best way to visit norwegian fjords

Scandinavia Standard

Scandinavian travel, design, culture, and what’s on for locals, travellers and scandiphiles. Based in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Norwegian fjords (prounounced f’your-d ) are narrow inlets of the ocean between cliffs. They’re formed when glaciers retreat, allowing the sea to fill in the remaining space. There are over 1,100 fjords of Norway, and they are famous all over the world for their epic natural beauty. Seeing and exploring them is a bucket list item for many, and it’s no wonder why; they truly are magical.

Where and how can you find the fjords of Norway? Lucky for us, many of them are accessible by car or boat. Our list of the best fjords, where to stay, and what to do when you get there, will help you in your journey to experience the Norwegian sea and landscape .

These are the best fjords to visit in Norway, on your next trip through Scandinavia :

Geirangerfjord

The fjord to end all fjords: the Geirangerfjord is Norway’s best-known and most visited fjord. Perhaps you (and your kids) remember it from the movie “Frozen?” Yes, that fjord. Geirangerfjord is 15 km long and ends with the village of Geiranger.

That village may not be around much longer, as part of Åknesfjället mountain is projected to fall into the fjord soon, creating massive waves that could decimate Geiranger. The residents, thank goodness, will be evacuated by that time, as a close eye is being kept on the mountain’s status. In addition, there are contentious plans to put power lines across the fjord. So go see it in all its beauty while you can!

Geirangerfjord, Norway / © Adobe Stock

About three hours from Ålesund, in Møre og Romsdal country, Geirangerfjord is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from seeing the fjord itself, there are a number of abandoned farms that sit against the fjord. Some of them have been gently restored and can be explored, including Blomberg, Skageflå, and Knivsflå.

If fjords and farms aren’t your thing (or even if they are), Geirangerfjord area offers some incredible waterfalls, including the beloved Seven Sisters Falls ( De Syv Søstrene ) with the Suitor waterfall just across the fjord. Legend has it that the seven sisters run and dance down the mountain, while across the water, the suitor flirts with them. Seven Sisters Falls consists of seven separate streams, with the highest falls from 250 metres.

Left: Seven Sisters Falls; Right: Skageflå Restored abandoned farm / © Adobe Stock

How to get there

Geirangerfjord is accessible by road or cruise ship.

Where to stay

How to explore.

Hardangerfjord

The fjord that started it all! Hardangerfjord is Norway’s most famous fjord. In 1875, Thomas Cook began running tours from London to the Hardangerfjord, cementing Norway’s new tourism boom and the mythology of the country’s incredible fjords.

Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second longest fjord at 179 kilometres long, starts from the Atlantic Ocean and flows along the Hardangervidda plateau. The region is home to the rock formation known as Trolltunga (troll’s tongue), a major hiker’s destination. The fjord ends at Odda, a charming town to use as a base for your fjord-related adventures, whether you feel like hiking, kayaking, or anything else.

Left: Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) overlooking Hardangerfjord; Right: Hardangerfjord / © Adobe Stock

Along the fjord you’ll find Folgefonna, Norway’s third largest glacier, as well as numerous waterfalls. The coastline of the fjord is known as “the fruit orchard of Norway” thanks to its extremely fertile ground; there’s a huge amount of fruit that grows there.

It is also one of the major farm fishing regions of the world, focused particularly on salmon and trout. If you’ve ever had a sip of Isklar water, you’ve tasted Hardangerfjord; that’s ice-melt water taken directly from the fjord, bottled, and sold around the world.

Left: Hardangerfjord; Right: View from the top of Mabodalen of the famous Voringsfossen waterfall near Eidfjord off Hardangerfjord / © Adobe Stock

There is an express bus from Oslo, Bergen, and Haugesund. It is also possible to get to Hardangerfjord by car; the drive is approximately three hours from Bergen and four hours from Stavanger.

Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway – both the longest and deepest. It is 205 kilometres long, 6 kilometres wide, and up to 1,308 metres deep. Its nickname, “The King of the Fjords,” is perhaps a little grand, but it gets the point across. The fjord also branches off into a number of other, smaller fjords, including: Sognesjøen, Arnafjord, Esefjord, Nærøyfjord, and Lustrafjord.

Lustrafjord, the innermost arm of the region, ends with the village of Skjolden, an entry point to Jotunheimen National Park. So while the Sognefjord is a beautiful fjord to see in and of itself, the whole Sogn and Fjordane county features incredible landscapes and vistas.

Left: Sognefjord; Right: Viking ship on Sognefjord / © Adobe Stock

In addition to its natural beauty, visitors can explore three of Norway’s beloved stave churches: Kaupanger, Borgundthe, and Urnes. These churches are made from wood and were built in medieval times; most of those that have survived are in Norway, with 32 of them still standing in the country.

Think it’s all charm? Sognefjord also features the second longest span of power lines in the world, called the Sognefjord Span. A bit of something for everyone!

Left: Norwegian Stabkirche stave church on Sognefjord; Right: Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park / © Adobe Stock

Sognefjord is accessible by car; it will take approximately four hours to get there from Bergen.

This arm of the Sognefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fjord is quite small, only 18 kilometres long and as narrow as 500 metres at some points. Despite its size, the fjord is an ideal spot to visit to see the classic fjord vista. The high mountains on either side – up to 1,700 meters high – make for an incredibly beautiful scene.

Naeroyfjord Fjord / © Adobe Stock

Nærøydalselvi river flows into the fjord at the village of Gudvangen. The tiny village of Bakka can also be found on the west bank of the fjord, notable for the beautiful wooden Bakka Church designed by famous Norwegian architect Christian Henrik Grosch.

Nærøyfjord is a branch of Sognefjord, and is accessible via the same transport. It is easiest to reach it by car, and is about four hours from Bergen.

Called Lysefjord, meaning “light fjord,” due to the light-colored granite rock surrounding it, this spot is a popular one thanks to Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”). The high cliff overlooks the fjord and is a major hiker’s destination. At 604 metres tall, you’ll want to bring a good pair of hiking shoes and some binoculars to get the best view possible.

Left: Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”) on Lysefjord; Right: Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”) on Lysefjord / © Adobe Stock

Because the fjord’s sides are both rocky (so rocky and steep, in fact, that there are no roads directly across), there’s very little populating the coasts; the two small villages of Forsand and Lysebotn are the only two along the fjord. Lysebotn, a lovely village that has plenty of hotels, is made up nearly entirely of those working at the nearby hydroelectric plants, which provide electricity for approximately 100,000 people.

In addition to the villages and the cliff, there are gorgeous hiking trails and the chance to see Kjeragbolten , a large boulder suspended between two rock sides. If you feel like walking 4,444 steps, why not try the world’s longest wooden staircase, called Flørli 4444 . For a small fjord, Lysefjord has an abundance of things to see and do.

Left: Kjeragbolten on Hardangerfjord; Right: Flørli 4444 World’s Longest Wooden Staircase / © Adobe Stock

Lysefjord is approximately an hour from Stavanger by boat. To get to Lysebotn, you can drive your car along the extremely hair-raising and winding Lysebotnvegen in summer, or the ferry in winter.

Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord is a 29 kilometre branch of the larger Sognefjorden, and is considered one of the most picturesque of the larger fjord’s off-shoots. About halfway down the fjord, the Nærøyfjord branches off, which means that parts of Aurlandsfjord are included in that UNESCO World Heritage site.

Aurlandsfjord / © Adobe Stock

The fjord runs along Aurland, Lærdal, and Vik municipalities, with the teeny-tiny village (population: 350) of Flåm at the innermost part. Due to rocky terrain and steep mountains, there isn’t much by way of population along the fjord’s sides, with the exception of some small valleys and charming farmland. If you’re already headed to Sognefjorden, this is an easy one to see, and the dramatic landscape of tall sides meeting the deep water is picture-perfect.

