Norway’s coastline hides some of Europe’s most dramatic sights. Deep blue fjords cut into mountains, and ferries glide past waterfalls. If you want a trip that mixes nature and simple logistics, fjords in Norway should be on your bucket list. Norwegian trains and boats connect many of these valleys, and well marked trails lead to famous viewpoints of the fjords. Interested to learn more? You are at the right place! In this guide, we will go through where to find the best fjords in Norway, and recommend the best time to visit with a few local tips. By the end, you will know exactly where to go to spot the best fjords in Norway!
Key takeaways
- Summer brings the best weather and full services across fjords in Norway, offering convenience to travellers.
- The best fjords in Norway are located on the western coast, from Stavanger to Ålesund, while others are scattered in the north and the south.
- Fjords to visit in Western Norway are Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and Hardangerfjord.
- Northern West Norway offers fjords such as Geirangerfjord, Trollfjord, Nordfjord, and Romsdalsfjord.
- Oslofjord and Lysefjord are the best fjords to see in Southern Norway.
What are Fjords in Norway?
Fjords are long narrow sea inlets carved by ice age glaciers. When the ice retreated, the sea flooded the deep valleys and left steep sides and flat water. Many of the best known fjords sit in Western Norway from Stavanger to Ålesund. Others continue north into Nordland and Troms. These inlets are very deep and very long. So that is why the views feel so dramatic!
Norwegian locals enjoy the fjords in daily life. People commute by boat, and families work on the fields. In Hardanger, for example, there are fruit farms that produce award winning cider! The best months for visitors are June, July and August when the weather is milder, and services run often. For strong waterfalls and fewer crowds, late May or early September also works well. Now that we know what fjords are, let’s check out where you can find them!
Fjords in Southern West Norway
The western region of Norway houses iconic locations that many travelers picture when they think of fjords in Norway.
Sognefjord
Sognefjord is nicknamed as the king of Norwegian fjords. It runs about 205 kilometers from the coast to Skjolden, and drops to more than 1300 meters at its deepest point. It is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Small villages like Balestrand and Leikanger sit on calm shores. The fjord links to the Jostedalsbreen glacier region and several narrow arms, so travelling is simple. Express boats link Bergen with towns along the water, while trains and buses connect to valleys near the head.
Nærøyfjord
Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a slender arm of Sognefjord. It is about 18 kilometers long, and only 250 meters across at its narrowest point. Sheer walls rise above the water and tiny farms sit above them. There are lots of new cruises that bring travellers to this beautiful fjord, so adding this destination to your fjord hopping itinerary is not a problem. Many visitors pair their cruises with a scenic bus road between Gudvangen and Flåm. You can enjoy a full day of classic Norwegian views with easy logistics.
Aurlandsfjord
Aurlandsfjord is another branch of Sognefjord. It stretches about 29 kilometers to the village of Flåm. Mountains rise steeply, and the water is deep and calm. From Flåm, you can board the Flåm Railway to Myrdal and connect to the Bergen Line for a scenic route. The ride climbs quickly past waterfalls and high farms, and is often named among the world’s great train trips! Combine the train with a boat on Aurlandsfjord to fully experience its natural charm, in both the mountains and the water.
Hardangerfjord
Hardangerfjord is Norway’s second longest fjord at 179 kilometers. The area is famous for fruit trees that blossom in May, and for the Folgefonna glacier on a scenic peninsula. Easy roads and ferries link small towns along the water, so this fjord hosts lots of tourists during peak seasons. Cider tasting has become a highlight with a protected local label, so you can have high expectations for both the landscape and the tasty cider! Hikers come for the views above Sørfjorden, and for stunning valley walks near Odda. If you would like additional day trips, find your base in Bergen or Norheimsund for flexible transportation.
Fjords in Northern West Norway
Next, let’s head north along the western coast for tall peaks and cosy valley villages.
Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord is short in length but huge in fame. This 15 kilometer long site is one of the most visited fjords in Norway. It is a branch of Storfjorden, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing together with Nærøyfjord. There is a car ferry between Geiranger and Hellesy that works as both a sightseeing cruise and a form of transportation. It passes beneath high cliffs and several well known waterfalls, offering one of the best views in the country. The village of Geiranger sits at the head, and serves as a compact base for many travellers. From here, you can easily travel on the roads that climb to unforgettable viewpoints and cosy farms.
Trollfjord
Trollfjord lies between Lofoten and Vesterålen and is a perfect example of a narrow Arctic fjord. The entrance is only about 100 meters wide and the passage extends roughly two to three kilometers. There are no roads to the inner fjord, so you must join a boat. Hurtigruten ships often make a trip into the fjord in summer, so book your seats in advance to secure a prime spot for sightseeing. Expect huge scenery on a compact route, which is definitely a unique landscape compared to other fjords.
Nordfjord
Nordfjord is the sixth longest fjord in Norway at about 106 kilometers. The inner end touches the Jostedalsbreen ice, the biggest mainland glacier in Europe, and showcases famous side valleys. The fjord is 565 meters deep, and the Loen Skylift next to it climbs over 1,000 meters in minutes and opens broad views of the fjord and glaciers. Nearby, the path to Briksdal glacier offers a simple valley walk with a bespoke view.
Romsdalsfjord
Romsdalsfjord spreads through islands and high walls near Åndalsnes. The fjord is about 88 kilometers long, and the deepest part of the fjord goes down to 550 meters. Interestingly, this is a threshold-fjord, meaning it is separated from the ocean, which makes it a bit more special. You can take the Rauma Railway to see Trollveggen and the valley cliffs or walk to the Rampestreken platform above Åndalsnes for a skyline view of water and rock. Roads to Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road also start within reach, which makes this a fine hub for many travellers.
Fjords in Southern Norway
Finally, round out your map with these southern giant showstoppers.
Oslofjord
Oslofjord stretches from the capital city to the open Skagerrak strait. It is about 120 kilometers long and lined with islands, beaches, and small coastal towns. Unlike the steep mountain fjords of the west, Oslofjord offers gentle shores and plenty of spots for swimming, kayaking, and island hopping in the summer. Many ferries run between Oslo and nearby islands such as Hovedøya and Gressholmen. This fjord is a great first stop if you start your journey in Oslo, allowing you to combine urban sightseeing with nature on the same day. Check out our guide on how to plan your trip during summer in Oslo.
Lysefjord
Lysefjord runs about 42 kilometers east of Stavanger. Cliffs drop almost straight to the water and the fjord is over 400 meters deep. Two hikes draw visitors from around the world: Preikestolen rises about 600 meters above the fjord and offers a wide flat top. Kjerag sits higher at 1084 meters and features the famous boulder wedged in a gap. Choose guided hikes if you prefer a smooth journey, so do check out our custom tours for Norwegian fjords and hikes.
Conclusion
You now have a clear route through the most compelling fjords in Norway. Start with the Sogne area for classic arms and easy rail and boat links. Continue north for peaks and UNESCO views. Then add Lysefjord or Trollfjord to complete the picture. If you want a seamless plan with local insight, join Amitylux for a private tour that starts in Oslo and then follows your interests. Also, don’t forget to check out the top restaurants in Oslo before your journey to ensure the best meals. Can’t wait to see you soon on the fjords in Norway!
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of Norway are the fjords?
Most famous fjords sit in Western Norway from Stavanger past Bergen to Ålesund. Others extend north into Nordland and beyond the Arctic Circle.
Which is the most beautiful fjord in Norway?
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord share a UNESCO listing for scenic value. Both fjords combine high walls and waterfalls that draw in countless travellers who are amazed by the landscape.
What is the best month to go to the Norwegian fjords?
June is a sweet spot. The weather is milder. Services are fully open. Waterfalls still run strong after the spring melt. July and August also work but feel busier.
What is special about Norwegian fjords?
Fjords in Norway offer unique landscapes.They are deep glacial valleys flooded by the sea with steep mountains that rise right from the water. A few reach extreme lengths and depths, which creates rare views that you can’t find elsewhere!
