Everyone talks about fjords. Fjords are dramatic. Fjords are deep. Fjords win awards. But I ask you, have you ever truly stopped to appreciate a peninsula? A peninsula is a landmass that has made a decision. It is sticking out, and it is proud of it.
I have been designing coastlines for a very long time, and I am tired of the fjord getting all the attention. It is time to give the peninsula its due. A fjord is a valley that has been flooded by water. A peninsula is a landmass that has refused to be entirely surrounded by water. That is the difference between a moody teenager and a confident adult.
Peninsulas vs. Fjords: A Comparison
| Feature | Peninsula | Fjord | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama | Moderate | High | Fjord |
| Functionality | Excellent | Mostly boats | Peninsula |
| Real estate value | Very high | Moderate | Peninsula |
| Walking difficulty | Pleasant | Ankle-breaking | Peninsula |
| Award potential | Underrated | Overrated | Peninsula |
| Defensibility | Excellent | You are in a hole | Peninsula |
| Respect from the judges | Low | Too high | Peninsula |
Tip
A good peninsula should taper gently, provide a clear view of the sea on three sides, and leave the inhabitants with a vague sense of having been chosen by geography.
The Design Process
Designing a peninsula requires restraint. You must allow the land to extend into the water without overcommitting. The tip of the peninsula should feel like a destination, but the base should remain connected to the mainland. A peninsula that is too narrow is merely an island that has not yet accepted its fate.
Conclusion
Give me a peninsula over a fjord any day. It is more useful, more dignified, and far less likely to be full of tourists in brightly colored jackets. I stand by this statement. I will also stand by my fjords, because they are beautiful and I won an award for them.