The Fjords

The Geirangerfjord is the epitome of a Norwegian fjord and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. In just 15 kilometers, it combines everything that makes a fjord: emerald green water, rock walls up to 1,500 meters high, abandoned mountain farms on narrow rock ledges, and majestic waterfalls.

The most famous waterfalls are the Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstrene) on one side and the Suitor (Friaren) on the opposite — according to legend, he courts the seven sisters with a bottle in hand. The Bridal Veil (Brudesløret) is the third major waterfall of the fjord.

The village of Geiranger at the head of the fjord is tiny (about 200 inhabitants), but in summer a hub for cruise ships and tourists. From here, the spectacular Eagle Road (Ørnesvingen) with eleven hairpin bends leads up to one of Norway's best viewpoints. The ferry ride from Geiranger to Hellesylt (65 minutes) is an absolute must.

The Nærøyfjord is a branch of the Sognefjord and has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2005, along with the Geirangerfjord. At only 250 meters wide at its narrowest point, it is one of the narrowest navigable fjords in the world — the rock walls seem within reach.

The fjord stretches over 17 kilometers from Gudvangen at the inner end to its mouth in the Aurlandsfjord. The electric ferry from The Fjords (from Flåm or Gudvangen) glides silently through the emerald green water — an almost meditative experience. In Gudvangen, the Viking village Njardarheimr awaits with reconstructed buildings and living Viking history.

The Nærøyfjord is part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell route: Flåmsbana (train) → Fjord boat ride Flåm–Gudvangen → Bus over Stalheimskleiva (hair-raising switchbacks) → back to Bergen or Oslo.

The Sognefjord is with 204 kilometers the longest fjord in Norway and with 1,308 meters the deepest — making it the longest and deepest fjord in Europe. It stretches from the coast at Solund into the heart of the Jotunheimen mountains and branches into numerous side arms, including the Nærøyfjord (UNESCO), the Aurlandsfjord (Flåm), the Fjærlandsfjord, and the Lustrafjord.

Highlights at Sognefjord

• Flåm: Endpoint of the Flåmsbana and starting point for fjord trips. Small village, but with tourist infrastructure.
• Aurland: Quieter alternative to Flåm. The Stegastein viewpoint (650 m above the fjord, Norwegian Scenic Route) is spectacular.
• Balestrand: Historic tourist spot with the legendary Kviknes Hotel (since 1877). Idyllic, with galleries and orchards.
• Urnes Stave Church: The oldest preserved stave church in Norway (around 1130), UNESCO World Heritage. Located on the Lustrafjord, accessible by ferry from Solvorn.
• Fjærland & Jostedalsbreen: The Jostedalsbreen is Europe's largest mainland glacier. The glacier arms Bøyabreen and Supphellebreen extend almost to the fjord. Norwegian Glacier Museum on site.

The Hardangerfjord is Norway's second-longest fjord (179 km) and the "gentle" among the large fjords: Instead of steep rock walls, orchards, waterfalls, and green slopes line its shores. In May, the cherry, apple, and plum trees transform into a sea of white and pink blossoms — the Hardangerfjord in bloom is one of Norway's most beautiful natural spectacles.

Highlights

• Vøringsfossen: Norway's most famous waterfall plunges 182 meters into the depths. Since 2020, there is a spectacular viewing platform with a glass railing and a staircase down into the gorge (Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda).
• Hardanger Bridge (Hardangerbrua): At 1,380 meters, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world — crossing it is an experience.
• Eidfjord: At the inner end of the fjord, gateway to the Hardangervidda plateau. Norwegian Nature Center Hardangervidda.
• Ulvik and Lofthus: The orchard villages. In May for the blossom, in summer for tasting (apple cider, cherry wine).
• Folgefonna Glacier: Norway's third-largest glacier with a summer ski area — skiing in July!

The Lysefjord near Stavanger is 42 kilometers long and up to 604 meters deep, shorter than the large fjords, but it hosts two of Norway's most famous natural sensations: Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten.

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

The 25 × 25 meter rock platform juts 604 meters vertically over the Lysefjord — one of the world's most iconic views. The hike from the parking lot at Preikestolen Fjellstue takes about 2 hours each way (3.8 km, 330 meters elevation gain). The path is well-marked but rocky and slippery when wet. Once at the top: the absolute wow moment. There is no railing — just the abyss.

Kjeragbolten

The Kjeragbolten is a 5 cubic meter boulder wedged in a crevice 984 meters above the Lysefjord. You can stand on it — if you have the nerve. The hike is significantly more challenging than to Preikestolen: 5–6 hours round trip, with steep ascents and chain sections. Only in dry weather and from June to October.

Fjord Boat

The Lysefjord can also be explored from the water: Lysefjord cruises from Stavanger (3 hours, from 550 NOK / 50 €) pass under Preikestolen. You look 604 meters up to the tiny figures on the pulpit.

Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue) is probably the most photographed rock ledge in the world: A horizontal rock slab that juts out like a tongue 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The Instagram photo, where you sit on the tip, legs dangling over the abyss — that's Trolltunga.

The Hike

The hike to Trolltunga is one of Norway's toughest day hikes:

• Distance: 27 km round trip (from the upper parking lot, P2)
• Elevation gain: 800 m ascent
• Duration: 8–12 hours (depending on fitness)
• Season: Mid-June to mid-September (without a guide). October–May only with a certified guide
• Start: From the upper parking lot P2 (shuttle bus from Tyssedal/Odda, 200 NOK)

The path leads over rocky high mountain terrain, past lakes and snowfields. The last 2 kilometers are flat — and then you suddenly stand in front of the famous rock ledge. The waiting time for the photo can be 30–60 minutes in high summer.

The fjords are not just for viewing — they are an outdoor paradise:

Kayaking

Exploring the tranquil fjords by kayak is one of Norway's most intense nature experiences. The rock walls reflect in the smooth water, waterfalls thunder down, and the silence is overwhelming. Guided tours are available at the Geirangerfjord (from 700 NOK / 63 €), Nærøyfjord (from 890 NOK / 80 €), Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjord.

Fjord Safari by RIB Boat

For those who prefer it faster: RIB boat safaris race through the fjords at 40 knots, past seals, eagles, and waterfalls. The spray flies, the mountains rush by — pure adrenaline. From Flåm, Geiranger, Stavanger (from 800 NOK / 72 €).

Glacier Hikes

Guided glacier hikes are offered at the Jostedalsbreen (Europe's largest mainland glacier) and the Folgefonna. With crampons and ice axes over blue ice — only possible with a guide (from 700 NOK / 63 €).

Fishing

Fishing is a national sport in Norway's fjords and rivers. In saltwater (fjord, sea), fishing is allowed without a license — only freshwater requires a permit. Salmon fishing in the fjord rivers is legendary (but expensive: 500–2,000 NOK / 45–180 € per day).

Canyoning & Via Ferrata

In Eidfjord (Hardangerfjord) and Åndalsnes (Romsdal), there are Via Ferratas (climbing paths) and canyoning tours through gorges and waterfalls. The perfect addition to hiking for adrenaline junkies.

The fjord region offers a wide range of accommodations — from simple camping cabins to design hotels:

Accommodations by Budget