Swimming in the Sognefjord means that there are 3.000 feet down to the bottom and 4.000 feet up to the top of the mountain.
5/28/2008 :: Norway’s only fjord swimming festival kicks off August 10-12, and Norwegian as well as international swimmer will attempt "The Sognefjord Challenge."
This year, the festival organizers expect participants from Finland, Germany, Britain, Scotland, Latvia and the US, to swim the distance of 3,7 km across Sognefjorden. The fjord is Norway’s deepest and longest fjord and is often referred to as the “King of fjords.” It is located on the west coast of the country.
A safe challenge
The competition is open to everybody as long as you are in fairly good physical shape and have passed the lower age limit of 16. The swimmers have to be watched by an experienced kayaker, and only 30 swimmers are allowed in the water.
"On your mark, get set, get ready, go!" Photo: Terje Eggum.
Activities for everyone
Besides swimming, the festival offers other water sports such as a kayak paddling competition. If none of these activates appeal to you, there are several options of a more relaxing character; Fjord cruising, concerts, photo exhibits and films.
Inspired by a Brit
"The Sognefjord Challenge" started in 2004. The same year as the British lawyer, Lewis Gordon Pugh swum the fjord in its full length. He asked a group of swimmers from Leikanger to swim across the fjord from Borlaug to Leikanger, a distance of 3,7 km. Five swimmers took the dare, and they are the founding fathers of the festival.
Fjord swimmers. Photo: Terje Eggum.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs