two kayaks padling on the Hjørundfjord
Photo by Bob André Engelsen

3 min read

Published 19. August 2025

By Fjord Travel Norway

Norwegian fjords – which one should you visit?

Norway’s coastline is lined with more than a thousand fjords, but a handful stand out for their history, beauty, and unique character. Here’s your guide to five of the most unforgettable fjords in Norway – each with its own personality.

If you’ve ever wondered “what is a fjord?”, you’re not alone. The fjord definition is deceptively simple: a long, narrow inlet with steep cliffs, created by glaciers. But that explanation hardly captures the impact of the fjords of Norway.

Norwegian fjords are not just waterways – they are timeless landscapes carved by ice, filled with stories, and framed by some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.

Hardangerfjorden – The orchard of Norway

Stretching 179 kilometres inland, Hardangerfjorden is often called the “Queen of the Fjords.” This region is famous for its fruit orchards, especially in spring when thousands of apple, cherry, and plum trees burst into blossom. In summer, the landscape becomes a painter’s palette of green hills, waterfalls, and mirror-like water.

The same fertile slopes that produce such beauty also give rise to Hardanger’s award-winning ciders, celebrated internationally for their crisp flavor and centuries-old production traditions.

Photo by Cider House - Balestrand

Man at Balestrand Cider House opening a bottle of cider

Historically, Hardanger was known for boatbuilding and the intricate Hardanger fiddle, but today it’s also a gateway to the Folgefonna Glacier and the spectacular Vøringsfossen waterfall.

If you’re looking for a mix of culture, gentle hikes, and postcard-perfect villages, a tour to the Hardangerfjord might be your match.

Three people on a glacier hike to Folgefonna

Sognefjorden – The King of the fjords

At over 200 kilometres long and reaching depths of 1,308 metres, Sognefjorden earns its title as Norway’s largest and deepest fjord. In Viking times, its sheltered waters made it a natural highway for trade and exploration.

Today, its side arms – like Nærøyfjorden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offer some of the most serene Norway fjords scenery imaginable.

Photo by M. Dickson Foap | Visit Norway

The Aurlandsfjord at autumn

This is a fjord with many faces: sail past snow-capped mountains in the morning and explore ancient stave churches at midday.

Then there is Balestrand – a scenic fjord village renowned for its natural beauty, artistic heritage, and the distinctive Swiss-style architecture that dots this unique fjordscape.

Balestrand fjord village

Geirangerfjorden – The icon

Few fjords in Norway are as instantly recognisable as Geirangerfjorden. Surrounded by towering cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, it is home to the famous “Seven Sisters” – named because, from afar, the seven parallel streams resemble the long, flowing hair of seven women.

Geirangerfjord and the seven sisters waterfall

Directly opposite cascades “Friaren” (The Suitor). According to local legend, The Suitor courted the sisters across the fjord, but they never returned his affections. Heartbroken, he “turned to the bottle,” which his distinctive bottle shape still reflects today. 

Geiranger has been inhabited for centuries, with farmsteads clinging impossibly to steep slopes, telling a story of resilience in a place of great beauty.

Photo by Terje Rakke | Visit Norway

Woman standing close to the Suitor waterfall in Geiranger

Hjørundfjorden – The wild one

Less visited but equally spectacular, the Hjørundfjord cuts into the Sunnmøre Alps, a jagged mountain range beloved by hikers and mountaineers.

This is the fjord for those seeking quieter adventures – its glass-like waters reflect snow-covered peaks, and its trails lead to remote viewpoints far from the tourist crowds.

Local tales speak of “huldra” – mysterious forest maidens with long hair and a hidden cow’s tail – said to lure wanderers from mountain paths into the wild.

You may catch a glimpse of her if you make your way to Trandal, home to what many call the most beautiful swing in the world. Check #trandal on Instagram, and you’ll get the picture.

Swing or not, visiting Hjørundfjorden is like stepping into an older, wilder Norway.

Video by Trigger | Visit Norway

Woman on the swing in Trandal

Trollfjorden – The dramatic passage

In the Lofoten archipelago lies Trollfjorden, a narrow, 2-kilometre-long fjord with an entrance barely 100 metres wide.

Its name comes from local folklore – trolls were said to roam the surrounding mountains, turning to stone at sunrise and leaving behind the jagged peaks we see today.

As if trolls weren't enough, Trollfjorden is also home to white-tailed eagles. Our Highlights of Lofoten package includes a fast-paced RIB trip from Svolvær to Trollfjorden, with several stops along the way where you can get up close to these enormous creatures.

Photo by Havila | Marius Beck Dahle

Havila ship in the narrow Trollfjord

Trollfjorden is also remembered for the Battle of Trollfjorden in 1890, a clash between steamship crews and local fishermen over fishing rights.

Today, it’s all peace and awe, with sea eagles often soaring overhead as you glide between cliffs, half expecting to catch sight of troll’s silhouette in the massive rocks.

sea eagle hunting in Lofoten

Defining the experience

So, what is a fjord beyond the textbook definition? It’s a place where geology, history, and culture converge. It’s the stillness of the water on a windless morning, the scent of salt and blossoms, and the echo of stories told for centuries.

Whether you choose the grandeur of Sognefjorden, the romance of Geirangerfjorden, the blossoms of Hardangerfjorden, the solitude of Hjørundfjorden, or the drama of Trollfjorden, the fjords of Norway will leave you with a deep appreciation for these ancient waterways – and perhaps your own personal fjord definition.

Panoramic views of the Lysefjord

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