Photo:
Eric Bosgiraud
The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord are two of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and the Nærøyfjord is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Landscape Conservation Area.
Many visitors want to experience it by kayak. At the same time, the fjord is narrow, with heavy boat traffic and sensitive nature.
To ensure your safety, protect wildlife, and preserve the landscape, all kayakers must follow some simple guidelines.
Safety and certification
In Norway, it is common practice that you need a kayaking certificate (“wet card”) to rent a kayak. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory.
If you are not a very experienced kayaker, we recommend using a guide from a local company. They know the currents, winds, and local weather changes best.
Some areas along the fjord are known for sudden and unpredictable strong gusts. Always follow the advice given by the locals.
Remember this when kayaking:
• Stay along the side of the fjord. Scheduled boat traffic usually travels in the middle.
• Never cross in front of a ferry or boat.
• Take extra care near the navigation mark in Bakkasundet.
• Make sure you are visible at all times.
• Check ferry schedules before heading out.
• Keep a safe distance from steep cliffs and waterfalls – rockfalls may occur.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Be aware that there is limited mobile coverage in some areas. If you choose Telenor as a operator you have coverage in large parts of the Nærøyfjord.
Recommended Equipment:
• Life jacket (mandatory)
• Mobile phone in a waterproof bag
• Whistle
• Warm, waterproof clothing
• Map or GPS
Environmental and area restrictions
In Norway, you normally have the right to roam (“allemannsretten”), which allows you to move freely in nature. However, this right only applies to uncultivated land.
Along the Nærøyfjord, almost the entire shoreline is cultivated land. This means the right to roam does not apply here.
There are a few designated areas for camping and overnight stays, but you must have permission from the landowner to go ashore and use them. At present, there is no available capacity without such an agreement.
Parts of the area are also protected landscape zones with special restrictions. Groups are not allowed to enter these areas, and individuals must follow strict rules.
Please refer to the map. The red areas are protected landscape zones.
About the Nærøyfjord area - Vestnorsk fjordlandskap – delområde Nærøyfjorden
When going ashore:
• Show respect for nature, wildlife, and the people living along the fjord
• Keep your distance to the goats and the sheep
• Take all waste with you, including toilet paper and wet wipes.
• Use toilets where available.
• If no toilet is available, dig a hole well away from trails, buildings, and water sources.
• Leave no traces of your campsite.
• Stay on marked paths and trails.
• Respect grazing animals and wildlife. Do not approach or feed them.
• Respect private property and close all gates behind you.
Campfire rules:
• Only use designated fire pits.
• Campfires are prohibited in Norway from 15 April to 15 September.
• Always put out the fire and clean up before leaving.
Remember:
Leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but photos.
A small contribution makes a big difference
A lot of work goes into making your visit enjoyable. Toilets are cleaned, and trails are cleared and marked by the environmental patrol of the Nærøyfjord World Heritage Park.
If you would like to support this work, you are welcome to make a voluntary contribution to the environmental patrol. Please contact Bengt Erlend Skjerdal @ BengtErlend@verdsarvparken.no for more information about their work and how to proceed with the payment.
Here is a link where you can see the pictures from their work, unfortanely the text is only in norwegian:
Miljøpatruljen takkar for i år! — Nærøyfjorden Verdsarvpark
An wen wendest du dich:
In an emergency:
• Call 112 (police)
• Call 113 (ambulance)
• Notruf 110 ( Feuerwehr) (Wichtig sind Sicherheitsvorkehrungen in Verbindung mit Lagerfeuer, Einmal-Grill usw.)
For other incidents or questions:
• Contact the Nærøyfjord World Heritage Park
• or your kayak rental company / guide
