Nordfjord is magnificent. Glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, and steep mountains make up the dramatic scenery. Water in all of its forms makes up this lovely region in Norway we are visiting aboard National Geographic Explorer today.
From a distance, the world is blue and green. There is water on our planet without life, but there is no life without water. In the end, water is life, and we are totally surrounded in it.
Briksdalen Glacier is situated at the head of the beautiful Olden Valley. This area is protected through the establishment of Jostedalsbreen National Park. The reflections of snow-capped mountains were perfectly mirrored in the glass-flat waters of Olden Lake.
Our 6:00a.m. wake-up call, although early, was worth the additional effort. Upon arriving at the trailhead the sun was just peaking through the mist and we had the entire valley to ourselves. While some chose to ride the troll carts to the glacier, others walked along the roaring river with waterfalls cascading along the edges of the valley. Dippers, warblers, blackbirds, and wildflowers were evidence of spring.
An unexpected expedition stop in the late afternoon took us to the south side of Runde Island, one of coastal Norway’s significant bird nesting colonies. While cruising at the base of the cliffs, northern gannets came and went from their nests, some having gathered seaweed for nest building. Puffins, razorbills, and common guillemots were rafted in the protected waters near the steep cliffs of this island. Birds filled the skies and waters surrounding the ship as literally hundreds of thousands of nesting pairs all compete for this southernmost nesting site.
