The village of Skjolden lies at the head of the Sognefjord -- the largest fjord in Norway, and second longest in the world. Skjolden is a smattering of red, brown and white houses, home to some 300 inhabitants, one hotel, one primary school and three campsites. Visitors hoping to purchase souvenirs will likely be disappointed -- there are no shops (bar the small boutique inside the tourist office, which is attached to the village's fitness center). But this is real Norway - the entertainment is not in what the town has to offer, but in the landscape that surrounds it. Vast snow-capped mountains border Skjolden from every angle except for its shoreline, where the emerald waters of the Sognefjord lap.
A new cruise terminal was built in 2010, and even large ships are able to dock here due to the depth of the fjord, enabling passengers to walk into the village within 10 minutes.
Why go to Skjolden?
This teeny, tiny, off the beaten path village will give you a true taste of Norwegian culture
Aside from its gorgeous landscape that includes Jostedal Glacier, there's not much to do here
Skjolden is a stunningly beautiful and authentic destination with very few tourist facilities
