Formation of a fjord
To better understand the particular topography of fjords, it's useful to trace the history of glaciers. These gigantic masses of ice, formed by the accumulation of successive layers of snow, move under the effect of gravity, their own weight and the nature of the substrate on which they lie. These movements erode the landscape and leave their mark, sometimes creating "glacial valleys". When the glacier gradually retreats from the valley due to the imbalance between the snow supply upstream and the melting of the ice front downstream, these glacial valleys are left exposed. As it turns out, the bottoms of these valleys that are about to become fjords are below sea level, allowing sea water to flow naturally into the glacier-emptied valley: the fjord is born!
Salinity of the waters of a fjord
The water in a fjord is made up of unequal proportions of saltwater from the sea and freshwater from lakes, rivers and streams fed by melting snow. This is brackish water, in which saltwater and freshwater actually mix very little, as they have neither the same salinity nor the same temperature. For this reason, oceanographers consider fjords to be estuaries. Oxygen- and nutrient-rich freshwater forms the upper layer, as it is less dense than saltwater. This water stratification is enhanced by the absence of agitation, and deep water tends to stagnate. Add to this the absence of light characteristic of the deep sea, and you have an anoxic (oxygen-deficient) and oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) environment. In such an environment, the biodegradation of pollutants produced by man and found in the ocean is even slower and more difficult than elsewhere.
Very fishy waters
Many species of fish inhabit the fjords: cod(Torsk), Atlantic wolfish(Steinbit), halibut(Kveite), hake(Lysing), haddock(Hase), mackerel(Makrell), and of course salmon, to name but a few. Born in lakes and rivers, the fjord or sea trout(Sjøørret) nevertheless adapts perfectly to fjord water, which is cold and low in salt. In addition, the warmth of the Gulf Stream (a warm ocean current that flows from Florida to Greenland's coasts) leads to significant plankton production, attracting huge shoals of larger fish, which in turn bait even larger species, such as seals. Most fish populations tend to increase because Norway applies very strict fishing regulations, with a highly respected quota system.
Fishing in the fjords
Fishing enthusiasts will not be outdone, as it is often possible to book a half-day or full-day sea fishing trip, giving you the chance to visit the fjords in a different way. If you're coming by camper van or car, you can bring your own fishing gear and indulge your passion from the shore without having to buy a permit or license (except for freshwater fishing). On the other hand, other fish and fishing in general are also subject to very strict rules, depending on the time of year, the variety of fish and their size, so be sure to check with tourist offices and fishing organizations before heading out to sea. Here are just a few of the rules: don't catch protected species, respect reproduction periods and minimum sizes, stay at least 100 m from an aquaculture farm and don't sell your catch. It's also worth noting that cod fishing in the Oslo Fjord has been banned all year round for some years now, to allow the species to regenerate.
Best time to enjoy the fjords
Late spring and the short summer period are particularly good times to visit the fjords, not least because the melting snow creates a multitude of waterfalls and streams along the rock faces. Coastal plants are not to be outdone, too, and an explosion of colors and shapes awaits you, as nature knows that winter is not far off... Take a watercolor kit with you and start a travel journal - they're the best souvenirs! In June, the endless days are another argument in favor, as you'll be able to take all the time you need to get from one place to another without worrying about distance or darkness. Autumn can also be a good time to visit the fjords: autumn colors reflected in the calm waters, peaks already dusted with snow, fewer visitors in general and especially for hikes and ferry or kayak trips. It's also a good time to find chanterelle mushrooms in the undergrowth near the fjords! Bear in mind, however, that some hotels and campsites close around September 15, so you'll need to plan your accommodation even further in advance.
How to visit a fjord
Visiting a fjord may seem complicated at first glance. You can drive around it, stop every now and then for a walk, sit down in a café to enjoy a slice of Kringle (almond pastry) with a Gløgg (spiced mulled wine) and admire the view. For the more adventurous, there are also numerous trails along the fjords: local IGN maps, the web and advice from locals will provide you with enough clues for a great hike. In addition, many companies offer ferry tours to explore the fjords from the water. At the foot of the cliffs and gigantic waterfalls, the impression is quite different, and you suddenly feel very small! Kayaking through the fjords (paying careful attention to the weather and currents) can be a great way to combine physical activity with the discovery of a new environment. All along the west coast, you'll find numerous companies that rent kayaks and/or offer guided excursions.
