The fjords is Scandinavia's tourist attraction number one! Bergen is located in the heart of Fjord Norway and is therefore the perfect starting point for seeing the Norway Fjords.
How the fjords were created
Norway’s fjords were created by retreating glaciers and the results are spectacular with U-shaped valleys and narrow, steep sided mountains on each side. It is such an amazing sight to stand on a boat on the fjord and look up at the mountains. Along the Norwegian coastline you can find more than 1000 fjords, many of them famous all over the world. Read more about what a fjord is here.
Photo: Fjord Norway /Sverre Hjørnevik/Visit Flåm
The most famous Norwegian fjords
1. Sognefjord
If you want the absolute «best» fjord in Norway, Sognefjord is it. It is both the deepest and longest Norwegian fjord. Sognefjord is in fact the second longest in the world, just beaten by Scoresby sund in Greenland. We would love to have the record, but knowing it takes millions of years to create a fjord, we’ll settle for second place.
Nærøyfjord is the wildest and perhaps the most beautiful branch of the Sognefjord, and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2005. The Nærøyfjord is «only»17 km long, but at the narrowest point it is only 250 m wide! In the part of the fjord farthest from the ocean you will find Gudvangen, an old viking village. In Gudvangen you can connect with your inner viking and learn more about the viking lifestyle in Njardarheimr. Among other things worth visiting are the magic white caves. A tour through the magic white caves leads you through a cave-labyrinth full of exciting shadows, colours, and sounds. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nærøyfjord, perfect for kayaking. Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho
Hardangerfjord in spring. Photo: Fjord Norge, Robin Strand
4. Geirangerfjord
The deep blue Geirangerfjord is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountains, high waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. A sight you’ll never forget. Check out the famous falls De syv søstrene (“the Seven Sisters”), Friaren (“the Suitor”) and Brudesløret (“the Bridal Veil”) where the water comes thundering down the mountain sides. You should also explore the nerve‐racking, but at the same time extremely fascinating Trollstigen mountain road. Do you have it in you? Unlike the other three fjords, Geirangerfjord is not available on day trips from Bergen. You can read more about Geirangerfjord and the area here.
Geirangerfjord. Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / www.fjordnorway.com
Norway’s fjords offer memories for a lifetime with spectacular waterfalls, breath-taking viewpoints, hikes with a fjord view, visits to picturesque fjord cities and much, much more.
The fjord tours are the most popular tours in Bergen. From Bergen you can enjoy a beautiful cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjorden, see the magnificent waterfall at Vøringsfossen or combine a fjord tour with activities such as kayaking or cycling. The choice of what to see can be difficult, but why limit yourself? Book and extra couple of days in Bergen and give yourself time to see the city, the fjords and the beautiful coastline in the Bergen region.
Regardless which time of year you decide to visit the fjords you should always make sure you’re clothed for the experience. Here are some essential packing tips!