Quiet kayaking: top 5 peaceful fjords where you can fish in complete solitude

The gentle lapping of water under the bow, the splash of an oar – and it's all just me out there! Kayak fishing in the fjords is an absolute blast! Norway transforms into a personal "XXL aquarium" where you can enjoy the peace and quiet, with no queues for the ramp or noise of motorboats. You can take as long as you like to reel in your rod and take out your camera, making it a perfect way to experience the beauty of the fjords at your own pace. The "paddle & cast" format is a real winner! Not only is it loved by avid enthusiasts, but it's also a hit with those who enjoy hiking trails in Norway. Imagine conquering the summit in the morning, launching your kayak in the afternoon, and then cooking your own catch on a gas burner in the evening.

Below are five awesome fjords that have been tested by local guides, bloggers and members of r/kayakfishing. They might be far from cruise routes, but they're still absolutely perfect for those of you who like to get out on the water. You can easily find boat rentals, tackle and cosy campsites there. Norway's national parks are just the thing for a week-long trip! You can fit all of them in: a fjord in the morning, a ridge in the evening!

1. Åkrafjorden is a place where you can go fishing under the Langfoss wall.

The Langfoss waterfall is 612 metres high, but the water in the bay is calm. The narrow channel is sheltered from the wind, and motorboats rarely go there. Local fishermen like fishing at a depth of 10–25 metres directly below the waterfall. In summer, they can catch saithe here, and sea trout bite in the shade of the rocks. At Eljarvik campsite, you can rent kayaks and have them delivered to your location. After a morning's fishing, it is worth walking 3.4 kilometres to the top of the Langfoss Trail to admire the fishing spot on a scale of 1:500.

2. Hjørundfjord — also known as "Sunnmøre Alps"

The rocky "teeth" of Sax and Røyrhorn are reflected in the mirror of the fjord, while cod, saithe and haddock swim beneath the keel. Norway Adventures is a five-day trip. You will go on a kayak and hike along the ridges. The best things about Hjorun are its empty shores and depths of up to 400 metres, where ling fish can be found in summer. A tip from the locals: fish in the strait near the Trøna farm pier on a cloudy day — predators rise higher and grab lures in the middle of the water.

3. Lyngenfjord is a place in the Arctic where people go to catch halibut.

It takes an hour and a half to get there from Tromsø. When you arrive, you will find yourself in a land of rugged peaks and legendary halibut. The long tentacles of the fjord form clear brackish water where sea trout, salmon and halibut are all caught at the same time – the halibut attracts fishermen from all over the world. Kayakers just need to drift along a line 15–30 m long and cast a heavy butt jig to the bottom. When the weather is calm, the water is very calm and clear. At low tide, you can see pebble beaches, which are perfect for a picnic on the beach. After fishing, you can walk up to Steindalen (8 km) and see the glacier's edge, where you just pulled in your gear.

4. Veafjorden is a hidden valley in Western Sogne.

From the port of Gudvangen, tourists head east to the popular Nærøyfjord, while those who prefer to keep to themselves head southwest to the narrow Veafjorden. There are no large ships here, and the mirror-like surface and very tall walls make it so that sound can't travel through the water. Reddit users who go fishing on kayaks say that haddock and mackerel are good to catch at depths of up to 20 metres. Spend the night at the small Straume pier, which has a few tables for cleaning fish and a free woodpile. In the morning, you can take the Rimstigen trail (3.7 km/750 m) to see your own fishing spots from above.

5. Kayaking under the cliffs of UNESCO's Storfjorden/Tafjorden.

While Geiranger is filling up with liners, the neighbouring town of Tafjord is still half-empty. Giant cliffs and depths of over 200 metres are not for the fainthearted, but they provide the perfect opportunity to catch ling or sea eel. On the r/kayakfishing forum, people share pictures of the fish they have caught. "A bucket of mackerel and a couple of ling in an hour". It is easier to start from the Fjøra pier. If the wind gets strong, get on the deck of an evening boat and go back to Geiranger in 40 minutes. Another great thing for hikers is the climb to the old Skjerdal farm (4 km/600 m) via a suspension bridge and waterfalls.

Equipment and tips

● Kayak: 4.5–5.5 m long with sufficient load capacity — your catch could weigh 5–8 kg.

● Tackle: a set of "light jigs 60–120 g" and a universal spinning rod up to 150 g; 0.60 mm fluorocarbon line will hold even small halibut.

● Documents: free fritidsfiske can be registered online in 5 minutes; the export limit is 18 kg of fillet per person, don't forget the declaration.

● Safety: PFDs are mandatory; the water temperature rarely exceeds +14°C — bring a dry suit and a thermal jacket.

● Bike or hike detours: almost every fjord has marked climbs of 3–6 km — keep a pair of light trekking shoes in the bow hatch.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you combine the best of nature and tranquillity by kayaking in the serene fjords of Norway. You get to paddle under beautiful stone cathedrals, pitch your tent by the water and dine on your own catch while the sun paints the peaks a glorious pink.

Why not try out different routes and experiment with jigs? And don't forget to share your new "quiet spots", photos of trophy halibut and GPX logs of your "fjord-to-summit" hikes with the editorial team! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore the very best national park hikes in Norway! Every hike is a journey to the top of a breathtaking peak, where you'll not only be treated to stunning panoramas, but also get the chance to cast your line in the perfect spot.