Final Information to the Finest Fjords to Go to in Norway

Hardangerfjord

The fjord that began all of it! Hardangerfjord is Norway’s most well-known fjord. In 1875, Thomas Prepare dinner started operating excursions from London to the Hardangerfjord, cementing Norway’s new tourism growth and the mythology of the nation’s unimaginable fjords.

Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second longest fjord at 179 kilometres lengthy, begins from the Atlantic Ocean and flows alongside the Hardangervidda plateau. The area is house to the rock formation often called Trolltunga (troll’s tongue), a significant hiker’s vacation spot. The fjord ends at Odda, an enthralling city to make use of as a base on your fjord-related adventures, whether or not you are feeling like mountain climbing, kayaking, or the rest.

Left: Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) overlooking Hardangerfjord; Proper: Hardangerfjord / © Adobe Inventory

Alongside the fjord you’ll discover Folgefonna, Norway’s third largest glacier, in addition to quite a few waterfalls. The shoreline of the fjord is called “the fruit orchard of Norway” due to its extraordinarily fertile floor; there’s an enormous quantity of fruit that grows there.

Additionally it is one of many main farm fishing areas of the world, centered notably on salmon and trout. When you’ve ever had a sip of Isklar water, you’ve tasted Hardangerfjord; that’s ice-melt water taken instantly from the fjord, bottled, and offered world wide.

Left: Hardangerfjord; Proper: View from the highest of Mabodalen of the well-known Voringsfossen waterfall close to Eidfjord off Hardangerfjord / © Adobe Inventory

get there

There may be an categorical bus from Oslo, Bergen, and Haugesund. Additionally it is doable to get to Hardangerfjord by automobile; the drive is roughly three hours from Bergen and 4 hours from Stavanger.

The place to remain

Odda Tenting With quick access to Trolltunga mountain climbing, these clear, primary cabins are just about all you want should you’re searching for an out of doors sort of journey. The facilities might not be fancy, however the views positive are. Beginning at 660 NOK/night time.	Strand Fjordhotel Situated proper on the water, this lodge presents some nice providers, together with free bike rental and kayaks. It’s not a flowery lodge, but it surely’s comfy and clear, has a lot of facilities, and the ocean view is fantastic. One other bonus: breakfast is included! Rooms begin at 1,164 NOK/night time

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Eidfjord One Hour RIB Fjord Tour This fast however informative and exquisite tour of the Eidfjord habor contains sightseeing, animal watching, and a educated information to take you thru the historical past of the realm. This one sells out quick, so we e-book properly prematurely.	Three Hour Kayak Tour Be taught to kayak via the Eidfjord with a talented kayak instructor and information, in addition to studying concerning the surrounding space. This can be a three hour tour and is appropriate for many who are newbie kayakers. You’ll see spectacular vistas, fascinating wildlife, and perhaps even a whale!

Sognefjord

Sognefjord is the biggest fjord in Norway – each the longest and deepest. It’s 205 kilometres lengthy, 6 kilometres extensive, and as much as 1,308 metres deep. Its nickname, “The King of the Fjords,” is probably a little bit grand, but it surely will get the purpose throughout. The fjord additionally branches off into a lot of different, smaller fjords, together with: Sognesjøen, Arnafjord, Esefjord, Nærøyfjord, and Lustrafjord.

Lustrafjord, the innermost arm of the area, ends with the village of Skjolden, an entry level to Jotunheimen Nationwide Park. So whereas the Sognefjord is a phenomenal fjord to see in and of itself, the entire Sogn and Fjordane county options unimaginable landscapes and vistas.

Left: Sognefjord; Proper: Viking ship on Sognefjord / © Adobe Inventory

Along with its pure magnificence, guests can discover three of Norway’s beloved stave church buildings: Kaupanger, Borgundthe, and Urnes. These church buildings are produced from wooden and had been inbuilt medieval instances; most of those who have survived are in Norway, with 32 of them nonetheless standing within the nation.

Suppose it’s all allure? Sognefjord additionally options the second longest span of energy strains on the earth, referred to as the Sognefjord Span. A little bit of one thing for everybody!

Left: Norwegian Stabkirche stave church on Sognefjord; Proper: Climbing in Jotunheimen Nationwide Park / © Adobe Inventory

get there

Sognefjord is accessible by automobile; it’s going to take roughly 4 hours to get there from Bergen.

