There are more than a thousand fjords in Norway. Most of the iconic fjords– those you may have seen on Instagram, like the Sognefjord, the Lysefjord, and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord – are in Fjord Norway, in the western part of the country.
But you can also find dramatic fjordscapes in Northern Norway and smaller and more tranquil fjords in the South.
Many fjords resemble still blue lakes yet consist of saltwater (mixed with freshwater from rivers and glaciers). They are prolonged arms of the sea, often reaching deep inland with majestic mountains towering above them on both sides.
Even though the fjords are often intertwined, and you can sail from one fjord to another or back out to sea, visiting them is like stepping into a secluded universe – especially when visiting the region in winter.
From past to present
However, the key to understanding why the fjords are perhaps the most important symbol of Norway – and amongst the country’s most popular attractions – lies in what they represent.
More than anything, the fjord landscapes evoke images of Norway in the past: a time when people made a living as farmers in impossibly steep and rocky surroundings (in some places they still do). A time when you could harvest from bountiful fruit trees, and a sheep’s head was considered a delicacy (it still is).
Although the landscapes may seem untamed and wild, the fjord areas are nevertheless easy to explore both on your own and on guided tours. There are small villages spread throughout, and trails for both glacier walks and mountain hikes are plentiful.
Book your very own Norway in a Nutshell tour to the fjords with Fjord Tours.
