Holiday in Western Norway

About Western Norway

Western Norway is the essence of the Norwegian fjord landscape – a scenery of overwhelming drama, where emerald-green fjords cut kilometers deep into the land, waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters down, and snow-covered peaks rise directly from sea level. For German travelers, Western Norway is the ultimate nature destination in Europe, a place that exceeds even the boldest expectations for landscape and adventure. The Sognefjord, at 204 kilometers long and up to 1,308 meters deep, is the longest and deepest fjord in Europe and the heart of the region. Its branches – the Nærøyfjord (UNESCO World Heritage) and the Aurlandsfjord – narrow to just 250 meters wide and offer breathtaking views from the excursion boats: vertical cliffs rising over 1,000 meters, waterfalls cascading down the cliffs like silver threads, and tiny mountain farms clinging to impossibly steep slopes. The Hardangerfjord, Norway's second-longest fjord, is known for its orchards, which bloom in May, transforming the fjord into a sea of pink and white blossoms. The Trolltunga, a rock ledge jutting out over the abyss at 1,100 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, has become one of Europe's most spectacular hikes – the 22-kilometer tour is challenging, but the view from the rock nose is indescribable. Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, is one of Norway's most beautiful cities with the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen, the colorful wooden houses by the harbor, the fish market, and a vibrant cultural scene. The famous Flåm Railway winds from Myrdal through 20 tunnels and over spectacular bridges down into the Aurland Valley and is considered one of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world. Travel for German tourists is possible by flight to Bergen or by ferry from Kiel to Oslo and then via scenic routes westward. A rental car is recommended to explore the many panoramic roads and hidden fjord arms.