At a Glance
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Sognefjord
Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, extending 204 kilometers inland from the coast to the village of Skjolden. Known as the “King of the Fjords,” Sognefjord reaches depths of 1,308 meters—deeper than any other fjord in the country. Its branches include UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, home to the village of Flam and the famous Flam Railway.
This guide covers Sognefjord’s geography, how to visit, major branches and villages, cruise options, and the Norway in a Nutshell experience.
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From Flam: Scenic Fjord Cruise on Naeroyfjord
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Understanding Sognefjord
Geography and Branches
Sognefjord is not a single waterway but a complex system of main channels and side branches. The main fjord runs east-west, with major branches extending north and south:
Major branches:
- Naeroyfjord: UNESCO World Heritage Site, 17 km long, 250 m wide at narrowest
- Aurlandsfjord: 29 km long, connects to Flam village
- Lusterfjord: Reaches the deepest point (1,308 m), extends to Skjolden
- Sogndalsfjord: Access to Sogndal, regional center
- Fjaerlandsfjord: Gateway to Jostedalsbreen glacier
Formation
Like all Norwegian fjords, Sognefjord was carved by glacial action over approximately 2.5 million years. Ice sheets thousands of meters thick eroded the bedrock, creating the characteristic U-shaped profile. When glaciers retreated roughly 10,000 years ago, seawater filled the carved valleys.
How to Reach Sognefjord
Norway in a Nutshell Route
The most popular approach combines multiple transport modes:
- Bergen Railway: Bergen to Myrdal (2.5 hours)
- Flam Railway: Myrdal to Flam (1 hour)
- Fjord Cruise: Flam to Gudvangen via Naeroyfjord (2 hours)
- Bus: Gudvangen to Voss (1 hour)
- Train: Voss to Bergen (1.5 hours)
This circuit can be completed in one day or extended with overnight stays.
By Car
From Bergen (170 km to Flam):
- Route via E16 through Voss
- Approximately 3 hours
- Year-round access
From Oslo (350 km to Flam):
- Route via E16 through Laerdal
- Approximately 5 hours
- Laerdal Tunnel (24.5 km, world’s longest road tunnel)
By Express Boat
Norled operates express boats from Bergen to Sognefjord villages including Vik, Balestrand, and Flam.
By Train and Flam Railway
The Flam Railway descends 863 meters over 20 kilometers from Myrdal station to Flam, averaging a 5.5% gradient. The journey takes approximately one hour and includes a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.
Explore Norwegian Fjords GuideMajor Destinations
Flam
Flam village sits at the inner end of Aurlandsfjord, serving as the terminus for the Flam Railway and departure point for fjord cruises.
Facilities:
- Flam Railway station and museum
- Ferry terminal for Naeroyfjord cruises
- Hotels, camping, restaurants
- Visitor center
- Aegir Brewpub (Viking-themed microbrewery)
Population: Approximately 350 permanent residents
Gudvangen
At the innermost point of Naeroyfjord, Gudvangen is a small village known for its Viking heritage.
- Njardarheimr Viking Village (reconstructed settlement)
- Ferry connection to Flam
- Bus connection to Voss
- Limited services outside tourist season
Balestrand
A historic tourism destination since the 1800s, Balestrand features traditional Norwegian architecture and Kviknes Hotel (established 1877).
- Art galleries and craft shops
- English Church (St. Olaf’s)
- Norwegian Glacier Museum connection
- Year-round ferry services
Sogndal
The largest town in the Sognefjord region with approximately 8,000 residents. Sogndal functions as a regional center with:
- Airport with Oslo connections
- University college campus
- Shopping and services
- Gateway to Jostedalsbreen glacier
Skjolden
At the innermost end of Sognefjord, Skjolden marks the point where fjord meets mountain. The village is a starting point for:
- Jostedalsbreen glacier access
- Urnes Stave Church (UNESCO, oldest in Norway)
- Hiking into Jotunheimen National Park
Naeroyfjord: UNESCO Branch
Naeroyfjord deserves special attention as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Geirangerfjord.
Characteristics
- Length: 17 kilometers
- Minimum width: 250 meters
- Cliffs rising 1,700 meters from water
- Numerous waterfalls (most dramatic in spring)
- Minimal development along shores
Experiencing Naeroyfjord
Ferry cruise (Flam-Gudvangen):
- Duration: 2 hours
- Multiple daily departures May-September
- Reduced schedule winter
- Electric vessel Future of the Fjords available
Kayaking:
- Guided tours available from Gudvangen
- Independent kayaking possible for experienced paddlers
- Calm waters in fjord interior
Flam Railway (Flamsbana)
The Flam Railway ranks among Norway’s most popular attractions, carrying over 1 million passengers annually.
Route Details
| Station | Elevation | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Myrdal | 866 m | Connection to Bergen Railway |
| Vatnahalsen | 811 m | Historic hotel |
| Reinunga | 546 m | Engineering viewpoint |
| Kjosfossen | 669 m | Waterfall stop (5 min) |
| Blomheller | 340 m | Valley views |
| Berekvam | 343 m | Passing loop |
| Dalsbotn | 39 m | Lower valley |
| Flam | 2 m | Fjord terminus |
Engineering
Built between 1923 and 1940, the railway includes:
- 20 tunnels (5,692 meters total)
- Gradients up to 5.5%
- 80% of track below 5% grade
- One tunnel with 180-degree spiral inside mountain
Activities Around Sognefjord
Hiking
Stegastein viewpoint:
- 30-meter platform extending over Aurlandsfjord
- 650 meters above fjord
- Car access from Flam (30 minutes)
Rimstigen trail:
- Historic postal route
- Views over Naeroyfjord
- 4-5 hours
Beitelen viewpoint:
- Above Gudvangen
- Challenging terrain
- Full-day hike
Glacier Access
Sognefjord provides access to Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe’s largest glacier:
- Nigardsbreen: Most accessible glacier arm, guided walks available
- Boyabreen: Viewable from valley floor
- Supphellebreen: Less visited, requires longer approach
Cycling
The Rallarvegen (Navvy Road) follows the construction route of the Bergen Railway, running from Finse to Flam. The 82-kilometer route descends through mountain terrain to fjord level.
Practical Information
When to Visit
| Season | Conditions | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Snow, limited services | Some attractions closed |
| Spring | Waterfalls peak flow | Variable weather |
| Summer | Full services, long days | Crowds, book ahead |
| Autumn | Fewer crowds, colors | Reduced schedules |
Accommodation
Book summer accommodation well in advance, particularly in Flam. Options include:
- Hotels in Flam, Balestrand, Sogndal
- Historic properties (Walaker Hotel, Kviknes Hotel)
- Cabins and camping
- Airbnb/vacation rentals
Transportation Within Region
- Car ferries cross fjord at several points
- Express boats connect villages
- Local buses (limited schedules)
- Rental cars available in Sogndal
Connecting to Other Attractions
From Sognefjord, travelers can access:
- Bergen: 3 hours by car, train connections
- Jostedalsbreen Glacier: 1-2 hours to glacier arms
- Jotunheimen National Park: Via Luster/Skjolden
- Geirangerfjord: 4-5 hours via Stryn or ferries
- Hardangerfjord: 3 hours via Voss
For broader context on Norwegian fjords, see our complete fjord guide.
Information sourced from Visit Norway, Fjord Tours, and regional tourism authorities. Services and schedules vary seasonally—verify current information before travel. Last updated January 2026.