Norway’s most famous fjords
Known the world over for their incredible natural beauty, Norway’s majestic fjords have inspired generations of artists. They are undoubtedly a must-see in Norway, but the fjords are more than just a tourist attraction. They also hold an important cultural heritage as key factors in the growth of the first Scandinavian society, providing a source of food and a vital transport link for commerce.
There are fjords all over Norway, from the sunny south coast to the north arctic, but a handful stand out from the crowd. Here are seven of Norway’s most famous fjords.
Geirangerfjord
Calm waters, historic mountain farms and soaring waterfalls are just a few of the reasons the Geirangerfjord tops Norway’s list of must-see fjords.
Part of the ‘West Norwegian Fjords’ area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 15 km arm of the Storfjord winds through the mountains with extremely steep drops on both sides.
At its widest point, the fjord is still less than a mile wide, so any boat trip along the country’s most famous waterway will arguably offer outstanding views in all directions.
Aurlandsfjord
During the first summer of the pandemic, Aurlandfjord in Norway attracted Norwegians in large numbers. It’s not hard to see why. Accommodation with views of the fjord and numerous hiking trails entices Norwegian love of the outdoors.
What sets the Aurlandsfjord apart from other fjords with similar appeal is its ease of access. It is one of the few large fjords accessible on the national rail network thanks to the Flåm railway which connects the fjord to Myrdal on the Oslo to Bergen railway.
Aurland is also easily accessible by car. It’s on the E16 highway that connects Norway’s two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen. Those traveling by car can also enjoy the spectacular Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road and Lærdal Tunnel, among other nearby attractions.
For the best view of the fjord, head to the award-winning Stegastein viewpoint. The striking architecture overlooks the fjord offering uninterrupted views over 2,000 feet above seating level.
Of course, the best way to get close to the fjords is to get out on the water. The two-hour passenger ferry ride from Flåm passes through the Aurlandsfjord and its close neighbor, the Nærøyfjord.
Nærøyfjord
Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord offers a more intimate experience. At just 250 meters wide at its narrowest point, the Nærøyfjord is both spectacular and imposing.
The ferry trip mentioned above is by far the best way to experience the fjord. Beware of the historic Stigen farmhouse, perched precariously on the mountainside near the entrance to the fjord.
The final stop Gudvangen is not a busy place (other than the Viking Valley) so most passengers board the ferry for the return trip or take the shuttle to Flåm. But the area offers spectacular vantage points for the avid hiker keen to stay.
Sognefjord
There is so much to see among the quaint villages, idyllic farms, orchards and hiking trails that most Norwegians have not even scratched the surface of the Sognefjord region.
Easy to find on a map, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord divides the fjord region in two.
The north shore of the interior stretch is the best choice for international visitors short on time. The charming villages of Balestrand and Fjærland are worth a visit, the latter being located at the foot of the enormous Jostedal Glacier.
Further inland, the Kaupanger stave churches and Urns are among the many cultural highlights of the Sognefjord region.
Hardangerfjord
While not quite as epic as the mighty Sognefjord, the Hardangerfjord is still a fjord beast. It weaves its way through more than 100 miles of rock southeast of Bergen.
The Hardangerfjord is a popular option for road tripers traveling between Oslo and Bergen, Norway’s two largest cities.
Attractions include Folgefonna, Norway’s southernmost glacier, and several impressive waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous of them, Vøringsfossen, has the best infrastructure for passing tourists.
Lysefjord
A popular detour from Stavanger, the Lysefjord is well known as the setting for two of the country’s most intriguing hikes.
Known in English as Pulpit Rock, the flat cliff of Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous landmarks. But some tourists are often caught off guard, not realizing that it takes four hours to make the round trip.
It takes even longer to reach Kjeragbolten, the famous rock stuck over 3,500 feet above the fjord. Yet about 80,000 people make the physically demanding hike each year.
Not interested in hiking? Regular boat trips from Stavanger are a much less tiring option to see the highlights of the fjord from sea level, including Vagabonds Cove, Hengjane Waterfall, and a family of mountain goats.
Nordfjord
Less well known until recent decades, the development of its villages as cruise destinations and the opening of the Loen Skylift have firmly placed the Nordfjord on the international tourist map. The cable car takes visitors to the top of Mount Hoven, 3,317 feet above sea level, in just a few minutes.
As tourists move up and down to take in the views, locals use the cable car to reach the start of many challenging hiking routes around the surrounding mountains.
Back at fjord level, the small village of Olden is nestled between the fjord and a lake, all in the shadow of Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to the largest glacier in continental Europe.
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