At a Glance
Quick OverviewStretching 205 kilometres from the open sea to the foot of three national parks, Sognefjord earns its title as the “King of the Fjords.” Norway’s longest and deepest fjord plunges to 1,308 metres at its deepest point whilst towering mountains and cascading waterfalls line its shores. From the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to medieval stave churches, from Europe’s largest glacier to one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, Sognefjord delivers the essential Norwegian fjord experience.
According to Visit Norway, the Sognefjord is “the longest and deepest fjord in Norway,” stretching from Solund in the west to Skjolden at the foot of the Jotunheimen, Jostedalsbreen, and Breheimen national parks.
Understanding Sognefjord
Scale and Geography
The Sognefjord system is vast:
| Measurement | Figure |
|---|---|
| Length | 205 km (127 miles) |
| Maximum depth | 1,308 m (4,291 ft) |
| Width | 250 m to 6 km |
| Major branches | Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Lusterfjord, Fjærlandsfjord |
| Surrounding parks | Jotunheimen, Jostedalsbreen, Breheimen |
Fjord Arms
Sognefjord branches into numerous arms, each with distinct character:
Nærøyfjord (UNESCO):
- Narrowest point just 250 metres wide
- Steep cliffs rise 1,700 metres
- Classic cruise route from Flåm to Gudvangen
Aurlandsfjord:
- Gateway from main fjord to Flåm and Nærøyfjord
- Aurland and Flåm villages
- Scenic viewpoints
Lusterfjord:
- Deepest section (1,308 metres)
- Access to Jostedalsbreen glacier
- Urnes Stave Church
Fjærlandsfjord:
- Norwegian Book Town (Fjærland)
- Glacier Museum
- Access to Jostedalsbreen branches
The Flåm Railway
One of the World’s Most Beautiful Train Journeys
The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) connects the fjord village of Flåm with Myrdal station on the Oslo-Bergen railway, climbing from sea level to 867 metres in just 20 kilometres.
Journey highlights:
- 20 tunnels (18 hand-carved)
- 80% gradient sections
- Kjosfossen waterfall stop
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- One hour each way
Lonely Planet named the Flåm Railway “the world’s most incredible train journey” in 2014.
Practical Information
Schedule:
- Year-round operation
- Multiple daily departures
- More frequent in summer
Cost: Approximately NOK 490 (£38) one way
Tips:
- Sit on the left side ascending for best views
- Descending, sit on the right
- Book ahead in peak season
- Combine with Nærøyfjord cruise
Nærøyfjord Cruise
UNESCO-Listed Fjord Experience
The cruise through Nærøyfjord between Flåm and Gudvangen (or reverse) showcases the most dramatic fjord scenery accessible by boat.
Route highlights:
- Depart Flåm through Aurlandsfjord
- Enter narrow Nærøyfjord
- Sheer cliffs rise 1,700 metres
- Waterfalls cascade from heights
- Arrive Gudvangen (2 hours)
Cruise Options
Classic fjord cruise:
- 2 hours one way
- Year-round operation
- Multiple daily departures
- Can transport bicycles
Future of the Fjords (Electric):
- Zero-emission vessel
- Silent, eco-friendly
- Premium experience
- Minimises environmental impact
Premium Fjord Cruise:
- Upgraded vessel
- Enhanced comfort
- Catering available
Combining with Flåm Railway
The classic combination:
- Train from Myrdal to Flåm
- Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen
- Bus from Gudvangen to Voss
- Train from Voss to Bergen or Oslo
This forms the basis of the “Norway in a Nutshell” and “Sognefjord in a Nutshell” tours.
Charming Fjord Villages
Flåm
The most visited village in Sognefjord, Flåm serves as the hub for the Flåm Railway and fjord cruises.
Highlights:
- Flåm Railway terminus
- Fjord cruise departure
- Flåm Railway Museum
- Ægir Brewpub (Viking-themed)
- Njardarheimr Viking Village
- Outdoor activities base
Balestrand
The artistic heart of Sognefjord, Balestrand attracted painters and artists in the 19th century and retains its creative atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Historic Kviknes Hotel
- St. Olaf’s Church (English-style)
- Artist galleries
- Ciderhuset cider house
- Fjord views
- Easy access by express boat
Aurland
Sister village to Flåm with a quieter atmosphere and dramatic viewpoints.