The place to remain

Bøyum Tenting Easy sheltered tenting with fantastic views! There are personal cabins with kitchenettes in addition to shared rooms and even place to pitch your personal tent. Begins from 230 NOK/night time	Lustrafjorden B&B A captivating B&B that features breakfast and many vintage furnishings. It’s a giant old fashioned – there are shared bogs and wonderful widespread areas to chill out – but additionally cosy and clear. It’s proper on Lustrafjord and Børestein Mountain is simply 8 kilometres away; perfect for a day hike.

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Personal Tour from Bergen This full day (11 hours) personal tour is an unimaginable approach to see the areas of Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm. You’ll study concerning the historical past and tradition of the realm, in addition to wildlife and the panorama. Maybe the very best a part of this journey is what number of totally different types of transport you’ll take: rail, boat, and highway all included.

Nærøyfjord

This arm of the Sognefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage website. The fjord is kind of small, solely 18 kilometres lengthy and as slim as 500 metres at some factors. Regardless of its dimension, the fjord is a perfect spot to go to to see the traditional fjord vista. The excessive mountains on both facet – as much as 1,700 meters excessive – make for an extremely stunning scene.

Naeroyfjord Fjord / © Adobe Inventory

Nærøydalselvi river flows into the fjord on the village of Gudvangen. The tiny village of Bakka can be discovered on the west financial institution of the fjord, notable for the attractive picket Bakka Church designed by well-known Norwegian architect Christian Henrik Grosch.

get there

Nærøyfjord is a department of Sognefjord, and is accessible through the identical transport. It’s best to succeed in it by automobile, and is about 4 hours from Bergen.

The place to remain

Sogndal Vandrerhjem Not excessive luxurious, however perfect should you simply want someplace to sleep, bathe, and make a cup of espresso within the morning. This clear, vibrant hostel is correct on the water and the worth for value is nice (breakfast is even included). Begins at 600 NOK/night time.	Leikanger Fjord Lodge A stupendous lodge proper in opposition to the water, Leikanger is filled with quaint however well-kept furnishings and fashionable facilities. Get pleasure from their terrace views, docks, and cosy rooms, many with fjord-views. Begins at 1,300 NOK/night time

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Personal Tour from Bergen This is similar tour really useful for Sognefjord, the bigger fjord linked to Nærøyfjord. This full day (11 hours) personal tour is an unimaginable approach to see the areas of Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm. You’ll study concerning the historical past and tradition of the realm, in addition to wildlife and the panorama. Maybe the very best a part of this journey is what number of totally different types of transport you’ll take: rail, boat, and highway all included.

Lysefjord

Referred to as Lysefjord, which means “mild fjord,” as a result of light-colored granite rock surrounding it, this spot is a well-liked one due to Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”). The excessive cliff overlooks the fjord and is a significant hiker’s vacation spot. At 604 metres tall, you’ll need to carry an excellent pair of mountain climbing sneakers and a few binoculars to get the very best view doable.

Left: Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”) on Lysefjord; Proper: Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”) on Lysefjord / © Adobe Inventory

As a result of the fjord’s sides are each rocky (so rocky and steep, in actual fact, that there are not any roads instantly throughout), there’s little or no populating the coasts; the 2 small villages of Forsand and Lysebotn are the one two alongside the fjord. Lysebotn, a stunning village that has loads of accommodations, is made up almost totally of these working on the close by hydroelectric crops, which give electrical energy for roughly 100,000 folks.

Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord is a 29 kilometre department of the bigger Sognefjorden, and is taken into account some of the picturesque of the bigger fjord’s off-shoots. About midway down the fjord, the Nærøyfjord branches off, which implies that components of Aurlandsfjord are included in that UNESCO World Heritage website.

Aurlandsfjord / © Adobe Inventory

The fjord runs alongside Aurland, Lærdal, and Vik municipalities, with the teeny-tiny village (inhabitants: 350) of Flåm on the innermost half. Attributable to rocky terrain and steep mountains, there isn’t a lot by the use of inhabitants alongside the fjord’s sides, aside from some small valleys and charming farmland. When you’re already headed to Sognefjorden, that is a simple one to see, and the dramatic panorama of tall sides assembly the deep water is picture-perfect.

get there

As with Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord is accessible by automobile. It takes round 4 hours to get there from Bergen. You can too go to the village Flåm that’s positioned by the Aurlandsfjord on the extremely esteemed Flåm Railway. When you attain the bigger fjord, a ship or ferry cruise is one of the simplest ways to see the realm.

