The Sognefjord, located in southwestern Norway, is the world's narrowest and deepest fjord, stretching 204 kilometers and reaching a maximum depth of 1,308 meters. Its banks are lined with peaks, the highest reaching over 2,400 meters above sea level. It has been designated a World Heritage Site. Because of its fame and touted by travel agencies as a unique landform not found in China, a visit to the fjord has become a must-see destination on any Nordic trip.
Besides the mountains, the fjord is also most famous for its three major rock formations: Pulpit Rock, Kronstadt, and Devil's Tongue. However, we were ordinary people with no outdoor adventure experience, little interest in hiking, and no climbing skills. We also didn't have the necessary hiking shoes or gear. Therefore, when we visited the fjord, we had no plans to hike to the three major rock formations, as many outdoor enthusiasts do. We simply drove around the fjord and took a boat ride to admire the scenery. That was all.
To be honest, while the fjord's landforms are said to be unique to China, in reality, from the outside, they resemble those of China's Three Gorges. Both are flanked by steep, rocky mountains, while deep canyons offer a serene expanse of clear water. The only difference is that the water in the Three Gorges is freshwater from the Yangtze River, while the water in the fjord is seawater.
The Sognefjord is flanked by steep, rocky mountains, with vegetation varying from dense to sparse. The coastal highway often winds through long caves, often nestled within caves, offering only occasional glimpses of the fjord. Some caves stretch for tens or even twenty kilometers. Sitting in a car, staring out at the pitch-black caves, driving through them can be quite claustrophobic for those with claustrophobia.
After much difficulty, we emerged from the caves, occasionally discovering small, flat plains amidst the mountains, dotted with verdant grass and dotted with villages and towns. The autumn trees are a vibrant hue of yellow-green, gold-red, and red. The autumn spirit is in full swing.
In late autumn, the fjord experiences occasional light rains, sometimes heavy downpours. Even when we happened to stop at a small rest stop, the town was still drenched in drizzle, making it so wet and damp that it lost interest in exploring.
Even the fjord's famous photo-op town was small, with little to see besides a few small outdoor gear shops, a small supermarket, and a cafe. Looking out at the peaks in all directions, I could see springs and waterfalls cascading from the fjord's cliffs, lush vegetation, and a vast expanse of water. But the surroundings were shrouded in a drizzle, making them difficult to see clearly.
The entire five or six hours to the fjord were spent in the car. The scenery from the car window was indeed beautiful, but without being able to fully appreciate the scenery, I felt less interested.
Perhaps we went at the wrong time; in late September and early October, the entire fjord was covered in rain. The wind was strong, and the drizzle alternated between light and heavy rain, making it impossible to hold an umbrella. Therefore, a jacket, rain pants, and hiking boots were essential for the trip. Looking at all kinds of scenery in the rain, they all looked gray and misty. Even though I looked at them and felt them, there was nothing amazing about them.
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