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Coordinates: 68°25′45″N 16°28′58″E / 68.4292°N 16.4827°E / 68.4292; 16.4827
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{{Short description|Fjord in Nordland, Norway}}
[[Image:Google_Ofotfjorden1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Ofotfjord. The glacier ''Frostisen'' is visible south of the main fjord. Picture provided by Google Earth.]]
{{Infobox body of water
Ofotfjord (''Ofotfjorden''), an inlet of the [[Norwegian sea]], is [[Norway|Norway's]] 12th longest [[fjord]], 78 [[kilometre|km]] long, and the 18th deepest, with a maximum depth of 553 [[metre|m]].
|name = Ofotfjord
|native_name = {{native name list |tag1=no|name1=Ofotfjorden |tag2=se|name2=Ufuohttá}}
|other_name = Narvik Fjord
|image = Ofotfjord-April.JPG
|alt =
|caption = View of the fjord
|image_bathymetry = UK-NWE-Norway-2.jpg
|caption_bathymetry = Diagram of the fjord and<br />locations from the [[Battle of Narvik]]
|location = [[Nordland]] county, Norway
|image_map = {{Infobox mapframe|wikidata=yes|zoom=7|marker=natural}}
|caption_map = Interactive map of the fjord
|basin_countries = [[Norway]]
|coords = {{coord|68.4292|16.4827|region:NO_type:waterbody |display=inline, title}}
|type = [[Fjord]]
|inflow =
|outflow =
|catchment =
|length = {{convert|78|km}}
|width =
|area =
|depth =
|max-depth = {{convert|553|m}}
|volume =
|shore =
|frozen =
|islands =
|cities = [[Narvik (town)|Narvik]]
|reference =
}}


The {{native name|en|'''Ofotfjord'''}},<ref>{{cite book |title=European Research on Cetaceans |date=2004 |publisher=European Cetacean Society |location=Cambridge |page=111 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nmQbAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Ofotfjord%22 |access-date=January 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Skjoldal |first1=Hein Rune |title=The Norwegian Sea Ecosystem |date=2004 |publisher=Tapir |location=Trondheim |pages=213, 247, 252 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ib8TAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Ofotfjord%22 |access-date=January 8, 2019}}</ref> {{native name|no|'''Ofotfjorden'''}},<ref name="KV" /> or {{native name|se|'''Ufuohttá'''}}<ref name="KV">{{cite web|url=https://stadnamn.kartverket.no/fakta/137251|title=Stadnamn og skrivemåten for stadnamn|publisher=[[Kartverket]]|language=no|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref> is a [[fjord]] in [[Nordland]] county, [[Norway]]. It is an inlet of the [[Norwegian Sea]], located about {{convert|200|km}} north of the [[Arctic Circle]]. The {{convert|78|km|adj=on}} long Ofotfjord is [[Norway|Norway's]] 12th longest [[fjord]] and it is also the 18th deepest, with a maximum depth of {{convert|553|m}}. In the [[English language]] and in many historical documents, this fjord is often referred to as the ''Narvik Fjord'' because the [[Narvik (town)|town of Narvik]] is located on the inner shores of the fjord, but this is not an official name of the fjord.<ref name="KV" /><ref name="snl1">{{cite web|url=http://snl.no/Ofotfjorden|title=Ofotfjorden|author=Store norske leksikon|author-link=Store norske leksikon|language=no|access-date=2012-05-18}}</ref>
== Geography ==


It is the longest fjord in [[Nordland]] county, and the fourth longest in [[Northern Norway]]. The landscape [[Ofoten]] is named after the fjord. The [[municipality|municipalities]] of [[Tjeldsund]] and [[Evenes]] (including [[Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes]]) are located on the northern shore, [[Narvik]] is located on the eastern, innermost part of the fjord, and on the southern shore is [[Ballangen]] municipality. [[Lødingen]] (and beyond that [[Lofoten]]) and the large [[Vestfjord]] is located west-southwest of Ofotfjord.
The fjord is surrounded by mountains, some reaching {{convert|1500|m|ft}}, and even {{convert|1700|m|ft}} in [[Skjomen]], where the ''[[Frostisen]]'' [[glacier]] can be seen. The only large lowland area is on parts of the northern shore, around [[Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes]], although there are smaller areas near the fjord and in narrow valleys (for instance, the Narvik peninsula, where the harbour and city centre of [[Narvik (town)|Narvik]] is located).


