One of the most wonderful gifts nature has given Norway, the fjords are spectacular creations designed by giant retreating glaciers. It took them several ice ages to shape the fjords, but the results are authentic masterpieces praised by all humanity. Come on a journey to Fjords of Norway within this article.
A fjord is a deep and narrow sea guarded by steep mountains and rock formations on three sides. The mouth of a fjord is its opening to the sea. Norway has more than 1,000 fjords which makes it quite a challenge to choose the best of them. If you’re visiting Norway you’re pretty much bound to encounter a fjord or ten because they’re everywhere. However, a few of them are truly remarkable and scenic. Discover the best fjords of Norway:
Geirangerfjord
Famous for its Seven Sisters, seven glorious waterfalls that rush down from an altitude of 250 meters to meet the fjord, Geirangerfjord is Norway’s most famous fjord and a UNESCO Heritage Site along with Nærøyfjord. Admired either by car or ferry, the fjord is a breathtaking appearance, peaceful, yet intriguing, in the district of Møre og Romsdal, a couple of hours away from Ålesund.
For the best views of the fjord, visitors flock to the Geiranger Skywalk in Dalsnibba and the Flydalsjuvet. Trekkers often choose to follow the fjord from the Ørnevegen, a steep road carved in the mountains.
Nærøyfjord
A 17-km long fjord and impossibly narrow in some places, this fjord is one of the most dramatic fjords in Norway. Framed by majestic peaks, Nærøyfjord creates spectacular views and is a magnificent destination for photographs. The scenery is dotted with small farms and traditional dwellings, as well as tumbling waterfalls. Often a stop on itineraries that start from Oslo and Bergen, Nærøyfjord is also an amazing kayaking destination, especially in the summer.
Sognefjord
The longest and deepest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord awaits nature lovers in the district of Sogn og Fjordane, in western Norway. The area is truly magnificent, a vast landscape dominated by pretty mountain villages and a magnificent fjord dressed in tones of blue and emerald. Measuring more than 200 km, the fjord promises superb views. The area is a great vacation destination, especially if you’re curious to admire Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, as well as a splendid wooden church in Kaupanger. This fjord is truly magnificent, an emerald body of water that basically splits Norway in two and has numerous picturesque branches inland.
Lysefjord
Home to the colossal Preikestolen cliff, also known as the Pulpit Rock, Lyse fjord is a popular destination in Norway. Hikers who get atop the Pulpit Rock are rewarded with breathtaking views of the fjord. Moreover, the fjord enchants visitors with many other astonishing peaks that rise to 3,000 meters, such as the Kjeragbolten and the Lyseboth. It also dazzles outdoorsy travelers with 4,444 wooden steps known as the Flørli Steps, the longest wooden stairway in the world and a fantastic challenge for hikers. Home to only two villages because of its unfriendly mountain terrain, Lysefjord boasts an untamed and raw beauty. If you’re patient enough to follow the (complicated!) road that leads to the Lyseboth village, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive and discover fabulous views.
Aurlandsfjord
Aurlandsfjord is actually a branch of the gargantuan Sognefjord. A delight for photographers, the fjord is truly superb due to its imposing mountains that reach altitudes over 1,500 meters and create picturesque views. One of the most epic views of Aurlandsfjord awaits at the Stegastein viewpoint, open all year. Many tourists who visit Aurlandsfjord start their journey from the idyllic village of Flåm that captures the beauty of traditional mountain villages. The village is also a departure point for one of the most scenic train rides in Europe.
Hardangerfjord
The second-longest fjord in Norway, Hardangerfjord has the advantage of being really easy to explore by car. The fjord measures about 80 km and on its way to the North Sea heads inland towards the Hardangervidda National Park. Travelers who want to admire this fjord can easily do it by car along the road that follows the fjord. The journey along the fjord eventually leads to the quaint village of Odda, a great departure point for hiking and home to Trolltunga (Troll’s tongue), a famous rock formation.
Trollfjord
And speaking of trolls, the Trollfjord may not be as popular nor as long as the others fjords in Norway, but this doesn’t mean is less spectacular. Situated between Vesterålen and the Lofoten islands, the 2-km fjord is remarkable due to its narrow entrance and rugged mountainsides. The scenery is truly spectacular, with inky and dark water and snow-capped peaks that create a dramatic black and white painting brought to life only by eagles circling nervously in search of prey.
For more specific information on the fjords of Norway visit: https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/nature-attractions/fjords/
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