The Norwegian fjords
The Norwegian fjords make an impression on everyone who visits them. Cutting in from the sea, through steep mountains, they have passages so narrow that, when the ship sails in, you can sometimes touch the mountainside with your fingertips.
To many foreigners, Norway is synonymous with fjords. The country has the highest concentration of them in the world, ranging from the Oslo fjord in the southeast, all the way up to East Finnmark near the northeastern Russian border.
Norway is also fortunate enough to have a warm sea current running along its coastline. As a result, the fjords are virtually ice free – and ready to be explored.
What is a fjord?
A fjord is a deep, narrow and elongated ocean inlet, cut into the landscape, with steep mountains on three sides. The fourth side, called the mouth of the fjord, is open towards the sea.
The Norwegian fjords were formed when the glaciers of the Ice Age retreated. Seawater rushed in to replace the ice, flooding the U-shaped valleys and creating the memorable geography we see today.
The most famous fjords in Norway
The best-known Norwegian fjords are found in the western coastal and northern regions. In the west, for example, Geirangerfjord, Hjørundfjord and Nordfjord are recognised on UNESCO's World Heritage List, with their alpine mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush villages full of fruit trees.
On your way to Trondheim, you can experience the Trondheimsfjord. Further north, the Trollfjord, only 100 metres wide at its narrowest point, is among the most fascinating fjords in the country.
The Geirangerfjord
The stuff of which fairytales are made, Geirangerfjord is the pick of Norway's fjords. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its deep-blue waters and mountainous countryside. It is also home to The Seven Sisters waterfall - which features seven streams of tumbling waters from 800ft!
Best time to visit: June - August
The Hjørundfjord
Seclusion and an unspoiled natural landscape are what give this 35-kilometre-long fjord in western Norway its special character as it cuts into the massive Sunnmøre Alps.
Best time to visit: September - October
Our Norwegian fjords cruises
The Trollfjord
A visit to this narrow fjord in Lofoten and Vesterålen is a truly memorable experience. Bordered by steep-sided mountains, it is home to the white-tailed sea eagle – one of the main attractions in the area.
Best time to visit: May - October
The Trondheimsfjord
The first capital of Norway, Trondheim is a town where kings and queens have been crowned. But as well as being rich in culture and history, it’s also home to a spectacular fjord.
A journey through this Norwegian fjord will see you encounter all walks of wildlife and gorgeous green swathes of countryside. Go for the stunning views, stay to learn more about this historic town.
The Nordfjord
Spanning some 106 kilometres, this is one of the country's longest fjords and also one of the most diverse. Highlights include the westernmost point in Norway, a sensational skylift, and the largest glacier in Europe.
The Sognefjord
Often referred to as the ‘King of Fjords’, the Sognefjord is the longest and deepest of the Norwegian fjords. It extends 204 km inland, and is surrounded by mountains up to 2,000 metres tall.
You can visit this fjord on a day trip from Bergen or Oslo as part of the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour. This also includes a trip on the Flåm Mountain Railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
The Lysefjord
Not far from the city of Stavanger, the 42-km-long Lysefjord is home to one of Norway’s most famous sights: Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), which towers 604 metres above the fjord’s shimmering waters. This is a popular hiking spot for tourists, and it takes about 2 hours to reach the summit.
At the end of the fjord, Kjerag mountain reaches even higher. Along the way, watch for mountain goats, waterfalls, and the famous Kjeragbolten, a glacial boulder wedged high up in a crevasse.
The Hardangerfjord
Hardangerfjord is a hiker’s paradise. At 179km, it is one of the longest fjords in the world, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to explore by foot.
Cruising through this fjord has plenty of highlights: the charming village of Odda, where you can take a moment to relax or get involved in other outdoor activities, and the famous rock formation known as Trolltunga (the ‘troll tongue’), which has to be seen to be believed and is accessible by hike from Odda.
The Lyngenfjord
With clear blue skies and a wide-open valley, the Lyngenfjord is Norway at its most beautiful.
But there’s far more to Lyngenfjord than meets the eye - the area has plenty of natural activities to get involved in, from hiking to reindeer sledding. And best of all - it’s a great spot to catch the Northern Lights!