To visit Geiranger fiord you have to detour 100 miles from the path north. We debated the need to see “another” fiord – we have seen some of the most spectacular on the planet in other countries – and then decided when in Norway one must visit a fiord.

So here we are, taking it in, and what a wonderful surprise this has turned out to be.

This fiord has a softer feel than what you experience in Alaska or Greenland.

The topography is impressive and it helps aesthetics immensely to have snow capped mountains in view.

Waterfalls adorn the mountains.

And amazingly small farms are perched on steep hillsides. We can see no road access to any of them. They must have strong leg muscles.

The sun has been teasing us with just enough light to make the colors begin to pop.

The weather is scheduled to improve the next few days. If it does, we’ll reshoot these photos.

And if it doesn’t, we’ll just enjoy the view from inside.

There are a series of small towns and a bit of industry along the fiord.

There is even a mine. But the impact of these developments appears limited, and it is no where near as degrading as the forest clear cutting you find in Canada and Alaska.

We have not seen much in the way of marine life. No sea mammals yet and just a few fish jumping. But there are locals out enjoying the weather and trying for a fresh fish for dinner.

At the head of the fiord is a small village which caters to tourists, of which there are few at the moment. A month from now there will be cruise ships, float plane tours, and busloads of business. We like it better this way.

There are a few interesting old buildings, a small marina, pontoons for visiting yachts, several empty restaurants and hotels.

We’re at anchor with the pick down in 90 feet (27m) of water.

Quite a few of the buildings along the way have had sod roofs. We assume this must provide insulation as well as an interesting architectural style (sod is very retro).

Can you imagine what the mother sheep is saying to her youngsters to keep them in line? “Be good now, and you will grow up to provide lots of wool for Norwegian sweaters.”