Naeroyfjord
UNESCO World Heritage Site: West Norwegian Fjords Geirangerfjord And Naeroyfjord (2005); Naeroyfjorden Landscape Protection Area · Gudvangen, Vestland
The Naeroyfjord is a narrow arm of the Sognefjord in Vestland, about 17 km long and only around 250 m wide at its narrowest, with mountain walls rising well over 1,000 m straight from the water. It runs from the village of Gudvangen north to where it meets the Aurlandsfjord, and together with the Geirangerfjord it forms the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site (2005). It is also a protected landscape. Along its shores sit tiny farm settlements, some reached only by boat or old paths, such as Bakka with its white church and Styvi on the old postal road, and just outside it lies Undredal, known for goat cheese and a small stave church. Most people see it from the electric fjord boats between Flam and Gudvangen or from a kayak, which is the best way of all. The honest caveat: it is on the main tour circuit, so midday boats in summer are full, the fjord is often in shade and cloud, and Gudvangen itself is small and busy with coaches.
Gudvangen, at the head of the Naeroyfjord, Aurland municipality, an arm of the Sognefjord, Gudvangen, Vestland, Norway
The fjord is open all year and free to look at. Fjord boats between Gudvangen and Flam run all year, several times a day in summer and fewer in winter - confirm the current timetable. Kayak rentals and guided paddles run roughly May to September. Gudvangen is on the E16 between Voss (about 45 minutes) and Flam (about 20 minutes through tunnels); buses link Voss and Gudvangen in season. Book fjord boats and kayak tours ahead for July and August; the Stalheimskleiva road above Gudvangen is summer only - confirm if open.