Sognefjord - explore the longest and deepest fjord in Norway

The Sognefjord (or Sognefjorden in Norwegian) is located on the west coast in Norway. It is called the King of the fjords and is over 200 kilometre long. Though the nickname has been given probably due to its greatness, it has indeed been visited by both King and Queens over the years!

The fjords are created by glaciers way back when, and if you want to see the fjords, Bergen is a great place to start your journey. Bergen is located with the Sognefjord to the north and Hardangerfjord in the south. 

Where is the Sognefjord?

Planning your trip to visit the fjords, the location is perhaps the number one thing to pinpoint first. So we’ll try and point you in the right direction. The fjords in Norway are quite accessible and Sognefjorden (the Sognefjord) is perhaps one of the easiest one to explore. So, pack your bags, book a direct flight to the city of Bergen and start your journey from here.

Click on the image for link to Sognefjorden at Google Maps.

The Sognefjord starts just north of Bergen and stretches about 200 kilometres inland to the village of Skjolden. The Sognefjord has several smaller fjords which branch off the main fjord. And many would say that these are the most spectacular parts of the fjord.

Sognefjord branches – top 3 fjords

Okay, so Sognefjord has caught your attention, how do you choose where to go? Not to worry, these are the most popular places (and perhaps rightly so!):

Nærøyfjorden:
Included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage, the Nærøyfjord is truly spectacular. Nestled in the end of the fjord lies the picturesque village of Gudvangen, well worth a visit. Popular spot for kayaking.

Photo: Kaitlin Bailey / Matador Network / www.fjordnorway.com 

Aurlandsfjord:
With the village of Flåm located at the end of the fjord, this fjord is perhaps the most visited in Norway. Why not try to visit outside the main summer season and get the true village feelin’?

View from Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana). Photo: Morten Rakke 

Fjærlandsfjord:
Except being a beautiful fjord, it is a great starting point if you want to see the glacier Jostedalsbreen or visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland.

How to visit the Sognefjord

The Sognefjord can be seen on a day trip from Bergen. Even though it is a long fjord, there are several options available all year. You can find all tours listed further down on this page. Just remember to set aside the whole day, this way you can make the most out of your trip!

Fjordcruise between Flåm and Gudvangen. Photo: sverrehjornevik.com/Flåm AS 

In fact, many travellers in Norway choose to spend the whole vacation in the area of Fjord Norway. And rightly so, there are no shortage on breathtaking scenery. If you want to do and not just see, then try kayaking in the fjord or book one of Norway Active’s tours which include a RIB-boat between Flåm and Gudvangen. If you want to go from Bergen to Flåm (in the Aurlandsfjord off the Sognefjord), there is several tours from Bergen that includes Flåm and the Flåm Railway.  

How long is the Sognefjord?

The Sognefjord is 205 kilometres from the ocean to the village of Skjolden. It runs through several municipalities and has several places where you can cross over by ferry. There is even a boat that goes from Bergen all the way to the village of Flåm. This passenger boat takes about 5,5 hours and you can read more about the Bergen-Flåm boat and buy tickets here. (summer season only)

How deep is the Sognefjord?

Even though the length is impressive, what you cannot see is even more fascinating! In Norway we have a saying that as high as the mountain you see from the fjord, that is how deep the fjord is. Well, don’t hold us accountable for this old saying, but what we do know for sure is that the deepest part of the fjord is impressive 1300 meters! The Sognefjord is over 1000 meters for about half of its length. 

Sognefjord accommodation

The villages on both the north side and south side of the fjord offers hotels, cabins and guest houses in most price ranges. Check out the website of the region en.sognefjord.no/accommodation

Sognefjord attractions – what not to miss

Most of the attractions in Sognefjord is of course centred around the fjord itself. However, the ways you can see the fjords are endless. Alone in a kayak (or even better, with a guide!), on an electric powered boat or hire your own private yacht (with a captain), just to mention a few. However, to help you on your way with what to choose, here are top 5 Sognefjord hits:

1. Guided tour and fjord cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm and Stegastein viewpoint. A beautiful cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjorden. It even includes a trip to the spectacular viewpoint Stegastein. Available on a round trip from Bergen all year.
2. Kayaking in the fjord. The tour Standard Extra Fjord Tour from Bergen is a beautiful round trip that includes cycling, Flåm railway and kayaking on the Aurlandsfjord. If you are wondering which fjord is best for kayaking, check out these pointers.
3. Flåm Railway. This world famous railway is truly spectacular. It runs from Myrdal down to the village of Flåm and are included on several round trips from Bergen to the Sognefjord.
4. Hike the Jostedalsbreen
5. Visit a stave church. Five of the oldest stave churches in Norway is found in the area of Sognefjord and Urnes stave church is even included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage.

Stegastein viewpoint. Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho 

Most tours in Sognefjord can be bought online here at visitBergen.com or in the Tourist Information in Bergen city center. For planning your days in Bergen before of after seeing the fjords, check out things to do in Bergen or get help to narrow down your options with our Top 10 lists. 

The fjord – off the beaten track

If you are travelling around Sognefjord by car, this road from Matre over the mountain to Sognefjord is a great option. Read more about the alternative route to Sognefjord here.