Highlights:
- Stegastein viewpoint (spectacular!)
- Historic church
- Aurlandsdalen valley hiking
- Local food producers
- Less crowded than Flåm
Undredal
Perhaps Norway’s most photogenic tiny village, Undredal inspired Disney’s Arendelle in “Frozen.”
Highlights:
- Population of approximately 100
- Famous goat cheese production
- Smallest stave church in Scandinavia (40 seats)
- Accessible by kayak, ferry, or road tunnel
- Authentic fjord atmosphere
Lærdal
Historic trading town with remarkable preserved wooden architecture.
Highlights:
- 150+ preserved wooden houses (16th-17th century)
- Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre
- Borgund Stave Church (nearby)
- Road connections to Oslo and Bergen
- Lærdal Tunnel (world’s longest road tunnel)
Fjærland
The Norwegian Book Town, surrounded by glaciers and literature.
Highlights:
- Multiple secondhand bookshops
- Norwegian Glacier Museum
- Access to Jostedalsbreen glacier arms
- Flatbreen and Bøyabreen glaciers
- Express boat connection from Balestrand
Solvorn
Idyllic village home to Norway’s oldest hotel in continuous operation.
Highlights:
- Walaker Hotel (since 1690)
- Car-free centre
- Ferry to Urnes Stave Church
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Traditional character
Historic Stave Churches
Urnes Stave Church (UNESCO)
The oldest stave church in Norway, dating to approximately 1130 CE, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features:
- Viking-era wood carvings
- Oldest surviving stave church
- Combines Christian and Norse motifs
- Stunning fjord setting
- Guided tours available
Access: Ferry from Solvorn, then short walk uphill
Borgund Stave Church
The best-preserved stave church in Norway, near Lærdal.
Features:
- Built around 1180 CE
- Remarkably complete original structure
- Distinctive multi-tiered roof
- Dragon heads and carved details
- Visitor centre with exhibitions
Access: Easy road access from Lærdal
Glacier Experiences
Jostedalsbreen
Europe’s largest mainland glacier lies at Sognefjord’s eastern reaches.
Accessible glacier arms:
Nigardsbreen:
- Most popular glacier hike
- Guided walks on ice
- Blue ice caves
- Boat trip across glacier lake
- Equipment provided
Flatbreen:
- Near Fjærland
- Glacier viewpoint
- Short hike to glacier front
Bøyabreen:
- Near Fjærland
- Road access to viewpoint
- Norwegian Glacier Museum nearby
Glacier Safety
Always join guided tours for glacier hiking. Crevasses and ice conditions require professional guidance and proper equipment. Multiple operators offer tours ranging from easy walks to advanced ice climbing.
