Norway Fjords Travel Guide – Best Fjords to Visit in Norway
The Norway fjords are among the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders and a must-visit destination for travelers seeking dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Towering peaks over 2,000 meters, spectacular rock formations, vast glaciers, and deep-blue fjords attract visitors from all over the world.
With more than 1,000 fjords across the country, the most famous ones can be found along the western coast in the region known as Fjord Norway. Here, charming villages are surrounded by waterfalls, valleys, and snow-capped mountains, each with its own local traditions and culinary specialties.
This guide is for you if you want to…
✓ decide which Norwegian fjords are actually worth visiting
✓ plan a fjord trip by car, cruise, or hiking routes
✓ avoid common mistakes first-time visitors make
✓ choose fjords that match your travel style and time frame
Scroll down to explore Norway’s most impressive fjords and how to experience them.
Discover the most beautiful Norway fjords, from Geirangerfjord to Sognefjord. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, waterfalls, glaciers, and scenic villages with this complete travel guide.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
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What do you need to know about fjords?
A fjord is a long, narrow inlet of the sea flanked by steep cliffs, created during the Ice Age when moving glaciers carved out the landscape. Today, these fjords are not only a geological marvel but also a playground for hiking, kayaking, scenic cruises, and cultural exploration.
From the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, to the mighty Sognefjord—Norway’s longest and deepest fjord – each destination offers unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for adventure on iconic hikes like Preikestolen, cultural insights in Viking villages, or peaceful boat trips between tiny fishing hamlets, exploring the Norway fjords is an unforgettable journey into nature’s masterpiece.
Special fjords
The longest fjords in the world:
Scoresby Sund, Greenland – 350 km
Sognefjord, Norway – 203 km
Hardangerfjord, Norway – 179 km
The deepest fjords in the world:
Skelton Inlet, Antarctica – 1,933 m
Sognefjord, Norway – 1,308 m
Messier Channel, Chile – 1,288 m
Norway’s most notable fjords
- Geirangerfjord: part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sognefjord: Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, also known as the “king of fjords”. The fjord branches into several smaller fjords, such as the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.
- Nærøyfjord: a branch of the Sognefjord, also part of the World Heritage Site
- Aurlandsfjord: one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines, the Flamsbana, starts at the end of the fjord
- Hardangerfjord: Norway’s fruit garden
- Lysefjord: home to the striking rocks of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag
- Nordfjord: home to one of the world’s steepest cable cars, the Loen Skylift
- Trollfjord: a fjord in northern Norway, only 3 kilometers long, but compensating for this with its dramatic beauty
Norway fjords map
Oslofjord
Gateway to Norway’s Fjords
Location: Eastern Norway (Østlandet/Austlandet), Oslo
Where to start: Oslo
While not as dramatic as the deep, glacially carved fjords of western Norway, the Oslofjord is one of the country’s most historically and culturally significant waterways. Stretching south from the capital city of Oslo into the Skagerrak strait, this fjord is dotted with small islands, charming coastal towns, and sandy beaches. It’s the perfect introduction to the Norwegian fjords, especially for travelers starting their journey in Oslo.
Kayaking and sailing are popular activities, while ferries connect Oslo to many picturesque spots along the fjord.
Where to stay near Oslofjord:
Thon Hotel Opera**** – Conveniently located near Oslo Central Station and the fjord promenade.
Oscarsborg Castle Hotel – A unique stay on an island fortress in the middle of the fjord.
👉 Start your Norwegian fjord adventure from Oslo and explore the hidden gems of the Oslofjord.
Pro Tip – Free Tours In Oslo
Join a free walking tour with Freetour.com and explore like a local!
Looking for a fun, affordable, and authentic way to discover a new city? Freetour offers a wide range of free walking tours led by passionate local guides — many of whom are independent, freelance professionals. Tours are usually held in English or the guide’s native language, and they’re a fantastic way to meet people and get a deeper understanding of the city’s history, culture, and daily life.
There’s no fixed price — you simply tip the guide at the end based on what you can afford and how much you enjoyed the experience. It’s flexible, fair, and fun!
Browse all free walking tours in Oslo here: Freetour – Oslo
Geirangerfjord
The Icon of Norway Fjords
Location: Western Norway (Vestlandet), Møre og Romsdal
Where to start: Ålesund
The Geirangerfjord is without a doubt one of the most famous Norway fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by steep, snow-covered mountains and lush green valleys, it offers a dramatic setting that attracts travelers year-round. Highlights include the famous waterfalls Seven Sisters, Suitor, and Bridal Veil, cascading down the cliffs into the fjord.
