The Longest Fjords In The World
Fjords are some of the most common physical features, particularly in the colder regions of the world. The word fjord has its roots in the Norwegian language because the nation is home to some of the most well-known fjords in the world. According to Norway's official statistics agency, Statistics Norway, the Norwegian coastline has approximately 1,200 fjords. Apart from Norway, other regions with a significant presence of fjords include Canada, Scotland, and Greenland. Some fjords are famous because of their depth such as the Messier Channel and the Skelton Inlet. On the other hand, other fjords are famous due to the distance they cover such as the Sognefjord and the Scoresby Sund.
Scoresby Sund
The world's longest fjord is situated in Greenland and is referred to as the Scoresby Sund. The Scoresby Sund is made up of several fjords that are linked together in a tree-like system. The Scoresby Sund is divided into two main segments: the main body and the branches. In its entirety, the Scoresby Sund system covers an area of roughly 14,700 square miles. The main body of the system covers a relatively short distance as its entire length is approximately 68 miles. The longest branch within the system covers a length of roughly 216 miles, and it is also the longest fjord in the world.
Sognefjord
The Sognefjord, one of Norway's most prominent fjords, holds the distinction of being the second longest fjord in the world. Due to its impressive size as well as its importance in Norway's history, the fjord is often called the King of Fjords by the Norwegian public. Sognefjord is situated on the western edge of Norway where it spans a length of approximately 127 miles. Besides, being one of the longest fjords in the world, the Sognefjord is also one of the deepest. Several of the branches of the Sognefjord are also famous such as the Sognesjøen which is the longest of the branches spanning a length of 22 miles. The Nærøyfjord is also a famous branch of the Sognefjord because in 2005, UNESCO listed it as one of the world heritage sites. This branch is also famous because the National Geographic Society considered it one of the premier world heritage sites. Nærøyfjord is extremely popular with visitors to Norway.
Hardangerfjord
The third longest fjord in the world spans a length of 111 miles and is known as the Hardangerfjord. Hardangerfjord is situated on the western edge of Norway, and it passes through the country's Hardanger district. The Hardangerfjord is extremely important to the Norwegian people as one of the largest glaciers in the country, the Folgefonna glacier, is located along fjord. Apart from its geographical significance, the Hardangerfjord is of great historical importance to Norway as it was the site of several historical settlements. In modern times, the Hardangerfjord is of great economic significance to Norway due to the tourism and fish farming that is carried along the fjord.
Tourism Along fjords
In most regions where they are located, fjords are extremely important because they attract tourists, which in terms improves the economy of a given area.
