Discover what’s new before everyone else:

Get our free on-the-go Nordic hotspot map!

Search
Close this search box.

Norway

Norway’s 10 most breathtaking fjords you need to visit

Experience the magic of Norway’s fjords

Norway’s fjords, carved by ancient glaciers, are a defining feature of its western coastline, spanning regions like Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland and Nordland. These dramatic landscapes, characterised by steep cliffs, deep waters and cascading waterfalls, offer a unique connection to nature. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquillity of kayaking through calm waters, the challenge of hiking trails with sweeping views, or the cultural charm of coastal villages, the fjords cater to every type of traveller. From the southern stretches of Rogaland to the rugged beauty of Nordland, Norway’s fjords are a testament to nature’s raw power and serenity.

Hurtigruten Vs Havila Norwegian coastal cruise

What are the best ways to explore Norway’s fjords – by car, boat or foot?

Exploring Norway’s fjords offers a variety of experiences, each with its own unique perspective. As a visitor to Norway’s fjords, we recommend you to experience the fjords by all means of transportation as they all provide different perspectives and experiences. Each mode of exploration offers a distinct experience, whether it’s the serene passage by boat, the freedom of a road trip, or the exhilaration of a mountain hike.

By boat

Cruising by boat provides an intimate view of the fjords, allowing you to glide past towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Operators like Hurtigruten and Havila offer voyages through numerous fjords, combining natural beauty with cultural insights without having to give up on the relaxing comforts of a cruise ship. For tips on choosing the right cruise for your adventure, explore our dedicated guide to booking fjord cruises in Norway.

By car

Driving along Norway’s National Tourist Routes lets you explore the fjord regions at your own pace and come up close to most of the fjords and their viewpoints. Routes such as the Geiranger–Trollstigen and Hardanger offer breathtaking vistas and access to charming villages along the way. Our experience is that driving in Norway is easy. The pace is slow enough to enjoy the scenery and traffic is light for the most part. For tips on planning your trip, don’t miss our must-read guide to booking a rental car in the Nordics.

By foot

For those seeking active exploration, hiking trails like Trolltunga and Preikestolen provide stunning fjord views from elevated vantage points and are accessible without any particular gear apart from comfortable shoes. These hikes are challenging but reward adventurers with unparalleled panoramas. It is important to know that while the feedon to roam freely applies, but comes with responsibilities – one very important one is to leave no trace. Whatever you bring on your hike, must come back with you!

Find the best car rental deals with The Nordic Nomad

Photography courtesy of Hurtigruten

Norways best fjords
Norways best fjords

When is the best time of year to visit the fjords in Norway?

The best time to visit Norway’s fjords depends on what you’re looking for.

Spring (May–June) is ideal if you are seeking majestic waterfalls fed by melting snow and blooming orchards in places like Hardangerfjord. It’s also a quieter season with fewer tourists.

Summer (July–August) brings long daylight hours. Above the arctic circle, the sun never sets in the height of summer. This is the perfect time for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking and fjord cruises. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Autumn (September–October) offers stunning autumnal colours and peaceful hiking trails, while local harvest festivals add a cultural touch. The crowds have left by this time of year and you’ll experience the quiet of Norwegian nature.

Winter (November–March) transforms the fjords into a snow-covered wonderland, ideal for winter sports and even northern lights viewing. Finding slopes overlooking the fjords is not difficult. Molde, Skorgedalen and Bjorli are a few examples.

Norways best fjords
Norways best fjords

01

Geirangerfjord

Nestled in Norway’s Sunnmøre region, the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is a marvel of natural beauty. The fjord stretches 15 kilometres, flanked by towering cliffs and lush greenery. Its most celebrated features are the majestic waterfalls, notably the Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstrene) and the Suitor (Friaren), which face each other across the fjord. Exploring Geirangerfjord by boat offers an intimate perspective of these waterfalls and the abandoned farms on steep hillsides. For panoramic vistas, a drive up the winding Ørnevegen (Eagle Road) leads to Ørnesvingen viewpoint, providing breathtaking views of the fjord. Alternatively, the Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba, standing at 1,500 metres above sea level, offers a dizzying perspective of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Norways best fjords

02

Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Norway, is renowned for its narrow waterways flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The fjord stretches 18 kilometers and narrows to as little as 250 meters in places, offering an intimate encounter with nature’s grandeur. A fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen provides an immersive experience, gliding past idyllic villages like Undredal, known for its traditional goat cheese and Norway’s smallest stave church. For panoramic views, the Stegastein viewpoint, perched 650 meters above the fjord, offers a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Norways best fjords

03

Lysefjord

Lysefjord, aptly named the ‘bright fjord’ for its luminous granite cliffs, stretches 42 kilometers through Norway’s Ryfylke region. A mere 45-minute drive from Stavanger, this fjord is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The renowned Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) towers 604 meters above the fjord, offering hikers breathtaking panoramas. Equally captivating is Kjerag, where the daring can stand atop the Kjeragbolten boulder, wedged in a mountain crevice nearly 1,000 meters above the fjord. If your stamina is good, the Flørli 4444 steps – the world’s longest wooden staircase – provide a unique ascent alongside historic hydropower installations. Exploring Lysefjord by boat reveals cascading waterfalls, such as Hengjanefossen and charming villages like Lysebotn, at the fjord’s end. Whether by land or water, Lysefjord’s dramatic landscapes and outdoor pursuits make it an essential Norwegian experience.
Norways best fjords

