Kid’s Corner

Norwegian Fjord counties

by: Irene Davis

Fjords were carved out in a succession of Ice Ages. When the ice retreated 10 to 12 thousand years ago, plants and animals thrived and hunters followed. When they cast out a hook and line in the fjords and lakes, they caught all the fish they could carry.

From the air you would be able to see how little man has taken over in the wilderness. Norwegians refer to it as their "mountain home." In Fjord Norway, you too are likely to feel a sense of belonging. If you head for the hills, there’s no need to carry much in addition to warm clothing, a compass and a map. There are mountain lodges spread throughout the varied wilderness.

Now I will tell you about some of the fjord counties.

More og Romsdal

More og Romsdal is the northern most county in Western Norway, which is divided into three parts; Nordmore, Romsdal and Sunnmore. In the western part of the county, the coast and many isles dominate the landscape. The long fjords and steep mountains dominate the inner part of the county.

Sogn og Fjordane

Sogn og Fjordane has the longest fjord and largest ice cap. It also has the westernmost point in Norway, Steinsoy. Sognefjord is more than 200 kilometers (about 124 1/4 miles) long. The outer part is dominated by coast and isles, while the inner part of the fjord is surrounded by steep, high mountains.

Hordaland

In the center of Western Norway, you will find Hordaland County. Bergen and Boss are the two major cities of the county. The main fjord is Hardangerfjord. Here you will find isles, fjords, mountains, glaciers and waterfalls.

Rogaland

Of the four fjord counties, the southernmost is Rogaland. Here you will find Lysefjord, the most famous fjord. It is surrounded by well known mountains like Kjerag and Pulpit Rock. The landscape goes from flat agriculture to deep fjords and high mountains.