On an arm of Sognefjord. Gudvangen is situated at the foot of steep cliffs soaring 5,500 feet above the water’s surface and plunging deep into the water to form one of the region’s deepest fjord basins. Snow-capped mountains, green cliffs and veils of tumbling waterfalls characterize the vertical landscape on the approach to Gudvangen. The fjord is so narrow in places that during winter, the sun does not reach the valley floor. Mystical Gudvangen is the site of white caves and medieval stave churches. Standing sentinel over the ornate entrances to the venerable wooden sanctuaries are visages of fierce trolls and dragons, carved by long-dead Viking craftsman from the region.
The Nærøyfjord, leading in to the port of Gudvangen, is the narrowest and most spectacular of the Sognefjord inlets. With steep mountains and mighty waterfalls and small hamlets nestled along the shores it is an experience to remember.
Gudvangen is one of the oldest cruiseship ports in Norway and from around 1870 up to 1915 there were more than 200 horses with wagons waiting in the harbour area to transport visitors up the valley for sightseeing. 1000 years ago this was a Viking centre (Nærøy means the Good Njord who ruled shipping and trade) and the place kept on growing. In the 17th century there were around 400 inhabitants in Gudvangen but then more than half the population emigrated to the US because there was insufficient food or land for so many people. Then tourism and cruises brought work and money to the area and is the main reason today why it is kept as a typical Western-Norway fjord village. Due to lack of land it has not changed much in the last 150 years.
The fjord basin close to Gudvangen is very deep (over 300m) and from the shore it goes straight down making it navigatable for most ships cruising in the area. There are two places for tenders to dock in Gudvangen. Bus parking is very close by and the harbour has an asphalt covering so wheelchairs are no problem. There is a souvenir shop and Viking shop which open every day, a fully licensed bar at Fjordtell, post office and telephones available quayside.
Tours include a hiking tour with local guides along Nærøyfjord, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, taking in waterfalls, rugged scenery and lunch at Bakka, a school house with homemade food; salmon fishing in Nærøy River, specially protected by the Government; whitewater rafting; waterfall abseiling; river boarding; canyoning; parasailing; waterskiing and The Magical White Caves made out of pure Anhortosith – an artistic tour made with lights, music, silence and darkness, for pre-booked groups only. From May- September there is a Viking Camp with real Vikings awaiting visitors as they come ashore. Here cruise passengers can trade, take photos or just join in for a little chat.
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