What is a fjord?
First, let’s take a brief look at these natural wonders. Fjords are glacial valleys that narrow into longitudinal bays as sea levels rise. In other words, when seawater or freshwater fills the wide, long valleys created by ice movements, these geographical shapes emerge. These long, narrow bodies of water are typically surrounded by tall mountains — and Norway’s fjords are famous for their pristine settings. Let’s begin exploring the country’s favorite fjords!
Queen of the fjords: Geirangerfjord
Approximately 15 kilometers long, Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most famous fjords and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Offering one of Norway’s best and most impressive fjord views, Geirangerfjord, a branch of a larger fjord network, is acclaimed for its striking appearance in the summer and winter seasons, as the dazzling beauty of summer days gives way to winter’s dense fog and drama. The cascading waterfalls enhance the fjord view, with the Seven Sisters Waterfall being one of the most photographed in the Geirangerfjord. The majestic mountain peaks provide the ideal setting for a panoramic view.
Geirangerfjord, as one of the most visited fjords in Norway, offers numerous activities. Visitors can take a boat from Geiranger and travel for kilometers through this natural wonder. Boat trips also allow you to see some of the region’s other natural landmarks, such as the Seven Sisters Waterfall; guided boat tours generally last for an hour or 90 minutes. Visitors can also explore the fjord by foot, on one of the region’s many trekking trails. Walks combined with the Skageflå historic mountain farm are particularly popular.
The longest fjord in Norway: Sognefjord
Among the many Norwegian fjords to visit, Sognefjord stands out as the country’s longest. Stretching inland from the coast of Bergen, Sognefjord is known as the “king of the fjords” due to its approximately 200-kilometer length. Towering glaciers and waterfalls, lofty mountain peaks — some several thousand meters tall — and small, picturesque farms are visible from the water. In fact, many people consider the Sognefjord to be among the most beautiful spots on Earth.
If you want to hike in the Norwegian fjords, plan your trip around Sognefjord. Hiking in the mountains provides spectacular views of the fjords, as well as wild green valleys. Hiking trails vary from easy to very difficult; for instance, visitors can reach the mountain summit via a medium-difficult route that begins in Krossen and offers stunning views along the route. In addition, you can check out boat and train tours: boat tours take passengers under steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls, while the Flåm railway line features lovely views of Sognefjord.
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Amid the fruit trees: Hardangerfjord
Offering a winning combination of culture and natural beauty, Hardangerfjord is another Norwegian fjord that draws numerous visitors. The area’s fruit trees bloom in the spring, enhancing an already gorgeous scene, while charming villages offer visitors a glimpse of Norwegian culture and traditions while surrounded by breathtaking mountains and waterfalls. As well, at 179 kilometers, the Hardangerfjord is one of the world’s longest fjords, perfect for a classic boat tour in the Norwegian fjords.
A unique destination for unforgettable Norwegian fjord tours, an RIB boat trip allows you to see the Hardangerfjord up close, bringing passengers closer to the breathtaking waterfalls, steep mountain slopes leading down to the fjord, and the fjord villages. Visitors can experience this unforgettable nature by joining a tour — tours can last for one hour or 90 minutes; day-long tours are also available. Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail is becoming increasingly popular among local hikers, while Dronningstien (Queen’s Way) presents a more gradual approach to the majestic views of Hardangerfjord and its surroundings.
One of the most beautiful landscapes in the world: Nærøyfjord
The UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord is one of the world’s narrowest fjords — just 250 meters wide at some points. The fjord itself, a tributary of the Sognefjord, is surrounded by mountains reaching heights of up to 1,700 meters and cascading waterfalls plunging into the fjord. Around Nærøyfjord are many unspoiled wilderness areas and small mountainside farms, perfect for a memorable hike through pristine landscapes. The region’s trails are some of Western Norway’s most spectacular and visitors can take an invigorating guided mountain hike to the historical Rimstigen while admiring the stunning view of Nærøyfjorden.
In addition, Nærøyfjord offers first-class boat tours for a memorable sightseeing experience. These electric and nearly silent vessels glide through the fjord, with summer and winter tours lasting a few hours on average.
A priceless vantage point: Lysefjord
The Lysefjord in southern Norway is approximately 40 kilometers long and surrounded in parts by mountains that are more than 1,000 meters high. The Lysefjord stands out among Norwegian fjords due to its complex geological features. Known as ‘Pulpit Rock’, Preikestolen is a steep rock that formed about 10,000 years ago and stands 604 meters above Lysefjord; it is without a doubt the most popular tourist destination in the area and frequently ranks in the top lists of natural wonders around the world. As well, Preikestolen is the best locale for walks with a view of Lysefjord. The Lysefjord Preikestolen trek is an eight-kilometer hike but well worth the effort.
Lysefjord is also among the most unique destinations for boat tours, including the RIB boat tour. The tour lasts a few hours and traverses the fjord; as well, visitors can join three-hour canoe excursions in Lysefjord from Stavanger. Do check the schedules as tours are planned for specific dates.
In the footsteps of the Vikings: Nordfjord
All the Norwegian fjords are beautiful but the Nordfjord stands out due to its magnificent mountains, emerald-green nature and coastal landscapes. This world-famous fjord is best known for Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest mainland glacier — in other words, this is one of the largest white areas on the Norwegian map! The fjord area is approximately 105 kilometers long and includes Lake Hornindalsvatnet, Europe’s deepest lake. All these natural wonders have earned the Nordfjord a spot on many ‘best of’ lists. The region’s historical highlights include Myklebust, Norway’s largest Viking ship, which is set amid interactive Viking Age exhibitions. The 12th-century Selja Monastery, erected by Benedictine monks on Selja Island, is also well worth a visit.
There are numerous activities available in and around the Nordfjord, including scuba and freediving — even on windy winter days, you can dive from the shore. For surfing or spending a holiday on white sandy beaches, Stadlandet is an ideal destination, and fishing tours in the region can net cod, char, mackerel and other local fish species. And, of course, Nordfjord offers wonderful boat tours with fantastic views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. Most boat tours have periodic stops for storytelling and photography.
Magnificent Arctic fjord: Trollfjord
The final stop on our list of Norwegian fjords is Trollfjord, accessible only by boat and named for the terrifying creature known as the ‘Troll’ in Scandinavian mythology. The Trollfjord’s mouth, approximately three kilometers long, is just 100 meters wide, with its narrow structure adding to the thrill of a cruise. Surrounded by mountains reaching up to 1,000 meters in height, Trollfjord is a well-known destination due to the beauty of its natural environment — and its role as a location in the film Downsizing, starring Matt Damon.
Boat trips from Svolvaer provide opportunities to view the wildlife along the fjord shoreline, including sea eagles, some with wingspans of up to 265 centimeters.
