A paddling paradise right next door Jotunheimen
The Sognefjord is a well-known destination for many kayakers, but did you know that Årdal offers a fantastic variety of different paddling tours - both on the fjord, on Årdalsvatnet and on the high mountains? If you are going to Sogn to paddle this summer, you should stop by Årdal .
1) Årdalsfjord
The Årdalsfjord stretches all the way from Årdalstangen and out to Fodnes where the three fjords Lærdalsfjorden, Lustrafjorden and Årdalsfjorden meet. Here the possibilities are endless for both short and long trips, and if you want you can take a detour into the beautiful Lustrafjorden and paddle all the way to Skjolden. On the way you pass the beautiful village of Solvorn, and you can also go ashore at Urnes for a visit to Urnes Stave Church. On the way out of the Årdalsfjord you should stop by Indre Ofredalen "Ne`fø sjøen", either to stay overnight or to enjoy good waffles while admiring the historic buildings. The chance of meeting a rock badger here is great - and a great nature experience for both young and old.
All photos: Bulder & Brak Experiences
2) Årdalsvatnet
Click on the image to play the movie:
Årdalsvatnet is beautifully located between Årdalstangen and Øvre Årdal , and the high mountains and crystal clear waters offer fantastic paddling experiences. You can use both Årdalstangen and Øvre Årdal as a starting point for paddling on the lake, and if you want to move from one town to the other, you have 9km of paddling ahead of you. Experiencing the sharp rock walls that rise up from the lake at close range from a kayak has left its mark on most people, and a unique gem is the deserted and roadless Nundalen. There you can go ashore and hike up to the highest farm, which is located about 500 meters above sea level, and enjoy the beautiful view of Jotunheimen . (Movie: Rumble & Brak Experiences )
3) Torolmen at Sletterust
A late summer evening at Torolmen in Sletterust. PHOTO: Kristian Lien
The beautiful mountain lake Torolmen at Sletterust is a beautiful destination for a kayak trip on a late summer evening with a good temperature and still water. The crystal clear water means you can see the bottom almost no matter how deep it is, and a paddle here can be a welcome break for tired feet that have been trekking around the trails in the Sletterust mountain area.
4) Tyinvatnet
Tyinvatnet can be a starting point for many great mountain hikes, and you save some time by crossing the lake either in a canoe or kayak, instead of walking around. Perhaps an evening walk to Tyinholmen might be tempting if you are on a cabin trip in the Tyin area? The children can fish or scout for birds of prey - of which there are many in this area.
PHOTO: Bulder & Brak Experiences
Don't you have a kayak yourself?
Contact Bulder & Brak Opplevingar in Årdal They will be happy to take you on a guided kayaking trip or give you a kayaking course .