Hjorundfjord (Norway, Urke-Saebo)

Hjorundfjord (Orsta) was a municipality in Norway's More og Romsdal county (between 1838-1964) covering total area 277 km2 (107 mi2). The Hjorundfjord municipality's administrative center was Saebo. Main villages (all like Saebo located on the Hjorundfjorden's shores) are Bjorke, Leira, Oye, Store Standal, Viddal, Trandal, Urke.

Hjorundfjorden is is fjord arm (length 35 km / 22 mi) part of Storfjorden. The closest large cruise port is Alesund (to the north). The closest (neighbor) is Geirangerfjord. Hjorundfjorden's scenery is marked by waterfalls and glaciers on the scenic Sunnmorsalpene Mountains - with nearly-vertical cliffs and peaks up to 1,7 km (5600 ft) high. Hjorundfjorden's both sides are like ragged walls of stone covered with forests. Sunnmorsalpene's height increases along the fjord - from 1419 m (Jonshornet/at the mouth) to 1717 m (Kviteggja).

Hjorundfjord It has a wide mouth but the further in you go it gets narrower and deeper. Fjord's eastern side is marked by the mountains (plunging straight into the sea) and is without settlements (only isolated mountain farms) due to the steep terrain. Fjord's western side is also with steep slopes but has several small villages connected via narrow roads.

The Norwegian cruiseferry company Hurtigruten often visits Hjorundfjord. Hurtigruten ships dock at Urke so passengers can enjoy unique experiences on land tours and shore excursions. Activities feature visiting Hotel Union Oye which is a member of De Historiske Hotels (an organization membered by most of Norway’s historic hotels and restaurants). At Hotel Union Oye is offered an overnight stay as part of the Hurtigruten excursion "A Taste of Norway". Other optional for cruise tourists experiences in Hjorundfjord (from Urke) include mountain hiking, visiting a Norwegian shielding (shepherd's hut), tasting local delicacies, tours to Geiranger and Trollstigen.

Excursions offered by independent tour operators include hiking trips from Urke to Mt Molladalen (774 m), Mt Saksa (1073 m), Mt Slogen (1564 m), visiting Saebo (Sagafjord Hotel package), fishing on Bjorkeelva River (salmon-herring-mackerel-pollack), fjord kayaking (1-day or longer / 2-5-day trips), skiing and guided ski touring, trips to Norangsdalen Valley (between Oye and Tryggestad, including scuba diving at Lake Lygnstoylsvatnet), scenic driving (between Trandal and Saebo). Most tours start and end in either Urke or Trandal.