Norway’s long coastline is lined with more than a thousand fjords, each with its own character. These long, narrow sea inlets hold some of the finest scenery in the country. We run tours like this one to the Norwegian fjords. Here are some of the best.
Geirangerfjord
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the best known of Norway’s fjords. It lies in the Sunnmøre region, with towering peaks above deep blue water, and is a highlight of any trip to Norway. It is famous for the Seven Sisters, seven waterfalls that drop about 250 metres into the fjord. Two well-placed viewpoints, the Bridal Veil and the Suitor, are favourites with photographers, along with the Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba and Flydalsjuvet.
Sognefjord
Known as the king of the fjords for its size, Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway at 205 kilometres, and the second-longest in the world. It is remarkable for its length and depth, and for its height too: a mountain range to the south-east rises 2,000 metres above the water. It is a fine place to explore Norway’s wilderness, taking in two well-known parks, Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen. You can hike the mountain trails and visit Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe.
Nærøyfjord
This 17-kilometre fjord, about 250 metres wide at its narrowest, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an arm of the larger Sognefjord. Ringed by waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, it is unusually narrow, which brings you close to the landscape and makes it popular for cruises. Most visitors combine Nærøyfjord with Aurlandsfjord, the eastern arm of Sognefjord, on a single two-hour ferry trip, and kayaking here is a good way to escape the crowds.
Lysefjord
Lysefjord is famous for Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, a flat wedge of rock about 604 metres above the water. Along this 25-kilometre fjord you can also take in unusual rock formations and the world’s longest wooden stairway, the Flørli steps, with 4,444 of them. The area is full of hiking trails and viewpoints. The village of Forsand, at the mouth of the fjord, is a good base for exploring and for reaching Lysebotn and Flørli.
Trollfjord
Trollfjord is tiny, only about 2 kilometres long and 100 metres wide, but it makes up for its size with drama. It can be entered only by boat, which makes for a striking arrival. The surrounding peaks reach about 1,100 metres, and its dark, still water often reflects the sea eagles that circle overhead. You can reach it on a cruise or boat trip with Hurtigruten.
Hjørundfjord
One of the least-visited fjords in Norway, Hjørundfjord is ringed by the sharp peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, with forested slopes that give it an alpine feel. Along this 35-kilometre fjord the peaks reach about 1,500 metres above the water. Though few visitors come, it is easy to reach on a day trip from Ålesund, and the small villages along it are worth a stop. There is good hiking here, with bases at Barstadvik, Sykkylven, Ytre Standal, Ørsta, Stordal, Stranda and Volda.
Hardangerfjord
At 180 kilometres, Hardangerfjord is the third-longest fjord in the world and the second-longest in Norway after Sognefjord. The road along it makes for a fine drive. The village of Odda, at its head, is a good base for the outdoors and for the walk to Trolltunga. The waterway narrows inland, passing the Folgefonna national park and then the Hardangervidda plateau. The area offers plenty of hiking and other activities, along with wide views over the landscape.
Nordfjord
This 106-kilometre fjord is a popular cruise destination. Cruising it, you pass steep mountains, waterfalls and the Jostedalsbreen glacier. The town of Loen, known for the Loen Skylift, sits on Nordfjord; the lift carries you up Mount Hoven in about five minutes. The small village of Olden is a good base for hiking, cycling and skiing, and the Briksdal glacier is easy to reach from there. The area also has two notable old churches.
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