Majestic Sognefjord: The king of Norway’s fjords

The vast waters of Sognefjorden, as we call it in Norway, stretch 205km from just north of Bergen to the village of Skjolden. Dramatic cliffs rise from the inlet’s edge. Below the often-serene surface, the fjord plummets to a depth of 1,300m.

As you sail through Sognefjord, you’ll see smaller fjords branching off, including the famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, central to the Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll spy charming villages dotting the shores, such as Balestrand, Lærdal, Fjærland and Vik. And you’ll uncover, amid all this natural beauty, a rich history – Viking artefacts and medieval stave churches are among Sognefjord’s architectural gems.

Deciding to visit Sognefjord is easy. Deciding how to explore it may well be a more difficult decision. Will you cruise, hike, kayak or even ride the famous Flåm Railway?

Like most of the Norwegian fjords, Sognefjord formed during the last ice age, 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. Giant glaciers carved the deep valley you see today. The fjord remains home to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European mainland.

People have congregated on Sognefjord’s shores right back to the Stone Age. Archaeological sites and rock carvings found near the fjord indicate that those early inhabitants used this area for hunting, fishing and gathering. By the Iron Age, farming had begun to develop in the fertile valley.

Later, Vikings traveled Sognefjord for travel, trade and raids. Poised at the head of the Nærøyfjord branch of Sognefjord, the village of Gudvangen is a particularly notable site, with burial mounds and other artefacts from the Viking age.

(Image copyright: Øyvind Heen - fjords.com)

Christianity reached Norway around the turn of the first millennium, and several early Christian churches were established along the fjord. One of the oldest is Kaupanger Stave Church, dating back to the 12th century. It’s a fine example of a medieval wooden church.

The late-19th century brought tourism. Sognefjord’s breathtaking scenery made it a prime destination for those seeking adventure in nature, and the building of roads and railways – including the Flåm Railway, completed in 1940 – made access to the fjord easier.

Today, the beautiful Sognefjord is part of our cultural identity. It showcases Norwegian history, folklore and the vital role the sea and mountains have played – and still play – in shaping our lives.

The best time to visit Sognefjord depends on what you want from the experience.

Late spring is quieter than summer, and the landscape is already alive with fresh green foliage and wildflowers. This is a great time for hiking, kayaking and inhaling the peace before summer’s busyness.

In summer, the weather is more reliable for fjord cruises. The days are long – up to 18 hours of daylight in June – giving you plenty of time to explore. It’s peak tourist season, so expect plenty of fellow visitors to keep you company.

(Image copyright: Øyvind Heen - fjords.com)

It’s still mild in early autumn, which sees the leaves of the trees along the fjord turn copper, red and amber. The quieter pace that descends across the fjord is a bonus, too. Some tours and activities may start to close in mid-October, but it’s still a beautiful and calm time to visit.

Predictably, winter can be cold, with temperatures often below freezing – from -5°C to 5°C. Snow and ice are common in the mountains and the fjord itself can freeze, especially in the more remote parts. This the perfect time for winter sports in nearby areas like Sogndal and Gaupne. Look out for the Northern Lights on an inky clear night.