Explore Glacier ToursActivities and Adventures
Hiking
The Sognefjord region offers world-class hiking:
Aurlandsdalen Valley:
- “Grand Canyon of Norway”
- Multi-day trek
- Historic route
- Mountain lodges
Vettisfossen:
- Norway’s highest unregulated waterfall (275 metres)
- Moderate day hike
- Stunning scenery
Molden:
- Panoramic Sognefjord views
- Moderate difficulty
- Popular local hike
The King’s Road:
- Historic postal route
- Connects Lærdal to Aurland
- Multi-day option
Water Activities
Kayaking:
- Guided fjord tours
- Multi-day expeditions
- Calm protected waters
- Wildlife viewing
RIB Boat Safaris:
- High-speed fjord exploration
- Nærøyfjord access
- Waterfall approaches
- Year-round operation
Fishing:
- Fjord fishing
- River fishing (salmon)
- Guided trips available
Viking Experiences
Njardarheimr Viking Village (Flåm):
- Reconstructed Viking settlement
- Interactive exhibits
- Archery and axe throwing
- Traditional crafts
- Year-round operation
Getting to Sognefjord
From Bergen (2-3 hours)
By car:
- E16 through Voss to Flåm/Aurland
- Scenic mountain drive
- Or ferry from Bergen to Sognefjord villages
By train + boat:
- Bergen Railway to Myrdal
- Flåm Railway to Flåm
- Classic scenic route
From Oslo (4-5 hours)
By car:
- E16 via Lærdal Tunnel
- Through mountain scenery
- Direct route to Lærdal/Aurland/Flåm
By train + boat:
- Oslo to Myrdal
- Flåm Railway to Flåm
- Norway in a Nutshell route
Express Boats
Norled operates express boat services:
- Bergen to Sognefjord villages
- Between Sognefjord communities
- Seasonal schedules
Airports
- Bergen (Flesland): 2-3 hours by car
- Sogndal Airport: Local airport (note: runway resurfacing summer 2026)
- Oslo (Gardermoen): 5-6 hours by car
Where to Stay
By Village
Flåm:
- Fretheim Hotel (historic, fjord views)
- Flåm Marina & Apartments
- Heimly Pensjonat
- Budget hostels and camping
Balestrand:
- Kviknes Hotel (historic landmark)
- Midtnes Hotel
- Guesthouses and cabins
Aurland:
- Aurland Fjordhotell
- 29|2 Aurland (boutique)
- Holiday rentals
Solvorn:
- Walaker Hotel (historic)
- Eplet B&B
- Peaceful atmosphere
Accommodation Tips
- Book summer accommodations months ahead
- Historic hotels offer character
- Many villages have camping
- Self-catering cottages available
- Express boats enable village-hopping without car
Sample Itineraries
Day Trip (Norway in a Nutshell)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Train from Bergen/Oslo to Myrdal |
| Mid-morning | Flåm Railway to Flåm |
| Lunch | Flåm village |
| Afternoon | Nærøyfjord cruise to Gudvangen |
| Late afternoon | Bus to Voss, train to Bergen/Oslo |
3-Day Sognefjord Experience
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Flåm, Flåm Railway, village exploration |
| 2 | Nærøyfjord cruise, Undredal visit, kayaking |
| 3 | Express boat to Balestrand, explore, departure |
Week in Sognefjord
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Flåm area: railway, cruise, Viking village |
| 3 | Aurland: Stegastein, Aurlandsdalen hiking |
| 4 | Express boat to Fjærland: glaciers, Book Town |
| 5 | Balestrand: art, cider, relaxation |
| 6 | Solvorn and Urnes Stave Church |
| 7 | Lærdal and Borgund Stave Church, departure |
Practical Information
Costs
Sognefjord is moderately expensive:
- Flåm Railway: NOK 490 (~£38) one way
- Nærøyfjord cruise: NOK 550-750 (~£43-58)
- Glacier hike: NOK 700-1,500 (~£54-116)
- Restaurant meal: NOK 200-400 (~£15-31)
- Hotel room: NOK 1,200-2,500 (~£93-193)/night
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August):
- All services operating
- Best weather
- Longest days
- Peak crowds at popular spots
Shoulder season (May, September):
- Fewer tourists
- Good weather possible
- Most services available
- Lower prices
Winter (October-April):
- Flåm Railway operates year-round
- Limited ferry services
- Mountain roads may close
- Dramatic winter scenery
- Ski touring opportunities
Weather
- Summer: 15-22°C typical
- Rain possible year-round
- Microclimates vary by location
- Pack layers and rain gear
- Check Yr.no for forecasts
Final Advice
Sognefjord rewards those who venture beyond the most popular stops. Whilst the Flåm Railway and Nærøyfjord cruise deliver spectacular experiences, the true character of the region reveals itself in quieter villages like Undredal and Solvorn, on glacier hikes at Jostedalsbreen, and inside the ancient wooden walls of Urnes and Borgund stave churches.
Plan for at least two or three days to scratch the surface—a week allows proper exploration of this vast fjord system. Whether you arrive by scenic railway, drive through dramatic mountain passes, or cruise in by express boat, the King of the Fjords will demonstrate exactly how it earned that title.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Norway and Visit Sognefjord. Last updated January 2026.