When you ask people around the world, what is associated with Norway, the most common answer is “fjords”. Fjord or fiord is a long narrow inlet with steep cliffs, created by a glacier.
A true fjord is formed when a glacier cuts a U shaped valley by ice segregation and abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. According to the standard model, glaciers formed in pre-glacial valleys with a gently sloping valley floor. The work of the glacier then form a deep U shaped valley, that ends abruptly at a valley or through end. Such valleys are fjords when flooded by the ocean.
Norway has a multitude of famous fjords, all of which have their own unique characteristics. Fjords of Norway is not merely a place. Its an experience. The sound of the blue glacier, the sound of the waterfall, the sight that suddenly comes out on the roadside, the evening sun reflecting on the green fjord – all of this can provide a lifetime memory to any tourist, unfamiliar with North nature. From the Atlantic Road in the North-West to Preikestolen in Ryfylke, let yourself be inspired and find out what you want to see the most ( why not it all?).
Yet the fjords are far more than just tourist attraction. They also hold an important cultural heritage as key factors in the growth of early Scandinavian society, providing a food source and serving as a naval trade route. Let us take a look at the most famous fjords of Norway.
Geirangerfjord
The calm waters, historic mountain farms and slender waterfalls are just some of the reasons why the Geirangerfjord tops the list of Norway’s must-see fjords.
Part of the “West Norwegian Fjords” area, recognized as UNESCO world heritage site, the 9.3 mile long arm of the Storfjord carves has extremely steep sides.
At its widest point, the fjords is still less than mile across, so any boat trip around the country’s most famous waterway will provide outstanding view in all directions.
Aurlandsfjord
During the first summer of the pandemic, Aurlandfjord attracted Norwegian tourist in great numbers, which is easily explainable. Accommodation with the natural views and plenty of hiking trails appeal to Norwegian’s love for outdoors. What keeps Aurlandsfjord apart from other fjords is its ease to access.
Its one of the few major fjords accessible on the national rail network, thanks to the Flam railway that links the fjord with Myrdal on the Oslo to Bergen railway.For the best view of the fjord, head to the award winning Stegastein viewpoint.
The striking architecture overwhelms the fjord providing an uninterrupted view from the more than 2000 feet above the sea level.
Of course, the best way to get up close with the fjord is to get out on the water. The two hour passenger ferry trip from the Flam lakes to Aurlandsfjord, and also its near neighbor, the Nayroyfjord.
Nayroyfjord
Inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list along with the Aurlandsfjord, Nayroyfjord provides a more intimate experience. Just 820 feet wide at its narrowest point, Nayroyfjord is spectacular and inviting at the same time.
The ferry trip mentioned above is hand down the best way to experience the fjord. Watch out for the historic farmstead Stigen, perched on the mountainside close to the entrance to the fjord.
The final stop Gundvangen isn’t a lively place, called the Viking Valley, so most passengers reboard the ferry for return trip or take a shuttle bus back to Flam. But the area offers some spectacular viewpoints for keen hikers, willing to stick around.
Sognefjord
There is so much to see among the picturesque villages, idyllic farmsteads, fruit orchards and hiking trails that most tourists didn’t even scratch the surface on the Sognefjord region.
Easy to find on the map, Norway’s longest deepest fjord splits the whole area in two. The northen shore of the inner stretch are the best choice for tourism for a short time.
The charming villages of Balestrand and Fjaerland are worth a stop, the later located on the footland of enormous Jostedal glacier.
Farther inland, the stave churches Kaupanger and Urnes are among the many cultural highlights of the Sognefjord region.
Hardangerfjord
While not quiet as epic as mighty Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord is still a beast of a fjord. It carves its way through more than 100 miles to rock of south east of Bergen.
Hardangerfjord is a popular road trailer’s route for trippers between Oslo and Bergen, Norway’s two biggest cities. Attractions include Folgefonna, the southernmost glacier in Norway, and seven impressive waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous of these, Voringfossen, has the best infrastructure for visiting tourists.
Lysefjord
A popular trip from Stavanger, Lysefjord marks a well known setting of the country’s most intriguing hikes. Known in English as the Pulpit Rock, the flat clifftop at Preikestolen is one of the most famous sights in Norway.
But some tourists often get caught out, not realizing it takes four hours to hike there and back. It takes even longer to reach Kjerakbolten, the famous rock wedging more than 3000 feet above the fjord. Still, approximately 80,000 tourist take the physically demanding hike each year. For easy time pass, regular boat trips from Stavanger are much relaxing option to travel around the fjord, including the Vagabond cave, Hengjane waterfall and a family of mountain goats.
Nordfjord
Lesser known in the recent decades, the development of the local villages as cruise destinations and the opening of the Loen Skylift, has put the Nordfjord on the top rank of tourist attraction list.
The cable car takes you to the top of Mount Hoven – 3317 meters above sea level, in just a few minutes. While tourist head up and down for the views, locals use the cable car to start of many challenging hiking routes around the surrounding mountains.
