A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland. In Norway you can find more than 1000 fjords around the country.
How were fjords created?
A fjord was formed when a glacier made a U-shaped valley by segregation through several ice ages . The valleys was then filled with water from the sea. The fjords can be long and quite deep and often surrounded by high mountains.
The deepest and longest fjords in Norway
The deepest fjord in Norway is the Sognefjord as it drops 1,308 metres below sea level! The Sognefjord is nicknamed the King of the Fjords and is also the longest fjord, measuring an impressive 205 kilometers.
The Sognefjord extends all the way from the Skjolden village in Norway’s Luster municipality to the ocean. The Sognefjord has several smaller fjords branching out from it. The Nærøyfjord is the most famous of these. In 2005, UNESCO listed it as one of the world heritage sites, and The National Geographic Society consider it one of the premier world heritage sites.
Aurlandsfjorden. Photo: Visit Bergen / Girish Chouhan - visitBergen.com
Sognefjord is located north of Bergen, Norway's second largest city after the capital Oslo. Check out things to do in Bergen.
The second longest fjord in Norway is the Hardangerfjord with 179 kilometers. The Hardangerfjord extends all the way from Odda in the mountainous interior of the country to the Atlantic Ocean. The Hardangerfjord is important to the Norwegians as one of the largest glaciers in the country, the Folgefonna glacier, is located along this fjord. The Hardanger region also produces about 40% of all fruits in Norway. Apart from its geographical significance, the Hardangerfjord is of great historical importance to Norway as it was the site of several historical settlements.
Are the fjords salt- or freshwater?
If the inlet of the fjord is connected to the ocean, the water in the fjord will be saltwater. The biggest fjords are all saltwater. Some inlets however are connected to a freshwater lake. If this is the case the water in the fjord will be freshwater.
Where does the word fjord come from?
Fjord is a Norwegian word that have become international, especially in English where it is used directly. Fjord comes from the Norse fjǫrðr. The word fjord was mostly used in the meaning "where one fares through", which has the same origin as the word "fare" (travel).
From the hike Oksen in Hardanger. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / www.fjordnorway.com
Can you swim in the fjords?
Yes, you can swim in the fjords. The sea temperature can be above 20 degrees in the summertime, perfect for a refreshing dip in the sea. Some places you will find beautiful sandy, white beaches, other places you’ll have to do as the locals do; jump from the rocks into the water.
So, when is the best time to visit a fjord? There’s never a bad time to go on a fjord cruise. But in this article, you can read more about what to expect in the high, winter and offseason.
What is the weather in the fjords like? Are you planning a trip to Norway to visit our spellbinding, beautiful fjords? Here are some essential packing tips!
If you want to learn more about fjords, food and Fløyen, check out this podcast:
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