Top 10 Norway Kayaking Trip Routes

Top 10 Norway Kayaking Trip Routes

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Last updated:
16.02.2022
 

Norway is well worth a visit as it inspires thousands with its beautiful mind-blowing scenery. If you are planning a trip to Norway, be prepared to fall in love with its extraterrestrial nature, to see plenty of lakes, rocks, and famous Norwegian fjords! Plan a kayaking trip to Norway with our tips.

Fjords of Norway are narrow, deep and tortuous bays with rocky shores, which cut deep into the land. Hundreds of tourists visit Norway every year to see these magnificent places, but only the bravest one dare to float the fjords on kayaks.

What is more, have you ever considered how amazing the Northern Lights look from the water?

If you a daredevil and are ready to have the time of your life, consider taking a guided Norway kayaking tour to the fjords. The following top 10 list of the most attractive destination routes for kayaking in Norway will help you to finalize your vacation plans for 2020/2021! So, are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?

West Fjord (part of Oslo Fjord)

You probably won’t believe it, but the first destination among the top places for fjord kayaking in Norway is the West Fjord, which is part of Oslo.

Kayaking in Norway

While kayaking in the West Fjord you can escape the city bustle, immerse yourself into the variety of nature and discover the green hills near the city, passing through small islands speckled with summer vacation homes. This travel will allow you to enjoy the views of thousands of islets as well as the urban sights of Oslo, remained in the distance.

Hidra Island

Another great choice for fjord kayaking during your tour to Norway is Hidra - a flowering island with a rich maritime history.

Kayaking in Norway

In addition to its striking, lush nature, Hydra has a fascinating coastal and cultural landscape. A strong maritime history can be found here, and there are traces from the olden times. Dating back to the times of legendary Vikings, this region is called the Norwegian Riviera as this is where the channel runs along the border between southern and western Norway. There are 600 residents on this lovely island now.

Visitors usually go kayaking around the island, enjoying the serene settlements at the very water.

The Coast of Helgeland

The Helgeland coast is a real paradise for kayakers! Making a new discovery near each island of the archipelago Vega nearby is inevitable.

Registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List, this area provides for a unique kayaking experience as you make your way through the potholes and small lagoons, gazing out the vast Norwegian Sea.

Kayaking in Norway

Seals and otters are often spotted here, but keep in mind that they are known to be really shy.

Town of Flekkefjord

The town of Flekkefjord is protected from the wind by high mountains on all sides, straddling the narrow sound which connects the Flekkefjorden to Grisefjorden. This makes a kayaking trip here tranquil any time of the year, a requirement especially significant for many beginners.

It is even permitted to paddle right in the town opening great views of Flekkefjord from a kayak.

Kayaking in Norway

You can also go paddling through Grisefjorden which is especially enthralling since you can reach a number of lakes with swans. As a rule, a guide will accompany you during such a kayak lake tour.

TIP: If you are looking to kayak in Norway, you should know that some operators might require you to have a "wet card", hence research your route and operator or dedicate time to attend a course and get your "kayaking license."

Flam Village

Apart from the jaw-dropping Flamsbana railway route, this amazing place offers one more scenic route perfect for paddling! A Norway kayaking trip around probably the most famous Norwegian village, Flam, will impress with an appeasing fjord landscape.

Kayaking in Norway

No kayaking experience is needed to go on such a mini-adventure during which you can paddle past Otternes Bygdetun with its old buildings and rich history out towards Fronnes renowned for ancient Viking grave mounds

 

Finnoy Island

One of the best destinations for kayaking in Norway is Finnoy Island that offers a great variety of kayaking options depending on the weather and kayaking skills.

The territory of the island is a protected bird sanctuary home to a lot of seabirds, including the largest bird of Europe – the white-tailed sea eagle.

Kayaking in Norway

Because entering the territory of the sanctuary is prohibited, the best way to see the gorgeous animals is during a kayaking journey.

Skipnes in Vesteralen

And last but not least, Vesteralen is a perfect place for sea kayaking. Vesteralen is made up by a group of five large islands, interconnected by bridges. Here you can get in touch with the best of Norway: sheltered fjords, sounds, idyllic fishing villages and beaches leading down to the open sea and bird cliffs. It’s the place, which gathers active kayaking enthusiasts from all over the world.

Kayaking in Norway

If a Vesteralen voyage is going to be your first paddling experience, a guide will surely accompany you through the landscape and the history of this area.

Sotra and Oygarden

Sotra and Oygarden islands enclose mainland Norway from the North Sea, forming a severe and simultaneously picturesque landscape west of Bergen.

The experience includes staying overnight in an old fishing hut, exploring every corner of this amazing landscape and kayaking into the bays to seek out sea lions, seabirds, and other marine life.

Kayaking in Norway

As you can see, these marvelous Norway destinations are just meant to be explored during a kayaking adventure!

TIP: The most eco-friendly way to see the Norwegian fjords consists of taking a fjord cruise that uses local transport.

Sandefjord and Tonsberg

Sandefjord main appeal to travelers is its variety and abundance of great places for summer holidays, sunbathing and having picnics.

As in neighboring Tønsberg, there are many museums, which demonstrate the past of Sandefjord, a formerly rich and important center of the whaling industry.

Kayaking in Norway

The general spirit of relaxation attracts a large number of people. Kayaking fjords, through the shallow water between the islands and skerries, is a unique and tranquil Sandefjord experience.

Arendal - Tonsberg Route

A kayaking route from Arendal to Tønsberg boasts an incredibly picturesque archipelago!

This is a route for several days, but a camp can be set up almost anywhere you stop. This is a fascinating opportunity to go deep-sea fishing, enjoying the surrounding nature, swimming or kayaking.

Kayaking in Norway

If you are thinking about organizing an active holiday in Norway, kayaking along the Arendal - Tonsberg route is definitely among the top options to consider!

Any tour to Norway will surprise you with the country's local flavor and make the experience there unforgettable. If you already have kayaking experience or if you feel like experiencing impressive mountains and tiny local villages around the fjords - Norway is among the most incredible places to visit.