No trip to Norway would be complete without exploring the fjords. These long, narrow sea inlets, created during the ice ages, make up most of the country’s northern coastline and boast some of the most exceptional scenery in Scandinavia.
Nordfjord
The Nordfjord welcomes you with a picturesque strip of coastline, high mountains and the largest glacier you will find on mainland Europe: Justedalsbreen. This fjord will lure you with all sorts of activities, such as
- a cruise on the fjord itself, during which you can enjoy its spectacular beauty;
- a ride on a speedboat;
- hiking and sightseeing trips that will show you the magical mountains, islands and forests, as well as surprise you with waterfalls, ancient buildings and the highest peak in Norway, Skåla;
- excursions to the Justedalsbreen glacier;
- water skiing, rafting and canoeing;
- fishing for the most avid fishermen;
- downhill skiing.
Hardangerfjord
As one of the longest fjords in the world, Hardanger Fjord in Norway is known primarily for its picturesque hiking trails and fragrant orchards. This region offers the following activities:
- cruise and kayaking on the beautiful fjord;
- Sightseeing trips, during which you will see the most beautiful places of the fjord;
- Hiking and biking, which will allow you to see many natural wonders, such as, for example, the most impressive waterfall in Norway, Vøringsfossen;
- Hiking to the Folgefonna glacier;
- an excursion to Trolltunga, a huge rock with an incredibly picturesque view.
Lysefjord
Having a relatively smaller size than many other fjords in Norway, Lysefjord is a narrow 42 km long fjord located near Stavanger. It is one of 13 regions in Norway that has been designated a Sustainable Destination, making it ideal for environmentally conscious travelers. Here you can do the following:
- climb the square Preikestolen plateau, or Preacher’s Chair, which will give you an adrenaline rush as it rises almost 600 meters above the huge fjord;
- go to Mount Kjerag, which is a popular place for photography, rock climbing and skydiving, called base jumping;
- Explore several ancient sites in the Lysefjord region, such as the prehistoric rock paintings in Solbakk, which date back to 500 BC;
- go on an excursion to Ryfylke, where you can visit a reconstructed prehistoric settlement.
Sognefjord
The Sogne Fjord, or King of the Fjords, is Norway’s deepest and largest fjord, famous for the scale and spectacularness of its scenery. The main channel stretches 204 km inland, and small scenic arms such as Aurlands Fjord and Neroi Fjord stretch north and south. Popular activities in the area include the following:
- a cruise along the magnificent Neroi Fjord, the narrowest and most impressive branch of the Sogne Fjord;
- a trip to the Viking settlement in Gudvangen;
- visit the oldest wooden church in Norway in Urnes;
- a trip on the panoramic Flom railway;
- visit to the Stegastein observation deck overlooking the Aurlands Fjord;
- traveling to the Justedalsbreen glacier;
- Hiking and cycling along picturesque trails.
Geirangerfjord
Many people consider Geirangerfjord to be the most beautiful fjord in Norway. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the most amazing fjord on the planet. Geirangerfjord, famous for its deep blue waters, high mountain peaks and waterfalls, is a place where you can admire incredibly fabulous landscapes. You will find many interesting activities in the area:
- the Geiranger Skywalk observation deck, which is located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level;
- a sightseeing cruise around the fjord to see its indescribable beauty and its famous waterfalls (for example, the Seven Sisters), whose waters plunge directly into the fjord;
- excellent fishing with professional guides;
- canoeing and rafting;
- Hiking through some of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes;
- downhill skiing.
Every year in Norway, a huge number of tourists go on cruise ships to explore the breathtaking fjords and their cozy bays. Head to this Scandinavian country on one of our tours and see for yourself how beautiful and fascinating the fjords and their surroundings are in Norway.