A fjord cruise is the best way to experience its beauty, but hiking trails such as Skageflå and Flydalsjuvet viewpoint also provide spectacular panoramas. In summer, kayaking is a popular activity, while winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland.
Where to stay near Geirangerfjord:
Hotel Union Geiranger**** – A historic hotel with panoramic fjord views, spa facilities, and outdoor pools.
Grande Fjord Hotel**** – Just outside Geiranger, this hotel combines comfort with breathtaking fjord views.
👉 Check the best stays in Geirangerfjord and plan your trip in advance.
Check out my complete Geirangerfjord travel guide for more inspiration
Popular boat trips
Why do I recommend Get Your Guide website or app? Because it offers free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Nordfjord
Adventure and Glaciers
Location: Western Norway (Vestlandet), Vestland
Where to start: Ålesund
Less crowded but equally stunning, the Nordfjord stretches from the coast deep into the mountains and glaciers. This fjord is perfect for those looking for a mix of adventure and authentic Norwegian culture. Activities range from glacier hiking on the Briksdal Glacier to exploring the dramatic Loen Skylift, which takes you from fjord level to 1,011 meters in just a few minutes.
The small towns around Nordfjord, such as Loen and Stryn, are known for their warm hospitality and excellent local cuisine. This makes Nordfjord an ideal choice for travelers seeking outdoor activities with fewer crowds than Geiranger.
Where to stay near Nordfjord:
Hotel Alexandra, Loen**** – Famous for its spa, pools, and location at the foot of the fjord.
Stryn Hotel – A more budget-friendly option with easy access to hiking and glacier excursions.
👉 Find the best accommodation deals around Nordfjord here.
Scandic Hotels – A Trusted Choice Across Scandinavia
If you’re traveling in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, or Finland, Scandic Hotels is a name you can count on. With properties in nearly every major city, Scandic is a popular choice among travelers for its consistent quality, excellent value, and reliable comfort.
Most locations offer a generous breakfast buffet included in the price, along with family-friendly amenities. Rooms are clean, modern, and straightforward, and the staff is known for being warm and helpful.
👉 Looking for a dependable hotel in Scandinavia? Check availability at Scandic Hotels here and book your stay with confidence!
Hardangerfjord
The Orchard of Norway
Location: Western Norway (Vestlandet), Hordaland
Where to start: Bergen or Stavanger
Hardangerfjord, often called “the orchard of Norway,” is the country’s second longest fjord, stretching 179 kilometers inland from the Atlantic coast. Known for its stunning scenery of glaciers, waterfalls, and fruit orchards, it is especially magical in spring when thousands of cherry and apple trees bloom along the fjord’s shores. In autumn, the region becomes a paradise for cider lovers, with many farms offering tastings of locally produced apple cider.
Highlights of Hardangerfjord include the mighty Folgefonna Glacier and the famous Vøringsfossen waterfall. The Hardangervidda National Park nearby offers endless hiking trails across one of Europe’s largest mountain plateaus, home to wild reindeer herds.
Where to stay near Hardangerfjord:
Hotel Ullensvang – A beautiful waterfront hotel with indoor/outdoor pools, spa, and panoramic fjord views.
Trolltunga Hotel, Odda – Perfect for hikers planning to tackle the famous Trolltunga hike
Explore more norway travel tips on my blog – Check it Now
Sognefjord
Norway’s King of Fjords
Location: Western Norway (Vestlandet), Møre og Romsdal
Where to start: Bergen
Known as the “King of the Norway fjords,” the Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in the country, stretching 204 km inland. Its sheer size and beauty make it one of Norway’s top natural wonders. The fjord branches into several smaller fjords, such as the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, where steep cliffs rise dramatically on both sides.
The region is a paradise for nature lovers: you can visit the Nigardsbreen Glacier, take scenic train rides on the famous Flåm Railway, or explore charming fjordside villages like Balestrand. Boat tours, fjord kayaking, and hiking trails are all excellent ways to experience the grandeur of Sognefjord.
Where to stay near Sognefjord:
Fretheim Hotel, Flåm**** – A stylish hotel next to the railway and ferry terminal with fjord views.
Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand**** – A historic waterfront hotel with classic Norwegian charm.
👉 Browse top-rated hotels around Sognefjord to make the most of your visit.
Car rental – Tip
Search and book a car on one of the popular search portals and find the best deal for you!
One of my favorite search sites is Discovercars.com, because there are no hidden costs, you can cancel the reservation for free if your travel plans change, and last but not least, they offer rental cars at very reasonable prices. The filters allow you to select the type of card you want to use, the amount of the deposit and the payment terms.
Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord
UNESCO Gems of Fjord Norway
Location: Western Norway (Vestlandet), Møre og Romsdal
Where to start: Bergen
The Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often described as one of the most beautiful Norway fjords. Just 250 meters wide at its narrowest point and surrounded by mountains that rise over 1,700 meters, it offers an intimate and dramatic fjord experience. Small waterfalls cascade from steep cliffs, and picturesque farms dot the mountainsides, making it feel like stepping into a fairytale.
A fjord cruise through Nærøyfjord is one of the highlights of any trip to Norway. The route between Gudvangen and Flåm is especially famous, with boats gliding silently through the narrow waters.
Just next to Nærøyfjord lies the Aurlandsfjord, equally stunning but less narrow, offering more room for scenic villages and local life. Flåm, located at the innermost part of Aurlandsfjord, is one of the most visited spots in Fjord Norway thanks to the world-renowned Flåm Railway. This train journey climbs from sea level to the mountain station of Myrdal, passing through tunnels, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes. The Stegastein viewpoint is another must-visit, offering a panoramic platform that extends 30 meters out from the mountain for breathtaking fjord views.
Where to stay near Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord:
Fretheim Hotel, Flåm**** – A historic hotel combining modern comfort with traditional Norwegian charm, right by the fjord.
Gudvangen Fjordtell – Unique Viking-inspired accommodation at the heart of Nærøyfjord.
Lysefjord
Home to Preikestolen and Kjerag
Location: Western Norway (Vestlandet), Rogaland
Where to start: Stavanger
The Lysefjord, stretching 42 kilometers in southwestern Norway, is one of the most dramatic Norway fjords and a true paradise for adventure seekers. Towering cliffs rise more than 1,000 meters directly from the fjord, creating jaw-dropping scenery that attracts hikers, climbers, and photographers from around the world.
The fjord is most famous for Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a 604-meter-high cliff that offers one of the most iconic viewpoints in Norway. Another highlight is Kjerag, a massive plateau where thrill-seekers can stand on the famous Kjeragbolten – a boulder wedged between two cliffs at 984 meters above the fjord. For those who prefer a less strenuous adventure, fjord cruises are a fantastic way to experience Lysefjord’s beauty from the water.
Where to stay near Lysefjord:
Preikestolen BaseCamp – The closest accommodation to the famous hike, offering cozy cabins and direct access to the trail.
Stavanger city hotels – A wide range of options, from budget to boutique stays, with easy connections to Lysefjord tours.
👉 Plan your Lysefjord adventure and find the best places to stay near Stavanger or Preikestolen here.
Pulpit Rock – Preikestolen – The Ultimate Fjord hike in Norway
Trollfjord
One of the northernmost fjords in Norway
Location: Northern Norway, Nordland
Where to start: Svolvær
The Trollfjord is one of the most spectacular yet narrow Norway fjords, located between the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos. Stretching only about 2 kilometers long and 100 meters wide at its narrowest point, it is framed by steep granite cliffs rising dramatically from the water. This natural wonder is accessible only by boat, making it a true hidden gem for those exploring northern Norway.
A fjord cruise to Trollfjord is an unforgettable experience, often combined with sea eagle safaris, where you can spot the majestic white-tailed eagles soaring overhead.
Where to stay near Trollfjord:
Svolvær hotels and cabins – The town of Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands offers the best base for Trollfjord tours, with cozy rorbu cabins and waterfront hotels
Skårungen – Hotel, Cabins and Camping – Offers stylish waterfront cabins and a relaxing spa, making it the perfect base to explore the stunning fjords and dramatic landscapes of northern Norway.
Download my free Lofoten bucket list for your next adventure
Weather forecast
Need help planning your trip?
Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:
Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website
Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb
Search for a rental car: Discovercars
Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM
Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide website.
Source: Wandering Linda
Photos: Wandering Linda
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