At a Glance
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Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian fjords are among the world’s most spectacular natural formations—over 1,000 deep, steep-sided inlets carved by glaciers over 2.5 million years. Two fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, hold UNESCO World Heritage status, while Sognefjord stretches 204 km inland at depths of 1,308 metres.
This guide covers how the fjords formed, the most famous ones to visit, cruise and tour options, and how to plan your holiday.
Understanding Norwegian Fjords
How Were the Fjords Formed?
The fjords were created by massive glaciation over a period of approximately 2.5 million years. According to fjord expert Øyvind Heen, “The U-shaped valleys were carved out of the ground during a succession of glacial cycles.” As glaciers advanced and retreated, they eroded deep valleys below sea level. When the ice finally melted around 10,000 years ago, seawater flooded these valleys, creating the fjords we see today.
Key geological facts:
- Formation period: 2.5 million years of glacial activity
- Deepest point: Sognefjord at 1,308 metres (4,291 feet)
- Longest fjord: Sognefjord at 204 kilometres (127 miles)
- UNESCO recognition: Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
Where Are the Fjords Located?
Norway has over 1,000 fjords, but the most famous are concentrated in Fjord Norway—the western region stretching from Stavanger in the south to Kristiansund in the north. This area, also called Vestlandet, contains all the iconic fjords including Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Geirangerfjord, and Nærøyfjord.
You’ll also find spectacular fjords in Northern Norway, including the famous Trollfjorden. A cruise along the Coastal Route aboard Hurtigruten or Havila lets you experience fjords from south to north in one trip.
The Most Famous Norwegian Fjords
Sognefjord: The King of the Fjords
According to Visit Norway, Sognefjord is called “the king of the fjords” for good reason. Stretching more than 200 kilometres inland from the coast just north of Bergen, it measures 1,308 metres at its deepest point—making it Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.
Sognefjord highlights:
- Nærøyfjord: UNESCO-listed branch, only 250 metres wide at narrowest point
- Aurlandsfjord: Home to Flåm and the famous Flåm Railway
- Flåm: Charming village with brewery, railway museum, and cruise departures
- Stegastein Viewpoint: Dramatic observation platform 650m above Aurlandsfjord
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 204 km (127 miles) |
| Depth | 1,308 m (4,291 ft) |
| UNESCO branches | Nærøyfjord |
| Main towns | Flåm, Balestrand, Vik |
Geirangerfjord: UNESCO World Heritage
Geirangerfjord, along with Nærøyfjord, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its “exceptional natural beauty.” The National Geographic Society rated these two fjords as the world’s best natural heritage sites.
What makes Geirangerfjord special:
- Seven Sisters Waterfall: Seven separate streams plunging 250m
- Suitor Waterfall: Faces the Seven Sisters across the fjord
- Bridal Veil Waterfall: Delicate cascade resembling wedding veil
- Steep cliffs: Rising 1,400m above the water
- Abandoned farms: Historic clinging farmsteads on cliffsides
Best viewpoints:
- Ørnesvingen (Eagle’s Bend): 620m above fjord
- Flydalsjuvet: Classic postcard view
- Dalsnibba: 1,476m summit with panoramic views (toll road)
Hardangerfjord: The Orchard Fjord
According to Visit Norway, Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in Norway, stretching 179 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean just south of Bergen to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. It’s famous for incredible springtime apple and cherry blossoms on steep hillsides—a national icon of Norway.
Hardangerfjord features:
- Fruit orchards: Norway’s largest fruit-producing region
- Cider production: Epicentre of Norwegian cider and fruit juice
- Sørfjord arm: Access point for Trolltunga hike
- Eidfjord arm: Near famous Vøringsfossen waterfall
- Folgefonna Glacier: Third-largest glacier in mainland Norway
Best time to visit: Mid-May for fruit blossoms; June-August for hiking and waterfalls
Lysefjord: The Adventure Fjord
Located just over an hour from Stavanger, Lysefjord is perhaps the most accessible famous fjord for international visitors. Stavanger Airport is a busy hub, making this an excellent choice if you’re short on time but want dramatic fjord scenery.
