A Guest Perspective: Why FjordSafari Is Always on Their Flåm Itinerary
An article written by Steve Solosky
Since 2013, tour leader Steve Solosky has been bringing his Traveling Professor groups to Flåm to experience the Norwegian fjords. Over the years, FjordSafari has become a staple of their stays.
After more than twenty trips on the fjord, Steve kindly shares his reflections from years of visiting Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord with travelers from around the world.
Steve Solosky
Why the FjordSafari Is Always on Our Flåm Itinerary
“Since 2013, we have been bringing our Traveling Professor small groups of 12–16 travelers from the United States and Canada to the beautiful village of Flåm. Over the years, it has become one of the most beloved stops on our journeys through the Norwegian fjords. Personally, I’ve been on about twenty Fjord Safari trips myself, and it’s still something I look forward to every single time.
Most tourists pass through Flåm quickly, often spending just one night before moving on. But we discovered early on that this remarkable place has far more to offer than a quick visit allows. Because of that, we expanded our stay to three nights, giving our guests time to truly experience the landscape, the atmosphere, and the activities that make this corner of Norway so special. One experience that has always remained on our itinerary is the FjordSafari on the stunning Aurlandsfjord and the nearby Nærøyfjord. For many of our guests, it turns out to be the most enjoyable part of their time in Flåm.
When we first started visiting in 2013, we took the standard FjordSafari. Over the years, however, we extended the experience to the Fjord Safari Extended, and we’ve never looked back. The longer journey gives us more time out on the water, deeper into the fjords, and closer to the incredible scenery and wildlife that make this region so unique.
One of the things I love about the FjordSafari is that it’s enjoyable in almost any weather. Over the years we’ve experienced everything; rainy days, foggy mornings, bright sunshine, chilly winds, and surprisingly warm afternoons. It really doesn’t matter. The fjords have a personality in every condition. Sometimes the mist hangs low over the cliffs, making the landscape feel mysterious and dramatic. Other days the sun lights up waterfalls and mountain farms high above the water.
Safety comes first
Before heading out, there’s often a moment when first-time guests feel a little intimidated while gearing up. The flotation suits look serious, and they are. But within minutes everyone realizes just how thoughtfully everything is designed, and our guests always feel very safe. There is no doubt that safety comes first. Each guest is fitted with a waterproof flotation suit equipped with locator devices in case of an accident (which, I understand, has never happened). The guide carefully goes over all the safety instructions before departure. Then we slowly cruise out of the harbor until it’s safe for the guide to open the throttle.
And suddenly, there we are, flying across the fjord.
It’s exhilarating.
The wind, the spray, and the towering cliffs on either side create a moment our travelers never forget. Even after twenty trips, I still feel the same excitement when the engine roars and the rib boat picks up speed.
And then there’s the wildlife. On our safaris we’ve seen soaring eagles, curious seals popping their heads above the water, and all sorts of birds gliding along the cliffs. Every trip is a little different depending on what nature decides to show us that day.
I’m still waiting for the day when the Orca return to the fjords while we’re out there. If that happens, it might just top every Fjord Safari I’ve taken so far.
The Fjord Safari has become an integral part of our visit to Flåm on our Traveling Professor tours to Norway, and it’s something we highly recommend to anyone visiting this spectacular part of the world.”
Thank You, Steve
A big thank you to Steve Solosky for sharing his experience and perspective with us. It means a lot to hear how the FjordSafari has become a highlight for so many of his travelers over the years. We are grateful to have welcomed Steve and his groups to Flåm since 2013, and we look forward to many more fjord adventures together in the years to come.
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