UNESCO fjord celebrations go swimmingly

More than 40 fjord swimmers wave to the Queen as she sailed out Nærøyfjord. Photo: Terje Eggum

On Saturday 10th June, celebrations were held to mark Nærøyfjord´s new status as a UNESCO world heritage site. As H.M. Queen Sonja of Norway sailed out of the fjord on her royal yacht, more than 40 local fjord swimmers sent her a fitting fjord salute by diving into the 11 °C waters of the Nærøyfjord. Each swimmer was awarded a diploma after the event confirming that they were official World Heritage Swimmers. The celebrations continued with families enjoying the sunshine, fjordside barbecue and fjord games. The youngest fjord swimmers were also taught by acclaimed fjord swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh to swim the icy water currents of the Dyrdal River. An unforgettable day by - and in - the fjord for everyone.