[[File:Kongsbakktinden1-Ofotfjord.jpg|thumb|left|The fjord is surrounded by mountains and forested hills]]
== The Fjord Branches ==
The mountains are covered by forest below elevations of {{convert|500|m|ft}}, [[birch]] being the most common tree, but [[pine]] and [[Populus tremula|aspen]] are also common. The bedrock around the fjord consist of both hard minerals like [[gneiss]] and [[granite]] as well as softer minerals rich in lime; there is a [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] quarry in the municipality of [[Narvik Municipality]] ([http://www.fotosamlinga.no/galleriet/displayimage.php?album=53&pos=69 photo]).


==Name==
⚫
Several smaller fjord branches extends from the main fjord. From northwest, going clockwise, these are: Ramsund (which is actually a narrow sound connecting with the larger [[Tjeldsundet]]), ''Bogen'' (a fairly wide bay), ''Herjangen'' (the widest of these branches), ''Rombaken'' (which is crossed by [[European_route_E6|E6]] using the [[Rombak Bridge]]), ''[[Beisfjord]]'' (crossed by [[European_route_E6|E6]] using the [[Beisfjord Bridge]]), [[Skjomen]] (the longest of these fjord branches, crossed by [[European_route_E6|E6]] using the [[Skjomen Bridge]]) and finally ''Ballangen''. At the mouth of Ofotfjord, on the southern side, is another fjord, the narrow [[Efjord]], which extends southeast (crossed by the [[European_route_E6|E6]] using the [[Efjord Bridges]]).
The surrounding [[Ofoten]] district is named after the Ofotfjord ({{langx|non|Ófóti}}). The meaning of the first element is unknown. One theory is that the oldest form of the fjord name was {{lang|non|Úffóti}}. In this case, the first element would be {{lang|non|úfr}} which means "[[Eurasian eagle-owl]]". The last element of the name is the [[dative case]] of {{wikt-lang|non|fótr}} which means "[[foot]]" or "leg (including the foot)". Thus, the name could be referring to leg/foot of an owl, likely because the three inner branches of the Ofotfjord might have been compared with the three claws of an owl.<ref name="snl2">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://snl.no/Ofoten_-_tidligere_kommune|title=Ofoten – tidligere kommune|editor-first=Geir|editor-last=Thorsnæs|access-date=2019-01-03|date=2017-02-13|encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]]|language=no}}</ref>


== Fauna ==
==Geography==
The Ofotfjord is the longest fjord in [[Nordland]] county and the fourth longest in [[Northern Norway]]. [[Tjeldsund Municipality]] and [[Evenes Municipality]] are located on the northern shore and the large [[Narvik Municipality]] is located on the eastern and southern shores of the fjord. [[Lødingen Municipality]] (and beyond that all of [[Lofoten]]) and the large [[Vestfjorden (Norway)|Vestfjord]] are located west-south-west of the Ofotfjord.


⚫
Several smaller fjord branches extend from the main fjord. From north-west, going clockwise, these are: Ramsundet (which is actually a narrow [[strait]] connecting with the larger [[Tjeldsundet]]), ''Bogen'' (a fairly wide bay), ''[[Herjangsfjord]]'' (the widest of these branches), ''[[Rombaken]]'' (which is crossed by the [[European route E6]] highway using the [[Rombak Bridge]]), ''[[Beisfjorden]]'' (crossed by the [[European route E6]] highway using the [[Beisfjord Bridge]]), [[Skjomen]] (the longest of these fjord branches, crossed by the [[European route E6|E6]] highway using the [[Skjomen Bridge]]) and finally ''Ballangen''. At the mouth of Ofotfjord, on the southern side, is another fjord, the narrow [[Efjorden]], which extends southeast (crossed by the E6 highway using the [[Efjord Bridges]]).
⚫
Ofotfjord has a rich [[marine life]], with huge quantites of [[herring]] staying in the fjord in the winter. This have attracted whales ([[orca]]). Divers have occassionly observed [[European lobster|lobsters]] in the fjord, the northernmost sightings of lobsters in the world. [[Cod]] is the most common fish species throughout the year. [[Atlantic mackerel|Mackerel]] is common from July to mid-September. [[White-tailed Eagle|Sea eagle]]s and [[otter]]s have made a strong comeback and are now very common in and around the fjord.
{{wide image|Herjangsfjorden & Ofotfjorden, wide, 2009 09.jpg|800px|[[Herjangsfjord]] in the foreground and Ofotfjord in the background, pictured from the north side.}}


==Fauna==
[[Image:Ofotfjorden_April2003.JPG|thumb|right|285px|Ofotfjord April 17 2003. Mountains southwest of [[Narvik]] in the background.]]
[[File:Ofotfjorden from Djupvika.JPG|thumb|right|300px|View from Djupvika towards [[Bogen, Evenes|Bogen]]. 2 May 2009]]
⚫
The Ofotfjord has a rich [[marine life]], with huge quantities of [[herring]] staying in the fjord in the winter. These fish attract a lot of whales, most notably [[orca]]. Divers have occasionally observed [[European lobster|lobsters]] in the fjord, the northernmost sightings of lobsters in the world. [[Cod]], as well as [[coalfish]], are the most common fish species throughout the year. [[Atlantic mackerel|Mackerel]] is common from July to mid-September. [[White-tailed eagle]]s and [[Eurasian otter]]s have made a strong comeback and are now very common in and around the fjord. [[Gull]]s are common all year, and many migratory birds arrive in summer, such as [[Eurasian oystercatcher|oystercatchers]] and [[grey heron]]s.


