Your Go-To Guide For Visiting The Best Fjords In Norway
Scandinavian Mountains are a sight to behold.
First Things First: What Is a Fjord?
Imagine, if you will, a time when glaciers roamed the Earth. Granted, this roaming wasn’t at a brisk pace — it takes thousands of years for the glaciers to move via the steady pull of gravity, carving immense valleys in the process. The fjord is the aftermath; the place where the glacier actually carved a path below sea level before eventually retreating, allowing the ocean to fill the void.
So when we talk about seeing a fjord, it’s not quite like seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza, or the Colosseum or even Uluru in Australia. It’s not one specific spot that commands your attention — it’s a huge swath of countryside, and all the life that’s sprung up in place of an utterly massive chunk of ice. The air hangs heavy with the stark recognition of time at play: You’re more or less looking at the sides of mountain ranges and seeing the carved signature “glacier wuz here – 10,000 B.C.”
Now with that, Norway is rich — rich — with fjords. You can barely get from any point A to point B without coming across one. Make no mistake: They are all downright majestic, just picture-perfect landscapes worth a gander. But, for the sake of decisiveness, here are three to aim to see when you visit Norway yourself.
The views from Pulpit Rock are well worth the trek.
Lysefjord
Located in the Ryfylke area of Southwestern Norway is the Lysefjord, or “the Fjord of Light.” This fjord is best known for two prominent hikes. The first is a trail that’s a four-hour roundtrip to Pulpit Rock — a biblical-like flat rock jutting out of the cliffside, the perfect place to catch your breath and admire the view. The second hike is even more rigorous, with a 3,500-foot ascent to Kjeragbolten — the famed boulder wedged high above the fjord. Down at water level, highlights include Vagabonds Cove, the Hengjane Waterfall and resident families of mountain goats. Any of the above makes for a surreal souvenir snapshot!
There's a mythical air surrounding Vøringsfossen.
Hardangerfjord
The Hardangerfjord is the second-longest in Norway, stretching for about 111 miles between the Atlantic Ocean (just south of Bergen) all the way to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. In the springtime, the steep hillsides erupt in apple blossoms. Conversely, this section of Norway is the epicenter for Norwegian cider and fruit juice production. Attractions for those passing through include Folgefonna (the southernmost glacier in the country), and a variety of stunning waterfalls — the most famous of which is Vøringsfossen.
All hail the Songnefjord — king of the fjords!
Sognefjord
The Sognefjord is “the king of the fjords,” and for good reason. Norway’s longest (and deepest) fjord actually splits the fjord region in half. Easily the most epic of the country’s fjords, this goliath of a glacier trail stretches for 127 miles, with the deepest point being nearly 4,300 feet
underwater (a chilling thought — the neighboring mountains reach heights of 6,500 feet … think of the glacier!). The area today is home to nearly as many cozy villages as it is side arms of the fjord. Truth be told, even native Norwegians struggle to see and do all that the Sognefjord region offers. (It’d kind of be like asking an American, “Have you done California?” Buddy, there’s a lot there.) International visitors short on time would be wise to stick to the Northern shore: Both Balestrand and Fjærland are quintessentially charming villages, and the latter is at the foot of the immense Jostedal glacier.
Best Small Ship Cruises Norway Fjords
Find yourself with a case of fjord fever? Can’t wait to traverse the fairytale-like countryside and feel the cool fresh air in your lungs? An ideal way to visit Norway is on a Northern Europe cruise with Holland America Line. Not only will you have plenty of time to experience the stunning sights listed above, but you’ll also enjoy refined fine dining, elegant staterooms equipped with their signature Mariner’s Dream™ beds and a slew of engaging activities bound to entertain and delight — not to mention that Holland America Line has won “Best Shore Excursions” for 11 years by Porthole Cruise Magazine. Our agents know Holland America Line well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection.
We are here to help you turn your travel dreams into reality. contact us today!
Travel Leaders Network is the largest network of professional travel agents in North America. Wherever you want to go, however you want to get there — we have a travel agent for you.
Using an Agent Enhances Your Overall Travel Experience.
Local Agents. Global Experts.
Our travel agents are respected worldwide by a massive network of cruise, resort and tour companies, giving us special advantages to making your vacation truly unique.
77
Years Serving the Travel Industry
17,153
Travel Experts In North America
65
Industry Awards Since 2009
300
Global Partnerships