Catch the storm!

Plenty of excursions and museums in Norway let you follow in the footsteps of the Vikings; now we invite you to follow in the oar-tracks of the seafarers and explorers that ruled Norway. Go storm watching in the Fjord Coast, a region shaped by wind and sea. Explore the scenic coast by express boat, stay in warm and cozy lodgings, taste the catch of the day and experience the stormy side of Fjord Norway. The Fjord Coast consists of the coastal region north of Bergen, where the mouth of the Sognefjord meets windswept islands, sea cliffs and even sandy beaches. November through February is known as the winter storm season among locals, and Storm Watching is your chance to experience what it is truly like to live in this area, surrounded by natural wonders. 

Fara i viking

“To go Viking” (fara i viking) was originally a phrase used by Norwegians to describe travelling overseas. Sea voyages could take weeks or even months, and the Vikings would almost certainly get into rough seas and stormy weather from time to time. Sailing along the rocky Norwegian coast was not without danger, not even for the Vikings, who had mastered the art of shipbuilding and navigation. Staying indoors in bad weather, however, was not an option for the them; and neither should it be for you! The Norwegian coastline has been a vital trade and transport route for centuries, and natural harbors along fjords and islands provided shelter from the elements and rest for weary seafarers. As the years passed, fishing villages and trading ports grew from sea and stone. Nowadays, these small communities offer a good night’s sleep in comfortable accommodations, local food on the menu and adventures for modern explorers. To this day, the sea is a main transport route for the small coastal communities, but the longships have been upgraded to modern express boats. 

Storm Watching: where to stay and what to see

The fishing village of Kalvåg is a serene spot where fishing boats and sailboats line the harbor. Shrubs of heather and juniper thrive in the hills surrounding the village, adding a splash of color to your adventure. Further south, the tiny village of Leirvik lies hidden in a cove by the mouth of the Sognefjord, sheltered by high mountains. Head out to sea and discover the archipelagoes of Solund and Bulandet & Værlandet. Most of the islanders live on the main islands Sula and Bulandet, knitted together with the smaller islands and mainland by bridge, ferry and express boat. Some of the smallest islands only have a handful of inhabitants, while others are home only to wildlife. Seals, sea eagles and a plethora of other bird species compete for the shimmering shoals of fish in the Atlantic Ocean, and deer and sheep share the moors and grasslands. Keep an eye out as you brave the storm, and you may spot a four-legged or feathered islander!

As the locals will tell you: The Fjord Coast has lots of weather, and it changes very quickly, so don’t forget to dress for adventure. You may encounter anything from howling wind that drags you by the coat, heavy raindrops that seem to aim straight for your neck, to mild rays of winter sun on your face. The light and colors of the landscape change constantly with the weather, but it is always spectacular.