Why Lysefjord is famous:
According to Much Better Adventures, Lysefjord is popular because it’s the setting for not one, but two of Norway’s most iconic hikes:
-
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): Flat-topped cliff 604m above the fjord
- 8km round-trip hike
- 500m elevation gain
- Moderately difficult
- 4-5 hours total
-
Kjeragbolten: Famous boulder wedged between cliffs
- 11km round-trip hike
- 570m elevation gain
- Challenging terrain
- 5-6 hours total
| Fjord | Length | Depth | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lysefjord | 42 km | 497 m | Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten |
| Access | Stavanger | 1 hour | Ferry or cruise |
Nærøyfjord: UNESCO Treasure
Nærøyfjord is a branch of Sognefjord and one of the world’s narrowest navigable fjords—just 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, with cliffs rising 1,700 metres on either side. Together with Geirangerfjord, it forms the UNESCO World Heritage site “West Norwegian Fjords.”
Experience Nærøyfjord:
- Cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm (2 hours)
- Kayaking for intimate perspective
- Part of Norway in a Nutshell® tour
- Winter cruises in soft, magical light
Other Remarkable Fjords
Trollfjorden (Northern Norway)
A narrow, dramatic fjord in Lofoten accessible by Hurtigruten coastal voyage. Ships navigate the 2km-long, 100m-wide passage between steep 1,000m cliffs—a highlight of any coastal cruise.
Hjørundfjord
One of Norway’s most pristine fjords, surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps. Less touristy than famous fjords, offering authentic Norwegian fjord experience.
Nordfjord
Home to Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier on mainland Europe. Offers glacier hiking, the famous Loen Skylift, and Via Ferrata adventures.
Romsdalsfjord
Gateway to the Trollstigen mountain road and dramatic peaks of Romsdalen valley. Popular for climbing and hiking.
How to Experience the Fjords
Fjord Cruises
Popular cruise options:
According to Fjord Tours, winner of World Travel Awards - Norway’s Leading Tour Operator 2026, several options exist:
-
Norway in a Nutshell®: Iconic tour combining UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord with Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway—what Lonely Planet calls the best train journey in the world.
-
Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage: 12-day cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes, visiting 34 ports and countless fjords.
-
Havila Voyages: Modern, eco-friendly ships on the same coastal route.
-
Day cruises: Shorter experiences from Bergen, Flåm, or Geiranger.
Scenic Railways
Flåm Railway: Descends 863m over 20km through spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. Stops at Kjosfossen waterfall. One of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge tracks.
Bergen Railway: Crosses Hardangervidda plateau between Oslo and Bergen—one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys.
Find Fjord CruisesHiking Near Fjords
The fjord region is a hiking paradise. Top trails include:
| Hike | Fjord | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preikestolen | Lysefjord | Moderate | 4-5 hrs |
| Trolltunga | Hardangerfjord | Challenging | 10-12 hrs |
| Kjeragbolten | Lysefjord | Challenging | 5-6 hrs |
| Reinebringen | Reinefjord (Lofoten) | Moderate | 2-3 hrs |
| Romsdalseggen | Romsdalsfjord | Moderate-Hard | 6-8 hrs |
Kayaking
Kayaking offers the most intimate fjord experience—paddling beneath towering cliffs, approaching waterfalls, and exploring hidden inlets inaccessible to larger vessels. Popular kayaking fjords include Nærøyfjord, Geirangerfjord, and Hjørundfjord.
