When planning your holiday to Norway, seeing the fjords might be top on your lists of things to see and do. Let us give you a quick rundown on what we think are the best fjords in Norway.
When you hear "Norway", fjords might be the very first thing that springs to mind. It might be one of the top reasons why you chose Norway as your holiday destination. But are all fjords the same? What are some of the best fjords to visit – and why?
Want to know what a fjord actually is? Learn more about fjords here!
With no further ado, let's dive in and take a look at what we think is the top 5 fjords in Norway:
1. Sognefjorden – longest and deepest
"The King of Fjords". With its over 200 kilometers, Sognefjorden is not only the longest fjord in Norway, it’s the second-longest in the world. So if size matters, you don’t want to miss this fantastic spectacle. Because of its vastness, Sognefjorden can offer a truly unique variety of landscapes – from the tallest mountains to the greenest farmlands. And at the very end lies Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in continental Europe.
Aurlandsfjorden (an arm of the Sognefjorden). Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / www.fjordnorway.com
2. Aurlandsfjorden - a breathtaking branch of the Sognefjord
Aurlandsfjorden stretches from the main Sognefjord and culminates in the charming village of Flåm. Known for its serene beauty and steep, majestic cliffs, Aurlandsfjorden offers visitors an true fjord experience. Flåm, nestled at the fjord's end, is a popular destination, including attractions like the famous Flåm Railway and various outdoor activities. To drive from Flåm to the beautiful viewpoint Stegastein takes about 20 minutes.
Stegastein Viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjorden. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / fjordnorway.com
3. Nærøyfjorden – the most beautiful fjord?
Talk about underrated. You might never have heard of Nærøyfjorden. Lucky we’re here to tell you about it. Nærøyfjorden is actually an arm of the Aurlandsfjorden by the Sognefjorden, and it’s one of the narrowest fjords in Europe. With snowcapped mountains towering above you, steep mountainsides with flowing waterfalls, the Nærøyfjord is indescribably breathtaking. So breathtaking, in fact, that it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well deserved.
Nærøyfjorden ends in the picturesque village of Gudvangen. Visitors to Gudvangen can explore Njardarheimr, a fascinating Viking village that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Read more about the Nærøyfjord - Norway's narrowest fjord.
Nærøyfjorden. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / www.fjordnorway.com
4. Hardangerfjorden – glaciers and … troll tongues?
If Sognefjorden is the King of fjords, Hardangerfjorden is the queen of the fjords. This picture-perfect fjord is the second largest in Norway, and if you prefer to be more than just a spectator, Hardangerfjord really is the perfect destination. Bask in a myriad of exciting activities – from guided glacier tours on Folgefonna to hikes neither you nor your Instagram followers will ever forget. Wouldn’t you want your own photo like this at the tip of the Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)?
Trolltunga. Photo: Sveinung Klyve / www.fjordnorway.com
5. Lysefjorden - with the iconic Pulpit Rock Hike
Lysefjorden, a stunning fjord located in southwestern Norway, lies south of Bergen and near the city of Stavanger. This picturesque fjord stretches 42 kilometers inland and is renowned for its dramatic scenery and steep cliffs. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the hike to Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen, a majestic cliff that rises 604 meters above the fjord. The hike to Pulpit Rock is about 8 kilometers round trip and offers breathtaking views, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Photo: Fjord Norway / fjordnorway.com
6. Geirangerfjorden – our A-list celebrity (and for good reason)
No list of our best fjords is complete without the Geiranger fjord. With its green backdrops, abandoned farms, and a cascade of waterfalls painting the mountainsides blue, this fjord is a stunning sight to behold. Since 2005 the Geiranger fjord has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A single picture should be enough for you to see why. (And then imagine actually being there!)
The Geiranger fjord. Photo: Fjord Norway, Paul Emundson
7. Lyngenfjord – northern lights and fjord combined
Looking for a fjord a bit further north? We got you. With its alpine landscapes, surrounded by glaciers and snow, Lyngen is the perfect fjord if you’re ever close to Tromsø. Chasing the northern lights? The dry climate and clear weather makes Lyngenfjord the perfect spot. Grab some warm clothes, a tent, and go hiking!
Bonus: Best fjord town - Flåm
Alright, so this is not actually a fjord, but you do need a place to stay, right? Flåm is the perfect hub for fjord lovers. Experience the spectacular Stegastein viewing platform, 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord. Take the Flåm Railway, or go on a fjord cruise through Nærøyfjorden.
Fjord cruises? There’s really such a thing? Most definitely – Find a fjord cruise experience here!
Flåm village. Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug
Norway - more than just fjords
Are you going to Norway, but wonder what to do in addition to seeing the fjords? There’s a whole range of activities to choose from to suit your need. Anything from high pulse activities like rafting and glacier tours, to the more laid back options like the Fløibanen funicular, or sightseeing in the cities.
To get an idea of what Norway has to bring, here’s a list of things to do in and from Bergen.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