==History==
== The Sourroundings ==
⚫
===Naval battleground===
⚫
In the [[Battles of Narvik]] in [[World War II]], the Ofotfjord was the scene for several [[naval]] battles, and many ships are resting at the bottom, especially in the vicinity of Narvik harbour. These are very popular among divers. However, some of these [[shipwreck]]s are declared [[war grave]]s and are thus protected by [[law]]. The German [[destroyer]] ''[[German destroyer Z2 Georg Thiele|Georg Thiele]]'' was scuttled and is still visible from around the railway between [[Straumsnes, Narvik|Straumsnes]] and [[Rombak]] railway station.
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Bernd von Arnim scuttled.jpg|German destroyer ''Bernd von Arnim'' scuttled in Rombaksfjord
File:Tirpitz altafjord 2.jpg|Tirpitz in Bogen, Ofotfjord. The [[Kriegsmarine]] used the Bogen fjord branch as a naval base
</gallery>


==References==
The fjord is surrounded by mountains, some reaching 1500&nbsp;m, and even 1700&nbsp;m in [[Skjomen]], where the [[glacier]] ''Frostisen'' can be seen. The only larger lowland area is on parts of the northern shore, around [[Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes]], although there are smaller areas near the fjord and in narrow valleys (for instance, the Narvik peninsula, where the harbour and city center of [[Narvik]] is located). The mountains are covered by forest below 500&nbsp;m, [[birch]] being the most common tree.
{{reflist}}


⚫
==External links==
⚫
== Naval Battleground ==
{{Commons category|Ofotfjorden}}

⚫
In the [[Battle of Narvik]] in [[World War II]], the Ofotfjord was the scene for several [[naval]] battles, and many ships are resting at the bottom, especially in the vicinity of Narvik harbour. These are very popular among divers. However, some of these [[ship wreck]]s are declared [[war grave]]s and are thus protected by [[law]].

⚫
== External links ==
*[http://www.narvik.kommune.no/natur/natur__kart_a.htm Map showing part of Ofotfjord near Narvik]
*[http://www.fremover.no/lokale_nyheter/article1866006.ece Newspaper article: Dead Orca stranded, skeleton to be preserved]
*[http://www.fremover.no/lokale_nyheter/article1866006.ece Newspaper article: Dead Orca stranded, skeleton to be preserved]
*[http://www.bismarck-class.dk/tirpitz/miscellaneous/tirpitz_bogen_then_and_now/tirpitz_bogen_then_and_now.html Pictures of Tirpitz and Admiral Hipper in Bogen bay]
*[http://www.bismarck-class.dk/tirpitz/miscellaneous/tirpitz_bogen_then_and_now/tirpitz_bogen_then_and_now.html Pictures of Tirpitz and Admiral Hipper in Bogen bay]
*[http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray05/xray05_part4.pdf Wrecks of Narvik - wreck diving in the Narvik area (pdf)]
*[http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray05/xray05_part4.pdf Wrecks of Narvik - wreck diving in the Narvik area]

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Fjords of Norway]]
[[Category:Fjords of Nordland]]
[[Category:Geography of Nordland]]
[[Category:Narvik]]
[[Category:Evenes]]
[[Category:Tjeldsund]]

Latest revision as of 21:08, 26 November 2024

Ofotfjord
Narvik Fjord
View of the fjord
Map
Interactive map of the fjord
Diagram of the fjord and
locations from the Battle of Narvik
LocationNordland county, Norway
Coordinates68°25′45″N 16°28′58″E / 68.4292°N 16.4827°E / 68.4292; 16.4827
TypeFjord
Basin countriesNorway
Max. length78 kilometres (48 mi)
Max. depth553 metres (1,814 ft)
SettlementsNarvik

The Ofotfjord (English),[1][2] Ofotfjorden (Norwegian),[3] or Ufuohttá (Northern Sami)[3] is a fjord in Nordland county, Norway. It is an inlet of the Norwegian Sea, located about 200 kilometres (120 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. The 78-kilometre (48 mi) long Ofotfjord is Norway's 12th longest fjord and it is also the 18th deepest, with a maximum depth of 553 metres (1,814 ft). In the English language and in many historical documents, this fjord is often referred to as the Narvik Fjord because the town of Narvik is located on the inner shores of the fjord, but this is not an official name of the fjord.[3][4]

The fjord is surrounded by mountains, some reaching 1,500 metres (4,900 ft), and even 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) in Skjomen, where the Frostisen glacier can be seen. The only large lowland area is on parts of the northern shore, around Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes, although there are smaller areas near the fjord and in narrow valleys (for instance, the Narvik peninsula, where the harbour and city centre of Narvik is located).

