THE FJORDS

There are more than a thousand fjords in Norway, all along the coast. But most of the iconic fjords– those you may have seen on the postcards, like the Sognefjord, the Lysefjord, and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord – are located 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 (sometimes mixed with fresh water from the rivers and glaciers, though) – 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 lived as farmers in impossibly steep and rocky surroundings (in certain places they still do). A time when you could harvest from the 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 through guided tours. There are small villages spread throughout, and trails for both glacier walks and mountain hikes are plentiful.

Whether you want to experience the famous peace and quiet or get an adrenaline rush, the fjords are the ideal destination.

Start off with a fjord cruise, an easy hike or relaxing walk by the fjord, or take a guided tour to viewing points of the fjords, mountains, and waterfalls.

More challenging trips include steep hikes up to rewarding views at the top. You can also explore by kayak, or go SUP boarding, rafting, glacier hiking, rock climbing, and climbing on a via ferrata route. There are guided fishing tours in many places.

Go skiing all year round high above the fjord in the Hardangerfjord region, among other places. Summer skiing is a popular activity that may be combined with swimming in a fjord earlier or later on the same day.

There are many fascinating historical sites for history buffs, ruins of ancient buildings, art and folklore museums, open-air museums, and Viking Era sites. Unesco World Heritage sites include Bryggen in Bergen, Urnes Stave Church, the fjords of Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord, and the surrounding landscapes.

There are several national parks in Fjord Norway with marked trails, where you can experience everything from wildlife, lakes, rivers and glaciers to mountain cabins and visitor centres.

The fjords of Fjord Norway, exemplified by the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, were granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2005.

“Their exceptional natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1,400 metres from the Norwegian Sea and extend 500 metres below sea level. The sheer walls of the fjords have numerous waterfalls while free-flowing rivers cross their deciduous and coniferous forests to glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged mountains,” writes UNESCO.

With more than a thousand fjords around the country, it’s not surprising that many travellers wonder where to go and which fjords to see. Learn how to differentiate the most famous ones, and narrow it down with our recommended trips below.