a long drive, but you may camp at nearly any place along the way, catch your food, and take in the scenery.
Arendal, a quaint beach village in southern Norway, is a well-liked summer vacation destination. Along the route from Arendal to Tnsberg, you’ll pass quaint communities like Tvedestrand, Risr, and Krager.
Although the journey from Arendal to Tnsberg is long, you can camp nearly anywhere along the way, catch your food, and take in the scenery.
Conclusion
The view is stunning, especially while kayaking in Norway, and includes everything from the quaint beach villages and islands of Southern Norway to the scenic terrain in Fjord Norway and the turquoise waters of Northern Norway.
kayaking in Norway is a truly extraordinary experience that should be on every adventure enthusiast’s bucket list. From the majestic fjords to the rugged coastlines, Norway offers a playground of unparalleled beauty for kayakers to explore.
The serenity of gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, creates a sense of tranquility like no other.