A Short Introduction to the Norwegian Fjords

View of Norangsfjorden and Slogen mountain - Photo by Bob Engelsen

Norway is famous for many things—friendly people, good quality of life and, of course, many beautiful fjords, which define the landscape.

A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water, characterized by steep sides or cliffs that reaches inland. Over 1,700 fjords can be found in Norway, but here are eight notable ones you should consider visiting on your next trip.

No trip to Norway is complete without visiting at least one fjord. These natural wonders hallmark Norway’s already stunning landscape and attract millions of travelers and nature enthusiasts from all around the world each year.

Sognefjord Naeroyfjord. Photo By Morten Rakke VisitFlam

Sognefjorden

The Sognefjord is the deepest and largest fjord in Norway and third largest in the world, extending 204 kilometers (126.76 miles) inland. This natural landmark is 6,905 meters (22,654 feet) deep and nearly five kilometers (3.11 miles) wide.

Several of our Norway in a Nutshell tours includes cruise on the “King of the Fjords” with an eco-friendly electric ship.

Ulvik I Hardanger Fjord View Foto Reinhold Kager

Hardangerfjorden

Hardangerfjorden is the fifth-longest fjord in the world, and the second longest in Norway after Sognefjorden. When it comes to Norwegian tourism, Hardangerfjord is where it all began. In the early 19th century holiday makers started visiting the fjord, and from 1875, it was arranged weekly cruises from London.

In spring, the Hardangerfjord explodes with apple blossoms, which by autumn become crips and fruity cider – the “Nordic champagne”.

Summer on the shores of Naeroyfjord by Paul Edmundson, Fjord Norway

Nærøyfjorden

Named after Njord, the Norse god of seafaring, the 18 kilometer (11.18 miles) Nærøyfjord is widely considered the most stunning fjord in the world. Nærøyfjorden is one of the many arms of the larger Sognefjord and for its staggering beauty, this natural marvel has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

You can explore the Nærøyfjord by electric fjord boat from Flåm, a unique journey that’s included in some of our tours.

Geirangerfjord by Paul Emundson, Fjord Norway

Geirangerfjorden

In western Norway’s Sunnmøre region, the magnificent Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastal express cruise operated by Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages sail into this beautiful fjord, past “Dei sju systrene” (The Seven Sisters”) waterfalls to the village of Geiranger.

Many visitors to Geiranger extend their trip with an excursion to Trollstigen, a road with 11 hairpin bends down the steep mountainside.

Trollfjorden

Found in the Lofoten archipelago of north eastern Norway, the Trollfjord is perfectly placed in an area known for the northern lights and midnight sun. Hydroelectric power is generated in these waters and even some scenes from the 2016 movie Downsizing, starring Matt Damon, were shot on location here.

Munkholmen in Trondheim by Trym Ivar Bergsmo, Visit Norway

Trondheimsfjorden

At 130 kilometers (80.78 miles) long, Trondheimsfjorden is Norway’s third-longest fjord and can be found by the city of Trondheim. While this is not the most mountainous fjord, it is rich in wildlife and history. Visitors will experience a thriving ecosystem coexisting with ancient historical sites.

View of Oslo waterfront by Didrick Stenersen, Visit Oslo

Oslofjorden

Oslofjorden is in the south-eastern tip of Norway, leading voyagers to Scandinavia’s oldest capital city, Oslo. Being right in the city center, there are many attractions in and around Oslofjorden to enjoy, such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, hiking, biking, boat tours, or relaxing at the Oslo Fjord Sauna.

Hjorundfjorden Sunnmore Photo Bob Engelsen

Hjørundfjorden

Often described by Norwegians as Norway’s most beautiful fjord, Hjørundfjorden is a hidden gem not to be overlooked. Nature lovers will revel in the beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails, where you’ll experience 360-degree views of pristine water, lucious mountains and idyllic villages.

What our customers say:

On behalf of the group I would like to thank you and your colleagues for organizing our wonderful tour of Norway. Everything went very well including the weather, which was spectacular. We enjoyed all the hotels, the central locations you chose and the amenities, especially the lavish breakfasts. Three extra days in Oslo allowed us to tour the city at our leisure and to enjoy more of the important sights including the newly opened National Museum. The Norway in a Nutshell tour was amazing and made much easier by using your recommended porterage service between hotels in Oslo and Bergen. Both the train journeys and the boat trip were spectacular, and combined with a night in the beautiful Kviknes Hotel made for an unforgettable two days. We were very impressed by the Hurtigruten cruise, particularly the way they combined a working ship with a cruise ship, the comfortable accommodations, the food and service. It was fascinating to visit all the various ports, islands and fjords and the two included tours were excellent and informative. In the end we were glad to have the extra night in Kirkenes, to visit their lovely museum and take a trip to the Russian border. It was a good way to end the tour. Again, thank for staying with us through 2 years of pandemic postponements and changes. We certainly will recommend Fjord Travel in the future.

Marilyn, United States
I wanted to thank everybody. We had a wonderful trip. Everything went well and fortunately we had the chance to see the lights while on the cruise. All my friends in Turkey would like to go on a similar trip. So I will be in touch with you. Thanks again and best wishes to all of you.

Candan, Turkey
We just recently completed the Tromso, Northern Lights & Arctic Coast tour. I am writing to say what an amazing tour we had. Everything ran smoothly without an issue, the accommodation was fantastic and the tours were brilliant. We cannot fault the package at all. I would also like to thank Franziska and Lene, they both were fantastic in answering all my questions promptly, whilst booking the tour. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable holiday!

Robert, Australia