The Norddalsfjord

We’re now crossing the Norddalsfjord, a branch of the great Storfjord. To the west, you can see Stranda, often nicknamed the “pizza village,” known for its food industry, the ski area at Strandafjellet, and of course its friendly people. Looking inland, the fjord stretches toward the villages of Norddal, Valldal, and Fjørå, and furthest in lies Tafjord, surrounded by steep mountains and dramatic scenery. For centuries, this fjord was the lifeline of the communities along its shores. Before roads were built, all travel happened on the water. Boats carried people, animals, and goods between the villages, keeping these small communities connected. Today, the fjord is part of the scenic route between Geiranger and Ålesund, but traces of the old fjord life remain — perhaps in a fishing boat or a lone paddler on the water.