The place to remain

Sogndal Vandrerhjem Not excessive luxurious, however perfect should you simply want someplace to sleep, bathe, and make a cup of espresso within the morning. This clear, vibrant hostel is correct on the water and the worth for value is nice (breakfast is even included). Begins at 600 NOK/night time.	Leikanger Fjord Lodge A stupendous lodge proper in opposition to the water, Leikanger is filled with quaint however well-kept furnishings and fashionable facilities. Get pleasure from their terrace views, docks, and cosy rooms, many with fjord-views. Begins at 1,300 NOK/night time

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Personal Tour from Bergen This is similar tour really useful for Sognefjord, the bigger fjord linked to Nærøyfjord. This full day (11 hours) personal tour is an unimaginable approach to see the areas of Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm. You’ll study concerning the historical past and tradition of the realm, in addition to wildlife and the panorama. Maybe the very best a part of this journey is what number of totally different types of transport you’ll take: rail, boat, and highway all included.

NB: our lodge and tour suggestions for Aurlandsfjord are the identical as these for Nærøyfjord; they’re roughly 12 kilometres aside and the tour listed beneath contains each.

Oslofjord

Trollfjord

There’s one thing cinematic about Trollfjord, with its excessive darkish rock contrasted in opposition to vibrant white snow. Situated between the Lofoten Islands and the area of Vesterålen on Austvågøya island, the fjord is simply 2 kilometres lengthy and 800 metres extensive at its widest level.

Left: Home on Trollfjord; Proper: Trollfjord Snow Capped Mountains / © Adobe Inventory

The precise location of Trollfjord has been a little bit of a dialogue in Norway; nobody can resolve if it’s formally a part of Lofoten or Vesterålen; Austvågøya island is a part of Lofoten, however the island is positioned in Hadsel Municipality, part of Vesterålen. It’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle!

Left: Hamnoy fishing village on Lofoten Islands; Proper: Reinebringen mountain view on Lofoten islands / © Adobe Inventory

Although the tall mountains to both facet could make the fjord really feel hidden, it’s truly a highly regarded vacationer vacation spot. Historical past buffs will probably be to study that Trollfjord was the scene of the Battle of Trollfjord in 1890, when open-boat fishermen fought in opposition to the appearance of steam-engine fishing boats.

get there

Trollfjord is simply accessible by boat or hike.

The place to remain

Anker Brygge This lodge is made up of rooms in transformed previous fishing huts, and this can be very charming. Sitting proper on the water, you possibly can’t beat the views or the historical past. Every hut has its personal terrace and kitchenette. Begins at 1.400 NOK/night time	Scandic Svolvær With a waterfront, central location and fashionable design, this lodge is good for each enterprise and pleasure travellers. The reception can assist you e-book cruises, hikes, or no matter else you’re into. Their restaurant bar has panoramic views of the panorama – an ideal place to sip your cocktail or tea and take all of it in! Begins at 1.900 NOK/night time.

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Trollfjord Crusing Journey with Fishing Sail with as much as 12 others on a catamaran. Leaving from Svolvær and going via the fjord, you’ll have the prospect to absorb the attractive panorama in addition to attempt fishing. When you catch one thing, you’ll get to make it right into a recent fish soup to be loved throughout the journey. This cruise is six hours spherical journey.	Trollfjord Cruise and Guided Kayaking This 5.5 hour journey features a stunning cruise via the fjord and a kayaking journey with a knowledgable information. You’ll cruise to Skrova Island, the place you’ll disembark and get into your kayak, earlier than heading again to your level of departure in Svolvær. Each newbie and skilled kayakers are welcome!

Nordfjord

Take into account this the “categorical fjord” as a result of you may get quite a bit accomplished when you get to the area. After all there’s the fjord itself, which is the sixth longest fjord in Norway at 106 kilometres. It stretches from Husevågøy island on the opening to Loen village on the finish. The attractive, uncooked terrain alongside the Stadlandet peninsula is taken into account the dividing level between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.

Left: Waterfall on the best way to Briksdal glacier close to Nordfjord; Proper: Panorama close to Utvik on the Nordfjord Norway / © Adobe Inventory

So now you’ve seen a fjord; nice! Need glaciers? After all you do. You’ll be able to take a look at each Jostedalsbreen and Briksdalsbreen; the previous is Europe’s larest mainland glacier, whereas the latter is extraordinarily idyllic.

