The fjord basin close to Gudvangen is very deep (more then 300 meters) and from shore it goes strait down. One can more or less imaginary follow the shape of the mountains. So even though this is the most narrow fjord in the World, it is more then big enough for most of the ships cruising this area.There are two good places for tenders to dock in Gudvangen. One is with steps (6 of them) and turned sideways so it is easy to enter. (High or low tide/ size of the tender). The other one has a floating lower section with the upper section connected on small wheels, so it always fits with the tide. Bus parking is very close by, and the harbour area has asphalt all the way so wheelchairs are no problem. There are also plenty of space on the dock for cruise staff to put up tender/service station if needed. (And if they bring their company flag, we pull it up.) The harbour master (always present) takes care of extra needs from the ship as: getting doctor, taxi, fax service, lost passengers/ suitcases, and also taxfree refund if this is the last harbour in Norway.
In Gudvangen The old Souveniershop is open from 08.00 to 18.00 every day. The Viking shop in the Viking Fjordtell is open from 07.00 to 24.00 every day.
Post office in Gudvangen at the local store/gas-station across the walking bridge. Opening hours : all days from 09.00 to 20.00 also Sundays. Stamps and mailbox in the Fjordtell (open from 7.00 to 24.00)
(Is actually not needed to shop anywhere in Gudvangen, all shops except all major currencies.) But money can bee exchanged in the Reception at the Fjordtell at bancrates if needed.
Telephones are available on the quay-side, and please note that although the cellular phone connection can bee very unstable in the fjords, there are full power on shore Gudvangen.
Gudvangen is the centre of the Nærøy area including the famous Nærøy Fjord, which is the most narrow fjord in the world, and the dramatic “canyon”-valley named Nærøy, leading up to “Stalheimskleivene”, the steep hairpin road with 13 turns in the end of the canyon. Gudvangen is one of the oldest cruise ship ports in Norway and from apx 1870 and up to 1915 there could bee more then 200 horses with wagons waiting in the harbour area too transport the visitors up the valley for sightseeing. The old souvenir shop in Gudvangen was build in 1876, so the cruise-passengers should have a nice place to rest during their teatime. Tourism started in this area to provide for travelers as this was the main (and only) road east-west of Norway. Then cruise industry started and other travelers followed. Thousands years ago this was a Viking centre (Nærøy means the Good Njord who stands for shipping and trade) and the place kept on growing. On the 17th century there was around 400 inhabitants in Gudvangen, but more then half of the population emigrated to the States because there was not enough food or land for so many people. Then the tourism/ cruises brought work and money to the area and is actually the main reason why this still is a well kept and very typical Western-Norway fjord village. And thanks too lack of land it has not changed much for the last 150 years. (There is simply no free safe place to build.)
See under Activities and The Magic White Caves.