As with Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord is accessible by car. It takes around four hours to get there from Bergen. You can also visit the village Flåm that’s located by the Aurlandsfjord on the highly esteemed Flåm Railway. Once you reach the larger fjord, a boat or ferry cruise is the best way to see the area.

NB: our hotel and tour recommendations for Aurlandsfjord are the same as those for Nærøyfjord; they’re approximately 12 kilometres apart and the tour listed below includes both.

If you’re visiting Oslo and won’t have a chance to travel outside of the city, luckily you can still see a Norwegian fjord in addition to all the great Oslo sights ! Running from Torbjørnskjær and Færder lighthouses, down to Langesund in the south to Oslo in the north, Oslofjord isn’t exactly a traditional fjord, but it still offers a beautiful landscape and the chance to experience all the fun activities that a fjord can offer.

Left: The old Kavringen lighthouse on Oslofjord; Right: Boats on Oslofjord / © Freya McOmish & Adobe Stock

The big draws of the area are the beaches and islands. Islands to visit include Hovedøya for its fascinating monastery ruins, and Nakholmen, Lindøya, or Bleikøya for relaxing wooden cabins and classic vistas. If you’re looking to camp, Langøyene is a great spot. Gressholmen used to be full of rabbits, but they were removed in 2007 due to destruction of the surrounding vegetation; it’s still a beautiful island for hiking, swimming, and exploring.

Cruise ship on Oslofjord / © Adobe Stock

You can travel by ferry; the DFDS ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen is one way to do it. There are also regular boats from Oslo’s Aker Brygge.

There’s something cinematic about Trollfjord, with its high dark rock contrasted against bright white snow. Located between the Lofoten Islands and the region of Vesterålen on Austvågøya island, the fjord is only 2 kilometres long and 800 metres wide at its widest point.

Left: House on Trollfjord; Right: Trollfjord Snow Capped Mountains / © Adobe Stock

The exact location of Trollfjord has been a bit of a discussion in Norway; no one can decide if it’s officially part of Lofoten or Vesterålen; Austvågøya island is part of Lofoten, but the island is located in Hadsel Municipality, a part of Vesterålen. It’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle!

Left: Hamnoy fishing village on Lofoten Islands; Right: Reinebringen mountain view on Lofoten islands / © Adobe Stock

Though the tall mountains to either side can make the fjord feel hidden, it’s actually a very popular tourist destination. History buffs will be interested to learn that Trollfjord was the scene of the Battle of Trollfjord in 1890, when open-boat fishermen fought against the advent of steam-engine fishing boats.

Trollfjord is only accessible by boat or hike.

Consider this the “express fjord” because you can get a lot done once you get to the region. Of course there’s the fjord itself, which is the sixth longest fjord in Norway at 106 kilometres. It stretches from Husevågøy island at the opening to Loen village at the end. The beautiful, raw terrain along the Stadlandet peninsula is considered the dividing point between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.

Left: Waterfall on the way to Briksdal glacier near Nordfjord; Right: Landscape near Utvik on the Nordfjord Norway / © Adobe Stock

So now you’ve seen a fjord; great! Want glaciers? Of course you do. You can check out both Jostedalsbreen and Briksdalsbreen; the former is Europe’s larest mainland glacier, while the latter is extremely idyllic.

What else does the area offer? Well, there are charming fishing communities to explore along the coast, year-round alpine skiing in Stryn, and Loen Skylift at Innvikfjord, taking you to the top of Mt. Hoven in only five minutes for a spectacular view.

Left: Briksdalsbreen glacier; Right: Jostedalsbreen glacier river / © Adobe Stock

There are express buses from Oslo and Odda, and an express boat from Bergen. The fjord is approximately three hours from Ålesund by car.

Lyngenfjord

This large northern fjord is 82 kilometres long and is considered the dividing line between northern and southern Troms county, and is close to the town of Tromsø. The eastern and western shores offer very different terrain and opportunities, with the stunning snow-peaked Lyngen Alps on the western side and the E06 highway along the eastern side.

