Norway is the land of fjords, and did you know there’s over 1700 of them which have been named? In other words, there are many to choose from and it can make it hard for travelers to know which one(s) to visit.
However, in Norway there’s a handful of fjords I always tend to come back to, and I guess you could say they are my favorite fjords. These four are the Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord.
In this article you’ll find a description of these four favorite fjords in Norway, and a few suggestions for places to stay, fjord cruises and other activities you can do when you visit.
Notice on the map below that all four fjords are all on the west coast of Norway, also know as the fjord country.
The Sognefjord
The impressive Sognefjord, also known as the “King of the fjords”, is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. It stretches 205 km (127 miles) from the ocean and all the way into the small village of Skjolden.
Much of the Sognefjord is surrounded by steep mountain walls rising almost straight up from the water to heights of up to 1000 metres (3300 ft), making this into one of the most spectacular and visited fjords in Norway.
The Sognefjord branches off into several “fjord arms” which some of them are truly stunning with many cultural and historical attractions. The fjord is also dotted with many small villages, making it possible to spend some very memorable days in this region.
Top things to do in the Sognefjord region
Take a fjord cruise or go kayaking on the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord
Visit the Lusterfjord and the Urnes Stave Church
Stay a night in the idyllic fjord village of Balestrand or Solvorn
Check out the Steigumsfossen waterfall
Go to the Aurlandsfjord for a visit to the village of Undredal
Head up to the Stegastein viewpoint close to Flåm
Photo: @robertbye – The Stegastein Viewpoint
Sognefjorden tips
Tip 1: You can get to/from the Sognefjord by driving the scenic National road 55 going over the Sogne mountain to Oslo.
Tip 2: With public transport you can arrive to the Sognefjord by joining the Norway in a Nutshell route departing from both Oslo and Bergen.
Where to stay along Sognefjorden?
Book your stay at the Walaker Hotel here
Another one of my favorites is the Lavik Fjord Hotel. They got a great restaurant, wonderful views of the fjord, and offers both rooms and luxurious apartments. Book your stay at the Lavik Fjord Hotel here.
The Hardangerfjord
Photo: @op23
If the Sognefjord is the King, then the Hardangerfjord is the Queen. With her 127 km (79 miles) she is the second longest fjord in Norway, and is situated in a region with majestic waterfalls, plenty of fruit orchards and a rich cultural history.
Top things to do in the Hardangerfjord region
Stop by Steinstø kakebu for some fruits, cider, lefse, brown cheese and other Norwegian specialities
Take a fjord cruise from Bergen to Rosendal
Do a RIB tour on the fjord
Check out the Steinsdalsfossen and Vøringsfossen waterfalls
Hike on the Folgefonna glacier
Do a day hike to the iconic Trolltunga, Norway’s most spectacular stone formation
Pick some fruit at an orchard
I LOVE the apples from Hardanger
Photo: @bendavisual – Trolltunga is situated at the Ringedals lake
For tours in the Hardangerfjord area I recommend checking out Get Your Guide and Viator. For car rental in Norway check out Rentalcars.com or Cabin Campers
Hardangerfjorden tips
Tip 1: You can drive along the Hardangerfjord by following National Road 7. Check out my YouTube-episode where I take this route from Oslo to Bergen.
Where to stay along Hardangerfjorden?
Hotel Ullensvang, with its heated indoor and outdoor pool is especially great for families. They offer a lot of fun activities and in their restaurant you’ll be served dishes with “short traveled” local food. Great views all around, and you can jump straight into the fjord from their property. Book your stay at the Hotel Ullensvang here
In the town of Norheimsund, just an hour driving from Bergen is Thon Hotel Sandven. Since 1857 there’s been a hotel in this building, and its kept much of its charm and “soul”. The rooms are bright and clean, and I recommend you ask for a room with a fjord view. Book your stay at Thon Hotel Sandven here.
The Geirangerfjord
The Geirangerfjord is a short but oh so scenic branch of the greater Synnulvsfjord. Glaciers carved out the steep and dramatic mountain walls surrounding the fjord, which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
You can expect wild waterfalls, a lush landscape with small farms clinging on to the hillsides. Whether you experience the Geirangerfjord from a kayak, ferry or from one of the steep roads next to it, you are bound to have a pretty awesome experience.
Top things to do in the Geirangerfjord region
Join a fjord cruise from the Geiranger harbor, or this one starting in Ålesund
Rent a car and drive the nine hairpin turns up the eagles road while overlooking the fjord
From here continue on to Trollstigen and another eleven hairpin turns down the mountain side
Go Kayaking or join a RIB tour on the fjord
Do a hike to the Skageflå mountain farm and gaze upon the seven sisters waterfalls
A hike to the Storsæterfossen waterfall is also well worth it
Where to stay along Geirangerfjorden?
The Lysefjord
The Lysefjord is the southernmost one of the large fjords in Norway, and is located about 25 km (15 miles) east of the city of Stavanger.
It’s surrounded by steep mountains on all sides, and offers spectacular hiking possibilities. The two most popular hikes are up to Kjeragbolten & the Pulpit Rock (if you dare…! see photos below).
Top things to do in the Lysefjord region
- RIB tour on the fjord
- Hike up to Kjeragbolten
- Hike up to the Pulpit Rock
- Fjord Cruise on the fjord
- Kayaking on the fjord
Kjeragbolten
Where to stay along Lysefjorden?
And not to forget…
Well, as a resident of Oslo I also want to just mention the Oslofjord. It might not be as spectacular as these four fjords, but it got a lot to offer and a visit to Oslo is not complete without a tour on the fjord. Find some Oslofjord activities here.
I hope this article gave you some inspiration to your next fjord adventure in Norway! Please share with anyone you might think be interested.
Ha det bra,
Pål
2 Comments
The Sognefjord was so beautiful to see! I really enjoyed that adventure.
That’s nice to hear! I think it’s one of the most spectacular areas of Norway