Norway fjords travel guide: Everything you need to know

While beaches and island hopping destinations may be your go to holiday choice, have you ever considered a cooler holiday (literally)? Hikes and cruises with a backdrop of some of the most stunning views the world has to offer. Norwegian fjords are magical – and that’s putting it lightly. Filled with a mystical quality and all the drama you must visit Norway and the fjords at least once in your life! Consider this your guide to doing so…

What is a fjord in Norway?

A fjord is a type of naturally occurring landscape characterized by long and narrow shaped valleys filled with deep water, flanked by steep cliffs on either side. They’re essentially corridors of water which lead to the sea and were formed over time by the movement of glaciers. 

Norwegian fjords are lush. The cliffs and mountains which frame the waterways are covered in greenery and often dotted with waterfalls which feed the flow. The water is also incredibly fresh and pure, coming from the ocean and rainfall. 

Fjords are common in Norway, as well as in destinations like Canada, New Zealand, and Patagonia. Fun fact, the fjords in Norway were actually used as a filming location in Dune Pt. 1. 

Where are the fjords in Norway?

Norwegian fjords are found all along the Norwegian coastline, stretching far both north and south. So, really, as long as you stick to the sea you’ll have high chances of encountering these feats of natural beauty. 

Western Norway is often referred to as ‘Fjord Norway’ for the sheer amount of fjords just lying about – most of them being very iconic and popular amongst tourists and locals alike. The most popular fjords for tourists are located along the stretch between Stavanger and Trondheim. 

But Northern, Southern, and even Arctic Norway are all home to fjords as well, which could be a good travel option if you want to avoid crowds and have the views all to yourself.

How many fjords are in Norway?

The exact number of fjords in Norway depends on the source, but it is generally agreed that there are around 1,700 named fjords in the country; so, plenty for you to see when you visit Norway!

Can you see the Norwegian fjords without a cruise?

Although fjord cruises are a favourite way of seeing these stunning natural views, you can most certainly see them without a cruise!

If you’d like to stick to the water but don’t get the appeal of cruise ships, you can take ferries to glide down the narrow inlets instead. There are also plenty of land-based transport methods like scenic train journeys and winding roads which will take you on trips through quaint fjord-side towns. If anything, a road trip may give you even more fairytale vibes than a cruise! 

Travelling this way can offer a more flexible way of seeing Norway’s fjords as you can take the exploration at your own pace and pit-stop around local hidden gems a cruise line may otherwise miss. 

What is the most beautiful fjord in Norway?

Well, depends who you ask! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think it’s fair to say that all of Norway’s fjords are pretty spectacular. Though, according to the prestigious World Heritage list, Geirangerfjord in the Sunnmøre region, is often cited as the most beautiful Norwegian fjord. With snow-capped mountains, emerald-hued vegetation lining the sloping cliffs, and waterfalls which hurl themselves straight into the fjord, it’s not hard to understand why.

That being said, there are several other beautiful fjords to visit in Norway, detailed below…

Best fjords in Norway to visit

Here are 5 of the best and most jaw-dropping Norwegian fjords you must visit (aside from the aforementioned Geirangerfjord, of course).

1. Sognefjord

Nicknamed the ‘King of the Fjords’, Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, cutting over 205km inland from the sea. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and you can access it by train, taking the Flåm Railway for a very scenic ride. Waterfalls and glaciers are just a few of the things you’ll see by exploring the area, and you can enjoy plenty of hikes and historic encounters of old stave churches feeding you some culture and adventure at the same time. 

2. Lyngenfjord

Lyngenfjord is a perfect destination for the adventurous traveller. Located in the north of the country, the fjord is famous for the Lyngen Alps which rise to just over 1,800m tall and offer a wide range of activities all year round. Aside from the obvious gawking at the glittering body of water, you can also ski, go whale watching, experience dog-sledding, and go on lots and lots of hikes!

On top of that, luck may be on your side and afford you a glimpse of the fleeting and magical Northern Lights! And, far in the north of Norway, you can also meet the local Sámi people and experience their unique culture. 

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3. Trollfjord

Trollfjord may be on the smaller side when compared to others, but the drama it offers is unparalleled. The fjord’s mouth is only 100 metres wide making it very narrow, whereas the cliffs which jut out of the water on either side are sheer, and tower at around 1,100m in some points! Imagine that on a misty day? Mystical. A unique feature of Trollfjord is that it is home to many sea eagles as well, and you can book yourself onto a marine safari to cruise down the water’s surface and spot them.

4. Nærøyfjord

This Norwegian fjord is actually a branch off of the larger Sognefjord, and a detour well worth taking. It’s the narrowest branch, giving the 18km-long stretch of it a dramatic flare. It’s especially beautiful in autumn (if you can brave the cold) when the leaves start to turn brilliant shades of gold and red. There are plenty of cruises on offer, so you can plan the day exactly how you want!

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5. Oslofjord

Located in the south of Norway near, you guessed it, Oslo, Oslofjord is a 120km inlet which begins in Bonn and ends in the capital. There are many small islands within the fjord as it is quite wide and it’s a great one to cruise along and get a view of the capital city from a different angle. If you’re visiting Norway and staying in Oslo as your base of operations, it offers a perfect break from the buildings and buzzing crowds.

When is the best time of year to visit Norwegian fjords?

Generally speaking, weather in the Norwegian fjords can be… interesting. The best seasons to visit are spring and summer as this is when you will experience the warmest days, but that being said it’s entirely possible to get rain and sometimes even snowfall any time of year! Spring is considered the prettiest time of year to visit fjords as the flora is in full bloom and the rainfall just adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the already wet and aquatic sights; whereas summer is when you will get the most mild and stable weather.

Norway experiences quite a dramatic drop in temperatures around autumn, but this is also the harvest and hunting season where you can experience some of the best foods and cultural events Norway has to offer. Not to mention the fjords will be surrounded by brilliant burning (not actually) scenery. 

Unless you truly love to feel ice in your bones, you may want to avoid winter. The tail end of the year is seriously no joke in Norway, so, be warned, but it is a gorgeous time for skiers and snow-lovers. It’s also a perfect time of year to chance Northern Light spotting. 

What is so special about the fjords?

Fjords in Norway are not only UNESCO listed sites, but they are considered a deep part of the country’s culture and heritage. The fjords are a defining characteristic of Norway’s landscape, carving jaw-dropping views which are enjoyed by plenty. 

Further to that, there is a lot of history surrounding the fjords which ties back to the vikings, as well as ties to local myths and Norse mythology. For example, the great world-eating snake Jörmungandr is believed to reside in the depths of the fjords, lying under water until Ragnarok is unleashed… 

How can I visit the fjords in Norway?

Really easily! Norway’s fjords are major tourist attractions, so no matter where you’re staying along the coast you’ll always find some way to access them. You can book yourself on a cruise ship or you can take various day trips and access the fjords by ferry, train, or public transport.

Or, if you’d like to cut all the fussy planning out of the equation and just focus on the natural beauty, you can visit with Contiki! Our Norway Fjords Explorer or Norway Fjords & Northern Lights trip will take you around the north of the country with included cultural experiences and all the gorgeous views without you having to even lift a finger!