Norwegian Fjords: 20 Fairytale Places to Visit

Did you know that Norway has the most fjords in the world, with more than 1,000? UNESCO recognises the Norwegian Fjords as a World Heritage Site, thanks to its incredible cliffs, waterfalls, thick forests and picturesque towns. If you’re wondering why you should visit the Norwegian Fjords, how to plan a trip there or which are the best spots to see, keep reading!

1. Oslofjorden: Oslo’s Fjord

The capital of Norway is the perfect place to start our journey around the Norwegian Fjords. Why? It’s one of the best cities when it comes to international connections, making it the ideal arrival destination.

Once in Oslo, you should spend at least one day exploring its coast and main monuments, such as the Opera House and Akershus Fort. An excellent way of doing this is by reserving a boat trip around Oslo’s Fjord, or a route including a cruise and guided tour of the city. It will be an excellent introduction to the world of Norwegian Fjords.

2. Bergen: The Capital of the Norwegian Fjords

Bergen is one of the most important cities in Norway. It’s easiest to arrive by plane or even train from Oslo. It has its own fjord and you’ll also find Bryggen harbour here, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow alleyways and colourful wooden houses create a beautiful setting. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most photographable places in the country.

One of the best activities on offer here include a trip up Mount Fløyen, which you can either do on foot or by purchasing a ticket for the Fløbanen cable car. From this hill, more than 300 metres (980 feet) high, you’ll have totally spectacular views of the Norwegian Fjords.

Fun fact: in Bergen’s fish market and the surrounding stalls, you can try various Norwegian delicacies. Salmon, elk and whale are all highly popular products! Fancy some traditional snacks?

3. Hardangerfjord: Ideal If You Have a Car

179 km (110 miles) long, Hardangerfjord is the second longest fjord in Norway and the third in the world. Its surrounding countryside is out of this world and one of the reasons why adventures flock here to go kayaking or climbing.

This natural paradise is only 2 hours by car from Bergen, but a car is necessary. The area is particularly idyllic in Spring when the fruit trees are in flower. You’ll love it!

4. Trolltunga: The Most Beautiful Hiking Route in Norway

Meaning “Troll’s Tongue” and located very close to Hardangerfjord, Trolltunga Rock deserves to be on our list of the best towns and natural areas to explore in the Norwegian Fjords.

This rock formation, at 1,100 metres (3,610 feet) tall, offers unique breathtaking views of Norwegian mountains and Lake Ringedal. Although it’s on one of the most difficult hiking routes in Norway, taking 10-12 hours to complete, it’s truly worth it!

5. Voss: Pure Fun

Voss is conveniently connected to Bergen by train and public buses and is a very common stop for tourists visiting the Norwegian Fjords. It’s nicknamed the adrenaline capital of Norway due to the huge number of adventure activities on offer here in this small city on the shore of Lake Vangsvatnet.

Paragliding, cycling routes and rafting are just a few of the exciting activities you can do here. If you visit the area in summer, our personal recommendation is to go paddle surfing in Voss. Get up close and personal with nature and be rewarded with totally stunning views.

6. Flåm and One of The Most Famous Trains in The World

This small town is famous for its huge cruise port and train, which always features in the most beautiful train routes in the world. The route, which goes between Flåm and Myrdak, allows you to travel through the mountains in the Norwegian Fjords and admire stunning waterfalls for around an hour. Words alone can’t describe how incredible this is; you have to experience it yourself!

One of the best options to get to the train station is by booking a ferry ticket to Flåm from Bergen. However, if you want to enjoy this experience without any worries, we offer a tour of the Norwegian Fjords that includes Flåm train tickets and a boat ride.

In either case, a visit to the Railway Museum in the town of Flåm is also totally recommended if you want to delve even deeper into the history of one of the most iconic train lines on the planet.

7. Sognefjord: The Fjord of Dreams

We can’t talk about exploring the Norwegian Fjords without mentioning Sognefjord, the longest and most spectacular of them all. It’s divided into various sections, including Lustrafjord, Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Each has a different name, but are all truly beautiful.

Sailing around here may feel like you’re on a river, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Remember that a fjord is a sea inlet that’s perfectly embedded between valleys and mountains that have been shaped over thousands of years by glaciers.

Therefore, this is a must-see place to understand what a fjord is and how spectacular they can be. Calm emerald waters that reflect the surrounding lush vegetation, infinite waterfalls, colourful towns and rugged mountains–what more could you ask for?

8. Aurlandsfjord and Stegastein Viewpoint

Aurlandsfjord is one of the arms of the Fjord of Dreams, which stretches to the town of Flåm. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go kayaking, hiking or even paddle surfing here!