What else does the realm provide? Nicely, there are charming fishing communities to discover alongside the coast, year-round alpine snowboarding in Stryn, and Loen Skylift at Innvikfjord, taking you to the highest of Mt. Hoven in solely 5 minutes for a spectacular view.

Left: Briksdalsbreen glacier; Proper: Jostedalsbreen glacier river / © Adobe Inventory

get there

There are categorical buses from Oslo and Odda, and an categorical boat from Bergen. The fjord is roughly three hours from Ålesund by automobile.

The place to remain

Nesset Fjordcamping Cosy cabins alongside the water for sheltered tenting. You’ll be able to kayak, hike, take within the view, and cook dinner over fireplace pits whereas planning the remainder of your journey. Begins at 590 NOK/night time.	Visnes Lodge Stryn That is extra of a B&B, with it’s charming nineteenth century home, quaint interiors, and open terrace the place you possibly can sip your espresso and take within the view. Begins at 1,300 NOK/night time.

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Olden Shore Excurison: The Wonderful Briksdal Glacier The star of this tour is the Briksdal Glacier. Spherical journey the tour is 4 hours and contains departure from Olden, Olden Lake, the “little pink church,” quite a few waterfalls, and naturally, the glacier.

Lyngenfjord

This huge northern fjord is 82 kilometres lengthy and is taken into account the dividing line between northern and southern Troms county, and is near the city of Tromsø. The jap and western shores provide very totally different terrain and alternatives, with the beautiful snow-peaked Lyngen Alps on the western facet and the E06 freeway alongside the jap facet.

Melting Steindalsbreen Glacier in The Lyngen Alps close to The Tromso / © Adobe Inventory

Two fjords that department off the primary Lyngenfjord are Storfjorden to the south and Kåfjorden to the east, and each are pretty, smaller fjords to discover when you’re within the area.

The excessive mountains of the Lyngen Alps create a protect from the rain, so Lyngenfjord is well-liked place to attempt see the Northern Lights. After all you gained’t at all times catch them, however this fjord is one in all your greatest bets if aurora borealis is in your bucket checklist!

Mountain panorama at Lyngenfjord / © Adobe Inventory

get there

It’s straightforward and quick to get to to Lyngenfjord from Tromsø by automobile or bus.

The place to remain

Håkon Gjestehus A guesthouse with comfy and clear rooms. They’ve a restaurant that serves each Norwegian and Thai meals, and a central location that’s simply minutes away from the Olderdalen Ferry terminal. Begins at 950 NOK/night time.	Lyngseidet Gjestegård Other than clear, nice rooms and a view overlooking the snow-peaked mountains, this lodge additionally incorporates a enjoyable bar and restaurant. Begins at 1,000 NOK/night time.

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Midnight Cruise When you’ve by no means skilled a simultaneous dawn and sundown, this cruise is your likelihood. It’s a magical occasion you’ll always remember. This three hour cruise is simply obtainable between Might and July, when throughout the time of the midnight solar.	Go to to a Husky Dwelling Who doesn’t need to cuddle puppies? Go to one of many largest husky camps in Norway and discover out extra about these attractive canines, together with dogsledding and main races. This tour is about 3.5 hours and is a completely distinctive expertise.
5 Hour Polar Fjord Cruise Get pleasure from views of the Arctic Sea whereas studying concerning the fjords, straits, and wildlife of the area. This 5 hour cruise is each participating and enjoyable; it contains snacks, drinks, and skilled native guides.

Norwegian Fjords FAQ

When is the very best time to go to Norway fjords?

It’s doable to go to the fjords year-round, so it actually will depend on what you’d love to do! When you’re involved in winter journeys the place you possibly can see snow and ski or hike, however aren’t trying to kayak or take a ship, the months of October – April will go well with you properly. For climate extra conducive to kayaking, cruises, or hikes, Might – September is greatest. Excessive season is in June and July – notably July, when you possibly can see the notorious “midnight solar.”

What number of fjords are there in Norway?

There are over 1,100 fjords in Norway.

When can I see the Northern Lights in Norway?

It’s positively doable to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Clearly the additional north you get, the higher the prospect. November to March is peak time to see the lights, and the months of September and October provide potentialities as properly.