Norway Fjords

Bergen is the perfect starting point for exploring Norway fjords - the biggest attraction in Scandinavia. But what is a fjord? And how were they created? And how do I get there?  

You can find the fjords pretty much all over the Norwegian coastline. However, it is on the west coast you can find the most characteristic ones – like the Nærøyfjord marked on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Bergen is known as the Gateway to the Fjords of Norway. Perfectly located between the two biggest fjords – the Sognefjorden (length: 203 km) and the Hardangerfjord (length: 179 km), it is the ideal starting point for your best fjord experience.

As you travel in the beautiful fjord landscape, you will experience a magnificent water history as you see how ice have carved its way through the mountains making spectacular mountain forms. The contrasts between the ocean, mountains glaciers and fjords, makes the complete fjord experience.

Aurlandsfjord (a branch off Sognefjord). Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik - fjordnorway.com

The creation of the fjords of Norway

The word Fjord comes from the norse "fjörðr", meaning “where you travel across”. You can find the fjords in locations where current or past glaciers extended below current sea level. As the glaciers retreated, a typically U-shaped valley was formed and the sea filled the resulting valley floor – forming a narrow inlet connected to the sea.

Through several ice ages the giant glaciers have shaped the landscape along the western coast of Norway, forming the undersea valleys – surrounded by majestic mountain scenery.

How to get to the fjords

The best way to experience the Norway fjords is to visit Bergen. You can get to Bergen by airplane with direct routes from over 30 European destinations. When in Bergen, it is easy to "pass the gateway" and enter the most magnificent fjord landscape in Norway.

Some chose to get to the fjords by the local boats, bus or by car, while other prefer a professional guided tour to the best sights.

The round trip Norway in a Nutshell® is Norway’s most popular fjord tour, taking you through the most spectacular fjord landscape.

You can also do the Sognefjord in a Nutshell by combining a beautiful boat journey on the Sognefjord with a spectacular train journey on the Flam Railway. And the Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell takes you through attractive farmland and delightful valleys typical of Western Norway. 

If you have less than one day, a half a day trip to Mostraumen outside of Bergen provides a complete fjord experience through the narrow and beautiful Mostraumen. The fjords of Norway welcomes you to gorgeous scenery, exciting activities and wonderful fresh and clean air.

Tags: Norway Fjords, Fjords Norway