For those travelling by car and who want to enjoy an unforgettable trip to this Norwegian fjord, we recommend heading up to the Stegastein viewpoint, located less than 30 minutes from Flåm. But don’t worry! There are various organised guided trips that will take you there without needing a private car. One of the best is this Aurland and Laerdal Valley Tour, departing from Flåm.

The Stegastein viewpoint is a wooden and steel platform, 650 metres (2135 feet) above sea level built in 2006. You’ll take incredible photos of the Norwegian Fjords from here without having to go on challenging hikes, as is necessary to reach other viewpoints in the region. How ideal!

9. Nærøy: One of The Most Beautiful Norwegian Fjords

Nærøy is the World Heritage part of the Fjord of Dreams. This area has a similar landscape to Aurlandsfjord but is even more incredible since here, the sea is even wider and the mountains reach up to 1,660 metres (5450 feet) in height.

Due to the complicated topography of Norway, it’s a good idea to come here on an organised tour, such as this one which includes a ticket to the Flåm Train and Nærøy Boat Ride. You won’t regret it!

10. Gudvangen and Its Viking Influence

Gudvangen is less than an hour by car or bus from other popular towns in the Norwegian Fjords, such as Voss and Flåm. Plus, it’s located at the far end of the Nærøyfjord, meaning you can also get here on a cruise down the fjords.

This small town boasts a rich cultural heritage. In fact, it’s home to Viking Valley, a small recreation of an ancient Nordic town. Here, you can buy handmade crafts and have a go at different traditional sports, such as archery and axe throwing. The town is particularly active in the summer, since in the winter, part of the Nærøy Fjord can freeze, meaning tourism dips a little.

When the weather is good, you often find tourists and locals taking a dip in the refreshing fjord water, which is totally free! You can also enjoy exciting watersports activities here, such as kayaking beneath the staggering mountains.

11. Luster and Its Wooden Church

On the outskirts of Sognefjord, to the northeast, you can find the town of Luster. Did you know that it’s home to one of the most beautiful wooden churches in Norway? The Urnes Church is a traditional Scandinavian structure dating back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in the country. Plus, it still houses several Medieval liturgical objects inside. Come in and take a look!

The only negative is its location since you can’t get there via public transport. Nevertheless, it’s a must-see spot for those visiting the Norwegian Fjords by car. It’s even better if you have a caravan, as the town has very well-equipped campsites.

12. Geirangerfjord: A World Heritage Fjord

Without a doubt, one of the most visited Norwegian Fjords is Geirangerfjord, to the north of Bergen. It boasts some of the most magical landscapes in all of Scandinavia. Its scenery is so majestic, just like Nærøyfjord, it’s officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover why!

You can’t miss this fjord, so we highly recommend joining one of the many organised trips here. The town has an incredible viewpoint of the fjord!

13. Jostedalsbreen Glacier: Walk on Ice

The largest glacier in the whole of continental Europe is found in Norway and forms part of Jostedalsbreen National Park: it spans a total of over 800 square kilometres (310 square miles)! In winter, this region is a popular skiing destination.

It’s also one of the most visited spots in the country for hiking enthusiasts, who usually start their walk from the town of Gjerde. It’s accessible by car, bus and boat. Get epic views of the glacier from close-up, as well as the chance to walk on thick ancient ice. Let’s go adventurers!

14. Nordfjord and The Tallest Cliffs in Europe

Near Jostedalsbreen National Park lies Nordfjord, much closer to the Western Norwegian coast than other mythical fjords, such as Geiranger and Nærøy. Although this area is fairly unknown to travellers, this town is famous for being the home of Norway’s national horse: The Fjord Horse. It’s one of the oldest equine species on the planet!

Similarly, the region is home to Mount Hornelen, which at 860 metres (2820 feet) is the tallest cliff in Europe. It even has a via Ferrata climbing route that rewards you with incredible views of Nordfjord. It’s the perfect way of combining adventure and nature.

15. Hjørundfjord: One of The Most Peaceful Fjords

Even further north than Nordfjord is the Hjørund Fjord, surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps. This area stands out for its thick forests, thanks to the huge amount of rain this part of the country receives.

Due to its isolated location from Norway’s most famous fjords, it’s an incredibly peaceful area, matching its tranquil natural surroundings. There are fewer cruises here, with most visitors travelling by campervan. It’s perfect for those seeking a more relaxing holiday.

16. Romsdalsfjord: Well Connected by Plane

Molde is the largest town in Romsdalsfjord, making it the ideal place to explore this Norwegian Fjord. Known as the City of Roses thanks to its delightful floral squares, it has its own airport, meaning that it’s easy to travel here by plane to Oslo.