Best Time to Visit Norwegian Fjords
Summer (June-August)
Advantages:
- Warmest weather (15-25°C / 59-77°F)
- Longest daylight (up to 20 hours)
- All hiking trails open
- Full ferry and cruise schedules
- Midnight sun in northern fjords
Disadvantages:
- Peak tourist season
- Higher prices
- Crowded popular spots
Shoulder Season (May & September)
Advantages:
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Beautiful spring blossoms (May)
- Autumn colours (September)
- Pleasant hiking conditions
Disadvantages:
- Some attractions have limited hours
- Cooler temperatures
- Unpredictable weather
Winter (October-April)
Advantages:
- Magical snowy landscapes
- Northern lights in northern fjords
- Minimal crowds
- Lowest prices
- Unique “soft winter light”
Disadvantages:
- Many hiking trails closed
- Limited daylight
- Some fjord communities have reduced services
- Colder temperatures
Planning Your Fjord Trip
Base Cities
Bergen: According to Rick Steves, Bergen is an excellent starting point for the fjords. It’s the gateway to Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and numerous fjord cruises.
Stavanger: Best base for Lysefjord and the famous Preikestolen/Kjeragbolten hikes.
Ålesund: Gateway to Geirangerfjord and the Art Nouveau city experience.
Oslo: Starting point for scenic railway journeys crossing to fjord country.
How Long to Spend
| Experience | Minimum Time |
|---|---|
| Day cruise | 1 day |
| Norway in a Nutshell | 1-2 days |
| One fjord properly | 2-3 days |
| Multiple fjords | 5-7 days |
| Comprehensive tour | 10-14 days |
Transportation Options
- Organised tours: Easiest option, all logistics handled
- Public transport: Trains, buses, and ferries connect major points
- Car hire: Maximum flexibility for exploring
- Coastal cruise: See multiple fjords without driving
Activities Beyond Cruising
Glacier Experiences
Visit Jostedalsbreen (Europe’s largest mainland glacier) or Folgefonna for guided glacier walks, blue ice hikes, or summer skiing.
Waterfall Viewing
Norway has countless spectacular waterfalls near fjords:
- Vøringsfossen: 182m drop near Hardangerfjord
- Seven Sisters: Seven streams in Geirangerfjord
- Kjosfossen: Visible from Flåm Railway
- Steinsdalsfossen: Walk behind the waterfall
Historic Sites
- Urnes Stave Church: UNESCO World Heritage, oldest stave church
- Bryggen, Bergen: UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf
- Historic farms: Abandoned cliff-side farms in Geirangerfjord
Fruit Farm Visits
In Hardangerfjord region, visit fruit farms for cider tasting, orchard tours, and local produce—especially magical during May blossom season.
Practical Tips
Packing Essentials
- Layers (weather changes quickly)
- Rain jacket (fjord weather is wet)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera with good zoom
- Motion sickness medication (for cruises)
Money-Saving Tips
- Book fjord tours in advance for discounts
- Stay in fjord villages rather than cities
- Pack picnic lunches
- Use public transport with passes
- Visit in shoulder season (May/September)
Fjord Etiquette
- Respect private property (allemannsretten has limits)
- Stay on marked trails
- Pack out all rubbish
- Don’t disturb wildlife
- Be quiet near nesting areas
Combining Fjords with Other Experiences
Fjords + Northern Lights
Visit fjords in Northern Norway (Tromsø region, Lofoten) during aurora season (September-March) for the ultimate Norwegian experience.
Fjords + Cities
Combine fjord visits with:
- Bergen’s Hanseatic history
- Oslo’s Viking museums
- Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture
- Stavanger’s old town
Fjords + Wildlife
Spot seals, porpoises, and occasionally whales in the fjords. Northern Norway fjords offer better whale-watching opportunities.
Explore Hurtigruten VoyagesFinal Thoughts
The Norwegian fjords represent nature at its most dramatic—proof that our planet can create landscapes almost too beautiful to believe. Whether you cruise Geirangerfjord’s steep cliffs, hike to Preikestolen’s dizzying edge above Lysefjord, or simply watch the light play across Nærøyfjord’s narrow waters, these ancient glacial valleys will leave you awestruck. With careful planning, you can experience multiple fjords, combining cruises with scenic railways and hiking for the complete Norwegian adventure.
For official information, visit Visit Norway Fjords Guide and Fjord Tours.