Seating area with cushions on a boat overlooking a calm body of water with distant mountains.

Fjorde & Dhow

Fjorde & Dhow

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

One of the most famous images from Musandam is the fjord-like bays that can be found in many places along the steep coast; breathtaking cliffs that plunge into the sea and create pictures that inevitably remind some travelers of Norway. No wonder that Musandam has earned the nickname 'Norway of the Middle East'. These beauties can be experienced and learned about in various ways.

Experience the fjords up close

Anyone visiting Khasab will quickly notice that the capital of Musandam has quite a bit to offer, but is not necessarily suitable for a longer stay – unless one wants to use their accommodation in Khasab to explore the beautiful surroundings and coastal regions of Musandam. For example, a whole range of jeep and bus tours to the bays and fjords along the coast are offered. On these trips, one can gain a deep insight into the beauty of the country and will quickly realize that Oman has much more to offer in terms of natural beauty than one might think.

The second option is a classic one, used by the locals for several centuries. Taking a Dhow boat into one of the fjords is one of the things a traveler from Khasab should definitely do. Unlike other types of ships, the Dhow is not a fixed ship category. More than 50 ship types carry the name Dhow, even if they only somewhat resemble each other in construction. These are sailing ships of various sizes, which feature several characteristic traits, such as the trapezoidal sails. Dhows come as single, double, and triple masted. The ship type, which probably originates from ancient India and gradually flooded into the Arab world, is today a popular means of transportation when one wants to make the trip interesting and enjoyable for tourists. Sailing back from a fjord to Khasab on a Dhow at sunset is a dream that definitely makes the hearts of many romantics and nature lovers beat faster.

Cruising past the fjords of Musandam

Cruise lines like Costa have long recognized Khasab as a port for their Orient cruises and have come to appreciate it. Anyone deciding on an Orient cruise with a stay in Khasab will also pass by some fjords on the onward journey and will be able to admire the beauty of this coastal region at least from a distance.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A fortified structure surrounded by lush green palm trees and a small town with mountains in the background.

Bahla Fort

1 min read

Bahla Fort is one of the most important cultural-historical forts in Oman and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Bahla Fort, also known as Hisn Tamah, is surrounded by a thirteen-kilometer-long city wall together with the town of Bahla and was estimated to have been built in the 17th century. Its high and imposing walls and towers are an architectural masterpiece and provide every visitor with an impressive backdrop. Together with the three nearby historical forts at the foot of the Djebel Akhdar Highlands, the fortress Hisn Tamah forms a fantastic monument. Bahla Fort can assert itse...

A lone palm tree stands in front of rugged mountains under a clear sky.

Mountains in Musandam

2 min read

The coastline of Musandam characteristic appearance is thanks to the limestone mountain range that rises there. No other region in Oman is as primitive, untouched, and natural as the mountainous world in Musandam. Those who set out to discover this mountainous world will find steep slopes, breathtaking gorges, dreamy small beaches, and overwhelming cliffs. The whole area is complemented by a few hotels in the mountain regions, which offer not only an excellent adventure holiday but also a wide range of options for families. By car from Khasab to Ras al Kaimah Anyone wishing to explore the mo...

A wooden pier extending into the calm blue sea with a person standing at the end in Salalah, Oman.

Weather Salalah

1 min read

The climate in the Dhofar region in southern Oman is tropical. This makes it significantly different from the rest of the country. The temperatures experience minor fluctuations and it is overall more humid. While daytime temperatures are around 27°C during the winter months from December to February, it is about 32°C warm in the summer months. Even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C throughout the year. From June to September, the Khareef, a branch of the monsoon, occurs. The weather in Salalah is then very humid and brings significant rainfall. The region becomes a green oasis....