Melting Steindalsbreen Glacier in The Lyngen Alps near The Tromso / © Adobe Stock

Two fjords that branch off the main Lyngenfjord are Storfjorden to the south and Kåfjorden to the east, and both are lovely, smaller fjords to explore once you’re in the region.

The high mountains of the Lyngen Alps create a shield from the rain, so Lyngenfjord is popular place to try see the Northern Lights. Of course you won’t always catch them, but this fjord is one of your best bets if aurora borealis is on your bucket list!

Mountain landscape at Lyngenfjord / © Adobe Stock

It’s easy and fast to get to to Lyngenfjord from Tromsø by car or bus.

Norwegian Fjords FAQ

When is the best time to visit norway fjords.

It is possible to visit the fjords year-round, so it really depends on what you’d like to do! If you’re interested in winter trips where you can see snow and ski or hike, but aren’t looking to kayak or take a boat, the months of October – April will suit you well. For weather more conducive to kayaking, cruises, or hikes, May – September is best. High season is in June and July – particularly July, when you can see the infamous “midnight sun.”

How many fjords are there in Norway?

There are over 1,100 fjords in Norway.

When can I see the Northern Lights in Norway?

It is definitely possible to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Obviously the further north you get, the better the chance. November to March is peak time to see the lights, and the months of September and October offer possibilities as well.

Looking for more fun in Norway? Here’s what to do in Trondheim and all the tourist sights to see in Oslo .

    Heads up! This post contains affiliate links. Don’t worry, the commission we make comes at no additional cost to you. For more information on our affiliate program, please see our Disclosure Policy .

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Traveling Without a Passport

Best Ways to See Norway’s Fjords (Updated 2022)

This story was created in partnership with: Fjord Norway 

You don’t need me to tell you how breathtaking Norway’s fjords are. The word alone conjures up almost-mythic visions of scenery that will stop you in your tracks. Chiselled over hundreds of years, these natural phenomena will go above and beyond your expectations. 

Seeing is believing, but in the case of the fjords, you can’t just look at them – you need to get as close as is humanly possible to them. Discover some of the best ways to see Fjord Norway. 

Travel to: Fjord Norway

What are fjords? 

Fjords have captured our imaginations, but what exactly are they? In geological terms, they are narrow inlets – a passageway of water with steep cliffs that were formed by glaciers. For these geological formations to qualify as a fjord, they cannot be wider than they are long, in which case they would simply be a bay or a cove and perhaps not nearly as unique. 

According to this source , the Norwegian word fjord essentially means “where one fares through.” In this instance, the context for the word fare is travel and draws on the concept of ferrying. A ferry, of course, is but one of the ways to see Fjord Norway! 

Norway’s fjords at a glance 

Given that the country has over 1000 fjords, of which ten are often visited by cruise ship – some are more famous than others – it can be confusing trying to figure out which to see. Most tour packages will take you to the best ones, and so it can be helpful to consider seeing them in this way, especially if you want to prioritise fjords during a trip to Norway. 

These are are some of the most famous fjord regions with a handful of their key characteristics:

• Lysefjord – found in southwestern Norway, this fjord is famous for viewing points Kjerag and Preikestolen. 
• Hardangerfjord region – a national icon and Norway’s second-longest fjord, this adventure hub and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean just south of Bergen . 
• Aurlandsfjord – a branch of the Sognefjord, this fjord is close to the must-see picturesque village of Flåm.
• Nærøyfjord – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what’s lovely about this one is you’ll also see small farms and homes dotted along the hillsides of the fjord. 
• Sognefjord area – dubbed the King of the Fjords, this is also the longest of them, a magnificent 204-kilometre stretch of mindblowing nature. 
• Geirangerfjord area – another UNESCO site, this fjord region stands out thanks to the numerous waterfalls Mother Nature saw fit to bestow the area with. 
• Hjørundfjord – tucked away from tourists, you’ll find few untouched nature and remote villages here.  
• Romsdalsfjord – renowned for its diverse nature and isles, you’ll also find the famous winding Trollstigen mountain road in this region. 
• Åkrafjord – this is one of Norway’s undiscovered fjords, and just east of Haugesund (the homeland of the Vikings) it’s very easy to reach. Within a 90-minute radius you the deepest lake, steepest hills and biggest glaciers.

