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  During 21 days in August 2004 Lewis Gordon Pugh swam the 204 km long Sognefjord in 74 hours and 47 minutes.
After meeting enthusiastic swimmers from Leikanger and Balestrand, Lewis  suggested arranging an annual swimming festival.
The very first Sognefjord Swim Festival was arranged in Leikanger on 12 August and in Balestrand on 13 August 2005.
At "The Sognefjord Challenge" maximum 20 swimmers swim 3,7 km from the south side of the Sognefjord accross to Leikanger on the north side of the fjord.  Each swimmer must ensure that they are accompanied by a skilled kayaker who will navigate the fjord on their behalf throughout the crossing. The kayaker is also responsible for alerting the safety escort boats should the swimmer get into difficulty. This challenge was also arranged in 2004 and 2005. At the "Mini Challenge":  52 children and adults from several countries swam the 400 meters across the Esefjord. Safety is top priority, therefore rules regarding swimming aids must be observed. Kayaks and escort boats were on hand at all times. A rope was also stretched across the fjord.
 
Shuttle boats are getting ready for taking the swimmers to the starting poing. Skilled kayakers are also getting ready for escorting the swimmers.   Before start: fjord blessing - open air service held by Audun Systad.
     
 
Odd Ragnar Kjellström from Balestrand TV on location!
See the result here!
  Speaker Kjetil Nesse is ready as well as sound engineer Reynir Smàri Svansson!
     
 
Ready, steady... Everybody is looking across the fjord   because there the swimmers are almost ready to jump in.
     
 

Classes: There are seven age groups.

  • Sea urchins: 8-11 years (must swim with a parent or guardian)
  • Starfish: 12-15 years (must have consent from a guardian to participate)
  • Wild salmon: 16-24 years
  • Wolf fish: 25-34 years
  • Porpoises: 35-49 years
  • Whales: 50-69 years
  • Walruses: 70+ years
Finish line crossed!    
     
 
    Inge Menes with his delicious smoked salmon!
     
 
    Home made ice cream from Feios
     
 
In the afternoon: Fjord Relay Races in front of Kviknes Hotel
     
 
    Nobody needs to go hungry!
     
 
Prize ceremony   And some live music with Tor Talle and Marianne Hagen.