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Kayaking in the fjords

Soak up Norway’s esteemed fjordland scenery in a relaxing, peaceful and environmentally friendly way on this privately guided kayaking tour. You’ll spend a morning or afternoon paddling the mirror-still blue waters of Sognefjord, the largest and deepest of Norway’s fjords. With your guide, you’ll navigate through a striking landscape of snow-smeared mountains covered in forest, waterfalls cascading down to the fjord’s shore.

As well as paddling on the main fjord, you’ll be able to explore smaller, quieter branches of water, looking for wildlife such as porpoises, sea eagles and, on rare occasions, orcas, which your guide will help point out. They’ll also explain the region’s geography as you go, as well as filling you in on its history.

You’ll meet your private guide in Balestrand, who’ll give you a short safety briefing and take you through paddling techniques before you head to the shore. Spend the next few hours on the calm, glassy waters of Sognefjord — stretching 240 km (149 miles) inland from the coast, it’s been dubbed the King of the Fjords for its vast size and depth.

Huge snow-topped mountains will surround you, their image perfectly reflected in the water. You’ll pass wooden houses dotting the shoreline, as well as waterfalls tumbling from the valley sides into the fjord. Enjoy the peace as you paddle at a relaxed pace, your guide filling you in on the region’s geography and history as you go.

As well as paddling on the main body of water, you’ll head into Esefjord, a smaller branch of Sognefjord, which cuts inland to the north of Balestrand and makes for an even quieter kayaking experience. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the wildlife that frequents the fjord, from porpoises frolicking on the water’s surface to sea eagles soaring overhead — there’s even a small chance you might see orcas and other whale species, which are drawn to the fjord’s plentiful food sources.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Cara

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Other experiences in the Norwegian fjords

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Fjord safari & hike
    Village in Nærøyfjord

    Fjord safari & hike

    Fjord safari & hike

    Soak up the peaceful atmosphere and striking natural scenery of Norway’s fjordland on this privately guided tour. You’ll travel across two fjords by Zodiac boat, stopping on the way back for a hike to a traditional farm, where you’ll enjoy a homemade lunch.

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  • Seven Sisters kayaking tour
    Kayaking from Balestrand

    Seven Sisters kayaking tour

    Seven Sisters kayaking tour

    There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Norwegian fjords from a kayak. On this private, guided tour, you can view Geirangerfjord’s celebrated Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls from a kayak, recommended by Audley specialists as part of your trip to Norway.

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  • Via ferrata & Loen Skylift
    Mountains near Loen

    Via ferrata & Loen Skylift

    Via ferrata & Loen Skylift

    Access panoramic views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains as you take this privately guided climb up the slopes of Mount Hoven. You’ll be clipped to the via ferrata, or iron road, which will let you access the more exposed parts of the mountain.

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  • Zip-lining & mountain biking experience
    Scenery around Flåm

    Zip-lining & mountain biking experience

    Zip-lining & mountain biking experience

    This varied and active private tour gives you a chance to explore the Flåm region and soak up its mountainous scenery from different perspectives. You’ll travel by scenic train through mountains, zip-line over a waterfall-filled valley and descend through forest by mountain bike.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.