Norway is very well known for its fjords, and for good reason, with it (and the Svalbard Islands, a Norwegian archipelago) being home to almost 1,200 fjords. Once working towns, these gorgeous fjords are still home to small villages and communities, each specializing in living off the land. These fjords are majestic, and no trip to Norway is complete without visiting a few.
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Without further ado, let’s jump into right into finding out about some of the best fjords in Norway!
Sognefjorden
Topping the Norway as the longest and deepest fjord, Sohnefjorden should be on top of everybody’s list, as it also comes in second in the world in length, at 204km, and second deepest, at 1308m (with the mountains rising another 1000m around it).
The phenomenal length means there is much to do while touring it, where you can choose to kayak down the fjord, to glacier walk, or even hike up the mountains and tramp through the national parks.
It has many fjord ‘arms’, all of which are unique. As such, the sheer volume of things for you to do in Sognefjorden has earned it the title “World’s Most Iconic Destination” by the National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Nærøyfjord
Speaking of Sognefjorden’s ‘arms’, Nærøyfjord is, without a doubt, the most famous. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the narrowest fjord in the world, only 250m wide in some places
As you traverse downstream, you’ll realize how fast the water runs down the fjord. Not only that, but there are 1,800m tall mountain inclines on either side, many crashing waterfalls along its length, and tiny farms and villages along its banks that you can visit on your trip, as a blast from the past on how the locals used to live.
There are many ways to experience this small but powerful fjord, whether you choose a ferry, a RIB boat safari, or a kayak, they are all extremely fun. As a bonus, porpoise, dolphins, eagles, seals, and otters all call this fast-flowing waterway home, and with some luck, not only will you get to experience the majesty of towering mountains, the exhilaration of the rapids, you may also get to meet some Norwegian wildlife up close.
Geirangerfjord
This fjord is the second under UNESCO World Heritage protection, and one of Norway’s most popular attractions. There are many now-deserted fjord farms that you can visit, to get a feel of how the people used to live, such as Blomberg and Westerås. You can also stay overnight in Westerås if you’d like, and sample local delicacies in its outdoor restaurant, overlooking the fjord Magical!
As you continue your trip downstream, you will be met with many iconic waterfalls, including the De syv søstrene (the Seven Sisters), the Friaren (the Suitor), and the Brudesløret (the Wedding Veil), all entirely captivating as you watch the pictures you only see in postcards and travel blogs come to life.
If you decide to continue your travel on foot halfway through the fjord, you may choose to hike up the Trollstigen Mountain Road, a road opened in 1936 and built with the simplest of tools. Let the road take you in and around the steep mountainsides, mind-numbing close to the waterfalls, and on a trip that you will never forget!
Hardangerfjord
This gigantic fjord is just behind the Sognefjorden in length, and at 179km it is the fourth longest fjord in the world. While many of the other fjords have had their villagers abandon their old living quarters, the Hardanger region is still a living cultural heritage hotspot.
If you would like to find out about their costumes, instruments, and way of life, this is the place to be. The Hardangerfjord region is also a great sense of pride to Norway in general, and the perfect place for you to gain access to where 40% of all Norwegian fruit is grown, including apples, cherries, pears and plums.
Other than the towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and serene orchards you will encounter on your Hardangerfjord adventure, there are iconic spots you must visit, too. Meet Trolltunga, the troll’s tongue.
The hike up is treacherous (4-5hours), the wilderness unrelenting, but when you get to the ‘tongue’, a unique rock hanging 1100m above sea level, you will find it was all worthwhile.
Step out onto the tip of the ‘tongue’, and be met with the surreal experience of standing between land, sea, and sky. This trip is not to be missed, and do be warned, it is only in the summer that the ‘tongue’ can be accessed, and the season is short, so be sure to research and book early.
Lysefjord
While small in stature (only 42km), in comparison to the other fjords, the Lysefjord should not be overlooked, pulling significant numbers of tourists every year. Its nickname is apt for the fjord, Light Fjord, but the same cannot be said when experiencing its surroundings.
It is home to Flørli and the world’s longest wooden staircase (4444 steps), so if you’re looking to test your stamina, this is perfect for you!
For those perhaps a little less keen to spend time climbing stairs, BASE jumping is allowed nearby, on the Kjerag.
Get your heart pumping and your adrenaline flowing as you freefall 1000 meters toward the Lysefjord, or step out onto the Kjeragbolt, a rock stuck between two cliffs, for a similar adrenaline rush.
Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Lysefjorden’, Kjerag definitely lives up to its name for what it offers, both in natural, breathtaking views, and in heart-pumping excitement.
The Pulpit Rock attracts 150,000 tourists yearly, and you have to make the trip to see why. The plateau sticks out almost 30 meters from the mountains and towers about 600 meters above the fjord.
Take your time to head up, as the trip is a 4-6hour hike, and take your time once you arrive, as you sit on the flat boulder shelf and soak up the grandeur that is the fjord and its surroundings.
For a country this synonymous with fjords, Norway has made its name by preserving the majesty of nature, while making it easily accessible for you to enjoy. Hopefully, this list was beneficial in helping you choose from over 1,100 fjords to visit for your time in Norway. Taxiing down any one of these will not only allow you to experience nature at its best but also be a part of it.
Leave any questions down in the comments, and be sure to mention if you have been any one of these fjords, or if you feel that there was any that was missed! Don’t forget to share if you enjoyed this article, and make your next trip, the best trip!