It’s worth mentioning that the fjords are not just about nature. As you travel through these natural wonders, you’ll find charming towns and cities along the way where you can experience Norwegian traditions and culture as well as Viking heritage. 

See Also: The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Norway

Best ways to see Norway’s fjords

The best way to see Norway’s spellbinding fjords is to experience them by channelling your passions. Do you love hiking? Or do you enjoy exploring coastlines in a kayak? Either way, when it comes to seeing fjords in Norway, it’s not just what you see, but what you do while visiting that will shape your memory of them. 

Go on a cruise 

Opting for a cruise is one way to see the fjords, especially if you love being out on the open water. As you sail through these fjord valleys – picture cliffs impressing their beauty on you from both sides, chances are you won’t know where to look!

There are several different routes you can choose from, but Hurtigruten, a Norwegian cruise and ferry company sails from Bergen every day. And the point of seeing the fjords in this way is not to stay on board the whole time!

The best part of any cruise in this region will be the moments when you hop off to spend time in the fjord villages and towns along the way – and for a more personal encounter, this is essential. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to explore local culture and Viking heritage in these remote villages. To make the most of your time in this part of the world, we recommend booking some additional days on either side of your cruise to explore Bergen and its nearby highlights.

Take a hike

Any hiker worth their salt knows there’s nothing more life-affirming than traversing nature’s works of art. For those that relish exploring the world on foot, Norway’s fjords will make you want to walk forever. 

A lot of places with this level of scenery require you to have a certain level of fitness. However, you don’t need to be in peak condition for these epic trails. If you want a real adventure in the fjords, you’ll find that too, but if you’re just hoping to take a gentle stroll through glacial landscapes and lush forests, easy does it. Also worth keeping in mind, from fjord cities such as Ålesund you can hike to panoramic viewpoints like Aksla that are just minutes away.

Best hikes in the fjords:

• Preikestolen
• Aurlandsdalen Valley 
• Mount Skåla 
• Romsdalseggen
• Hornelen 
• Himakånå (Trolltunga’s little sister)  

Soar above them 

The Loen Skylift is a more recent addition to the Fjord Norway experience. Climb to 1011m/3316ft in the comfort of a cable car up Mt. Hoven. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a delicious Norweigan feast in the Hoven Restaurant and enjoy some spectacular views over Nordfjord. 

This is an excellent option for people that want to enjoy the fjords in a relaxing way. If you do want something a little more active, fear not, Mt. Hoven is a good starting point for hiking and walking. There are lots of well-marked trails for all levels in this area too. 

See Also: Your Norway Hiking Itinerary: from 4 to 14 Days

Grab a kayak 

If you want an up-close and personal experience with the fjord coastline, another great option is kayaking. Thanks to the sheer variety of waterbodies offered by fjords, they are a haven for paddling enthusiasts. There’s no need to haul your gear all the way either, as you’ll find plenty of rental shops with everything you need. Better yet, opt for a tour, and they’ll take care of your gear and logistics!  

Along the way, you have the option of staying with local fishermen in their traditional cottages. This way, you’ll also get to indulge in Norwegian food culture and learn more about their local way of life. Some of the best spots for kayaking are the Helgeland coast and stirring waters of Nærøyfjord, and from Ålesund you can jump in a kayak to start paddling from the city centre.

With the fjords, it’s all about how you experience them. While you can camp, hike and explore many regions in the world, so few bare resemblances to anything as spellbinding as Norway’s fjords. Discover a place where mythic beauty comes to life before the word gets out.

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

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