Norway Fjords

The fjords are 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.

Sognefjord is appropriately nicknamed the King of fjords, and at the deepest the fjord is over 1300 meters deep! No, it’s not a typo, 1300 meters deep! Lengthwise it is over 200 kilometers long and stretches all the way from the Skjolden village to the Atlantic ocean. If you want that birdseye view, and do not have fear of heights, then Stegastein is the place to include on your tour of the fjords.

Stegastein Viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjord, a fjord arm off Sognefjord. Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho 

The Aurlandsfjord is a beautiful fjord (branch) leading off the Sogenfjord. The viewpoint Stegastein is included in the fjord tour called "Guided tour and fjord cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm and Stegastein viewpoint"

2. Nærøyfjord

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 

3. Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord is not that much shorter than Sognefjord, with a length of 179 kilometers. In the Hardangerfjord region you can find famous attractions like Trolltunga, the glacier Folgefonna and Vøringsfossen. If you’re up for a challenge you try hiking Trolltunga, if you want to play and test your skiing ability Folgefonna is the place. No matter where you go in Hardanger, always make sure you have your camera with you to capture those special memories. In May/June you can also see all the fruit trees blossoming in this area, a beautiful experience. 

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 

Read more here about the 5 best fjords in Norway to put on your bucket list.

How can you visit the fjords?

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.

Bergen offers plenty of things to do and a wide range of tours where you can enjoy the fantastic nature with the world famous fjords, coastline glaciers and mountains.

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.

We get a lot of questions about when is the best time to visit a fjord. In this article you can read more about what to expect in the high, winter and offseason. 

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!