The Fjords
So this october National Geographic Traveler voted the fjords of Western Norway to the top of their rating of the World Heritage Destinations. They said many pretty things, like this:
To float into the Geirangerfjord is an astonishingly complete natural experience-steep, lush and rocky canyon walls, endless waterfalls, a snow-capped backdrop and inconceivably deep, emerald green water
and this:
The West Fjords have sensational scenery, are well-preserved and are clean. The people there are willing and helpful. There are great outdoor activities, and good hotel options and restaurants, but they close rather early! In May-June there's no feeling of mass tourism, visitors can just take ferries like normal Norwegians going about their business.
and so forth.
Now, I live in the western part of Norway, so a part of me is a little proud - but another part of me is puzzled. I think this latter part is the one that goes - "The fjords? What is so great about the fjords? Only hillbillies (or would that be fjord-billies?) live in the fjords. The mountainsides are always collapsing and hopefully not crushing a car. The ferries are a right pain...and I will stop now before I sound too grouchy. ;D
But are the fjords all that? And please bear in mind that they beat places like Cordoba,Alhambra, Vezelay and so forth. (the complete list is here.)
The Geiranger fjord.
To float into the Geirangerfjord is an astonishingly complete natural experience-steep, lush and rocky canyon walls, endless waterfalls, a snow-capped backdrop and inconceivably deep, emerald green water
and this:
The West Fjords have sensational scenery, are well-preserved and are clean. The people there are willing and helpful. There are great outdoor activities, and good hotel options and restaurants, but they close rather early! In May-June there's no feeling of mass tourism, visitors can just take ferries like normal Norwegians going about their business.
and so forth.
Now, I live in the western part of Norway, so a part of me is a little proud - but another part of me is puzzled. I think this latter part is the one that goes - "The fjords? What is so great about the fjords? Only hillbillies (or would that be fjord-billies?) live in the fjords. The mountainsides are always collapsing and hopefully not crushing a car. The ferries are a right pain...and I will stop now before I sound too grouchy. ;D
But are the fjords all that? And please bear in mind that they beat places like Cordoba,Alhambra, Vezelay and so forth. (the complete list is here.)
The Geiranger fjord.