The fjord is surrounded by mountains and forested hills

The mountains are covered by forest below elevations of 500 metres (1,600 ft), birch being the most common tree, but pine and aspen are also common. The bedrock around the fjord consist of both hard minerals like gneiss and granite as well as softer minerals rich in lime; there is a dolomite quarry in the municipality of Narvik Municipality (photo).

Name

[edit]

The surrounding Ofoten district is named after the Ofotfjord (Old Norse: Ófóti). The meaning of the first element is unknown. One theory is that the oldest form of the fjord name was Úffóti. In this case, the first element would be úfr which means "Eurasian eagle-owl". The last element of the name is the dative case of fótr which means "foot" or "leg (including the foot)". Thus, the name could be referring to leg/foot of an owl, likely because the three inner branches of the Ofotfjord might have been compared with the three claws of an owl.[5]

Geography

[edit]

The Ofotfjord is the longest fjord in Nordland county and the fourth longest in Northern Norway. Tjeldsund Municipality and Evenes Municipality are located on the northern shore and the large Narvik Municipality is located on the eastern and southern shores of the fjord. Lødingen Municipality (and beyond that all of Lofoten) and the large Vestfjord are located west-south-west of the Ofotfjord.

Several smaller fjord branches extend from the main fjord. From north-west, going clockwise, these are: Ramsundet (which is actually a narrow strait connecting with the larger Tjeldsundet), Bogen (a fairly wide bay), Herjangsfjord (the widest of these branches), Rombaken (which is crossed by the European route E6 highway using the Rombak Bridge), Beisfjorden (crossed by the European route E6 highway using the Beisfjord Bridge), Skjomen (the longest of these fjord branches, crossed by the E6 highway using the Skjomen Bridge) and finally Ballangen. At the mouth of Ofotfjord, on the southern side, is another fjord, the narrow Efjorden, which extends southeast (crossed by the E6 highway using the Efjord Bridges).

Herjangsfjord in the foreground and Ofotfjord in the background, pictured from the north side.

Fauna

[edit]
View from Djupvika towards Bogen. 2 May 2009

The Ofotfjord has a rich marine life, with huge quantities of herring staying in the fjord in the winter. These fish attract a lot of whales, most notably orca. Divers have occasionally observed lobsters in the fjord, the northernmost sightings of lobsters in the world. Cod, as well as coalfish, are the most common fish species throughout the year. Mackerel is common from July to mid-September. White-tailed eagles and Eurasian otters have made a strong comeback and are now very common in and around the fjord. Gulls are common all year, and many migratory birds arrive in summer, such as oystercatchers and grey herons.

History

[edit]
[edit]

In the Battles of Narvik in World War II, the Ofotfjord was the scene for several naval battles, and many ships are resting at the bottom, especially in the vicinity of Narvik harbour. These are very popular among divers. However, some of these shipwrecks are declared war graves and are thus protected by law. The German destroyer Georg Thiele was scuttled and is still visible from around the railway between Straumsnes and Rombak railway station.

  • German destroyer Bernd von Arnim scuttled in Rombaksfjord
    German destroyer Bernd von Arnim scuttled in Rombaksfjord
  • Tirpitz in Bogen, Ofotfjord. The Kriegsmarine used the Bogen fjord branch as a naval base
    Tirpitz in Bogen, Ofotfjord. The Kriegsmarine used the Bogen fjord branch as a naval base

References

[edit]
  1. ^ European Research on Cetaceans. Cambridge: European Cetacean Society. 2004. p. 111. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  2. ^ Skjoldal, Hein Rune (2004). The Norwegian Sea Ecosystem. Trondheim: Tapir. pp. 213, 247, 252. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c "Stadnamn og skrivemåten for stadnamn" (in Norwegian). Kartverket. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  4. ^ Store norske leksikon. "Ofotfjorden" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2012-05-18.
  5. ^ Thorsnæs, Geir, ed. (2017-02-13). "Ofoten – tidligere kommune". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
[edit]
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