04

Sognefjord

Sognefjord, dubbed the ‘King of Fjords,’ stretches over 200 kilometers, making it Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Its glacier-fed waters carve through majestic landscapes, leading to charming villages like Balestrand. Here, time seems to slow, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Balestrand is renowned for its artistic heritage, with numerous galleries and the iconic Kviknes Hotel, a historic establishment dating back to 1877. The village’s unique architecture, including Swiss-style villas and St. Olaf’s Church, adds to its allure. Exploring Sognefjord by boat offers unparalleled views of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, while the surrounding trails provide opportunities for hiking amidst breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Sognefjord and its idyllic villages offer a quintessential Norwegian experience.
Norways best fjords

05

Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord, often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Fjords,’ stretches 179 kilometers through Western Norway, offering a diverse range of experiences. In spring, the region’s extensive apple orchards burst into bloom, painting the landscape with delicate blossoms. For adventure seekers, the Trolltunga hike is a highlight. This challenging trek leads to a rock formation jutting 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The region is also renowned for its cider production, with local farms offering tastings of their award-winning ciders.
Norways best fjords

06

Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord, a tranquil branch of Norway’s Sognefjord, is renowned for its serene waters and dramatic landscapes. A highlight for visitors is the Stegastein Viewpoint, a wooden platform extending 30 meters from the mountainside, situated 650 meters above the fjord. The viewpoint is accessible year-round via a scenic drive from Aurland, though the road can be steep and narrow, with several hairpin turns. For those preferring not to drive, shuttle buses operate regularly from Flåm and Aurland. Beyond Stegastein, the Aurlandsfjord region offers charming villages like Flåm and Aurlandsvangen, where you can explore local culture, enjoy fjord cruises or embark on hiking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
Norways best fjords

07

Hjørundfjord

Hjørundfjord, located in Norway’s Sunnmøre Alps, offers both solitude and natural beauty. The fjord is surrounded by majestic peaks, making it a haven for hikers. Notable trails include the 1,564 metre ascent of Mount Slogen from Øye, renowned for its panoramic views and the Urkeegga hike, which provides a circular route with vistas over the fjord. For kayaking enthusiasts, the calm waters of Hjørundfjord are ideal for exploration. Guided tours departing from Urke offer paddlers the chance to glide beneath towering cliffs and past secluded waterfalls, immersing themselves in the tranquility of this hidden gem. The fjord’s less-traveled paths and waters make it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds.
Norways best fjords

08

Nordfjord

Nordfjord is situated between Europe’s largest mainland glacier and Norway’s wildest coastline. Embark on a guided hike to Briksdalsbreen Glacier, an arm of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, where you’ll traverse scenic trails surrounded by steep mountains, wild rivers and waterfalls. After your glacier adventure, you can unwind in the picturesque coastal village of Kalvåg. Known for its well-preserved waterfront environment, Kalvåg boasts charming wharf buildings that have been restored and converted to provide accommodation. Strolling through this idyllic village, you can enjoy the serene harbor views and experience authentic Norwegian coastal culture.
Norways best fjords

09

Romsdalsfjord

Romsdalsfjord, located in Norway’s Møre og Romsdal region, stretches approximately 88 kilometres through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. It flows past picturesque towns such as Åndalsnes, known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords,’ and Isfjorden. Further along, the fjord reaches Vestnes, rich in maritime heritage, before ending near Molde, often called the ‘Town of Roses’ due to its blooming gardens and sweeping mountain views. The fjord’s deep, clean waters, plunging up to 550 metres southwest of Molde, make it a top spot for fishing. Local operators offer guided fishing trips from Åndalsnes, with chances to catch cod, pollock and mackerel. Tranquil kayaking and epic hikes like the Romsdalseggen ridge trail further enhance the fjord’s outdoor appeal.
Norways best fjords

10

Trollfjord

Trollfjord, though only about 2 kilometers long and 100 meters wide at its entrance, captivates visitors with its steep cliffs rising up to 1,000 meters, creating a dramatic and intimate natural setting. Located in the Lofoten archipelago, this narrow fjord is best explored by boat, offering an up-close experience of its towering walls and the chance to spot the majestic sea eagles that frequent the area. Several operators provide guided tours to Trollfjord. For a more adventurous experience, RIB-boat safaris are available, which combine speed with the thrill of observing sea eagles in their natural habitat. The fjord’s narrow inlets and dramatic landscapes make it a photographer’s dream, especially during the summer months when the Midnight Sun casts a unique light over the scenery.

Share this

Book your stay

Stay in the know

Sign up for the latest hotspot news from the Nordics.

Bespoke partnerships

Before you rent: the must-read car rental guide for the Nordics

Before you book: the must-read guide to Norwegian fjord cruises

Insider guides

48 hours in Malmö, Sweden

48 hours in Copenhagen, Denmark

48 hours in Stockholm, Sweden

Find the best car rental deals with The Nordic Nomad

26

things every Scandophile must experience once