Once here, you can explore the towns around the fjord by car or public transport. In the village of Åndalsnes, you can find Rampestreken, one of the best viewpoints of Romsdalsfjord. Plus, what makes this different from other fjords, is the huge number of islands. Fancy a trip here?

17. Stavanger: One of The Largest Cities in Norway

We’re coming to the end of our list of the best Norwegian fjords. Our next stop is one of the most southern points in western Norway. Here, we come across the city of Stavanger, which can be an excellent starting or ending point for anyone travelling around the fjords of Norway.

It’s one of the biggest cities in Norway! Here, the colourful facade of Øvre Holmegate Street contrasts with the white wooden houses of the Old Town. It’s so picturesque you won’t be able to resist taking a few photos. Make the most of your visit by exploring the IDDIS Museum, which is home to both the Museum of Norwegian Press and the Norwegian Canning Museum. Fun fact: these two exhibitions share a building because they have a shared past! The development of printing in the city became necessary to add stickers and create original designs for the canning industry.

If you want to delve further into the history of this town, join us on this fascinating Stavanger Private Walking Tour with an English-speaking guide. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to explore the city in comfort, this Stavanger City Sightseeing Bus tour is ideal.

18. Lysefjord: Pulpit Rock and Kjerag Viewpoints

Not far from Stavanger, we find Lysefjord, also known as the Pearl of Southern Norway. Ready to explore?

Pulpit Rock, also called Preikestolen, is a rock located 600 metres (1970 feet) above Lysefjord which makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s without a doubt one of the best views you could possibly get of the Norwegian Fjords. Additionally, the lack of a safety rail adds an extra element of adrenaline to those visiting the rock. Don’t miss this VIP Helicopter Ride over Pulpit Rock for unmatched views!

We also have to mention the famous Kjerag Rock, a total geological mystery. It’s a giant rock suspended between two mountains and the shore of the fjord. Climbing it is like swinging into the abyss at a height of 1,084 metres (3,560 feet). Therefore, this hiking route is much more challenging than that to Pulpit Rock: 6-10 hours to the highest peak in Lysefjord versus 2 hours to Pulpit Rock.

19. Trollfjord: One of Norway’s Most Remote Fjords

Often called Troll’s Fjord, this fjord is more than 1,000 km (620 miles) from Oslo, in Northern Norway. This off-the-beaten-path fjord usually isn’t included in lists of the best Norwegian Fjords due to its very isolated location. However, if you’re planning to visit these stunning landscapes more than once in your lifetime, you must visit this one at least once.

How to arrive in Trollfjord? Most people travel here from the city of Svolvær, where you can arrive via plane or on an organised trip around the Norwegian Fjords. From here there are various options, such as this Trollfjord Cruise, as well as activities like bird watching. You should be aware that, due to the lack of roads, you can only travel here by boat.

It’s a very narrow fjord and only 3 km (1.85 miles) long. However, the spectacular scenery makes up for this. In fact, it was a filming location for the film Downsizing, by Matt Damon.

20. Tromsø: Perfect for Seeing The Northern Lights

This Northern Norwegian city is very frequented by Northern Light hunters, especially between October and March. In fact, there are tonnes of tours specialised in seeking out this light show. However, although it’s linked to tourism to see the Aurora Borealis, it’s also an opportunity to enjoy a cruise.

Since this area is very popular with tourists, we recommend checking out all the trips and guided tours in Tromø. You’ll find activities for the summer and winter!

Advice for Visiting the Norwegian Fjords

If you know that Norway is your next holiday destination, find some useful advice for your trip below. We’ve compiled some practical travel information and answered some FAQs about visiting the Norwegian Fjords.

How much time should I dedicate to a trip?

Although this largely depends on your budget, we recommend spending a minimum of 7 days to discover the Norwegian Fjords. In this time, you’ll be able to enjoy the best on offer in a relaxing way.

When is the best time to visit?

Almost all explorers prefer travelling to the Norwegian Fjords in spring or summer to avoid the freezing winter temperatures. It’s a much more comfortable temperature as well as more hours of sunlight. However, winter does have its advantages. You’ll enjoy fairytale landscapes covered in snow, and the lack of tourists makes these spots even more special.

Where to stay?

The best cities in Norway to stay in to visit the fjords are Bergen, Tromsø, Stavanger and Geiranger. They’re fairly large cities, with all types of services on offer for tourists, as well as being excellent starting points for daily tours to the Norwegian fjords.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive list of the best places to visit in the Norwegian Fjords. If you’re still looking for more ideas, check out what tours, guided visits and activities we have on offer in the Norwegian Fjords.