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Nature and attractions

Norway’s fjords – the most famous fjords

Last updated: 30.01.2024
Cruisebåter i Geirangerfjorden en sommerdag med klar himmel.
The Geirangerfjord|© Per Ottar Walderhaug
The Geirangerfjord|© Per Ottar Walderhaug

Norway boasts some of the longest, narrowest, deepest and most beautiful fjords in the world, and the pristine fjord landscape is even inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Most of the iconic fjords can be found in Fjord Norway. The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord epitomise the untouched Norwegian fjord landscape on UNESCO's World Heritage List, and are also two of the most famous fjords in Norway – perhaps in the world.

Read more about the Norwegian fjords:

  • What is a fjord?
  • The best fjord cruises in Norway
  • Get close to the fjord in a kayak!

Geirangerfjord – the jewel of the Norwegian fjords

The Geirangerfjord is one of Norway's most visited attractions and is situated between Hellesylt and Geiranger. The fjord is known for the waterfalls De syv søstre (‘the Seven Sisters’) and Friaren (‘the Suitor’), and the abandoned farms high up on the lush mountainsides. It’s possible to take a day trip to the Geirangerfjord from, for example, Ålesund. Read more about the Geirangerfjord

En person som sitter i en grønn hengekøye hengt opp mellom to trær oppe i en fjellside, og som ser utover Geirangerfjorden.
Could this be the world’s most beautiful lunch spot? |© Hotel Union
Spa med utsikt hos Hotel Union Geiranger

Hotel Union Geiranger

Hotel Union Geiranger is a first-class, family-owned hotel with its own pool and spa, and boasts views of the Geirangerfjord and surrounding mountains.

Havila Hotel Geiranger

Havila Hotel Geiranger

At the centre of Geiranger and directly adjacent to the fjord lies Havila Hotel Geiranger, a comfortable and friendly hotel offering Norwegian hospitality and atmosphere.

Besøk Norsk Fjordsenter

Norwegian Fjord Centre - World Heritage Visitor Centre Geirangerfjorden

Learn about the west Norwegian fjord landscape, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, at the Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger.

Round trip to UNESCO Geirangerfjord

Round trip to UNESCO Geirangerfjord

Visit one of the world's most beatiful fiords - enjoy the Sunnmøre Alps.

Bilferje på Geirangerfjorden

Fjord Cruise Geirangerfjord by ferry Geiranger-Hellesylt

Enjoy a scenic fjord cruise by car ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt. Experience the World Heritage listed Geirangerfjord with its majestic waterfalls.

Nærøyfjord – the narrowest fjord

The Nærøyfjord is an arm of the Aurlandsfjord, which is in turn an arm of the mighty Sognefjord. It’s about 19 km long and is just 250 metres wide at its narrowest point. There’s a striking contrast between the fjord and the mountains, which tower almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Gudvangen, home to the Viking village of Njardarheimr, is situated at the head of the fjord. Gudvangen is just over a two-hour drive from Bergen. There is plenty of opportunity for wonderful walks and hikes in untouched nature around the fjord. A boat trip is almost a must: from Flåm, Aurland or Gudvangen you can take a fjord cruise, RIB boat or SUP trip. Read more about the Nærøyfjord

Gudvangen Fjordtell

Gudvangen Fjordtell

Gudvangen Fjordtell is the perfect base for exploring the many sights and activities available in the beautiful Sognefjord

Nærøyfjorden Camping

Nærøyfjorden Camping

Welcome to Nærøyfjorden Camping - where the sounds and silence of the nature is a spa treatment for the mind.

Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

Regardless of the season, a cruise on the Nærøyfjord will be an unforgettable experience.

Vikinglandsbyen Njardarheimr

Viking Village Njardarheimr

Viking Valley, Gudvangen - in the heart of the unique UNESCO listed Norwegian fjord landscape - is the setting for the town of Njardarheimr.

SUP Norway - Fjord expeditions

SUP Norway - Fjord expeditions

SUP Norway - Fjord expeditions in Gudvangen. Unique and exclusive stand up paddling adventures in the most magnificent nature Norway has to offer. 

Hardangerfjord – queen of the fjords

The Hardangerfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and Norway's second longest after the Sognefjord. It’s about 183 km long and is about 850 metres deep at its deepest point. The Hardangerfjord and the region are a popular holiday destination. In spring, the blossoming fruit trees are a fantastic sight to behold. You can also visit Folgefonna glacier – the southernmost glacier in Norway. Spectacular waterfalls such as Vøringsfossen, famous hikes such as Trolltunga and Dronningstien, RIB boat tours, cider makers and welcoming historical hotels are some of what you can experience around this beautiful fjord. Read more about the Hardangerfjord and the region.

Hotel Ullensvang med hage og fjordutsikt i gyllen kveldssol – ein klassikar i Hardanger.

Hotel Ullensvang

In the middle of Norway's largest orchard, the Hotel Ullensvang is idyllically located by the shore of the Hardangerfjord in Lofthus. Here you can not only enjoy comfortable rooms with fantastic fjord view and good meals in the hotel restaurant, but also a sauna with a panoramic view of the fjord and an excellent bath area with indoor and outdoor pools.

Luftfoto av Brakanes Hotel i Hardanger, med utsikt over fjord, fjell og vakre omgjevnader.

Brakanes Hotel

Brakanes Hotel sits right at the edge of the fjord in the heart of Ulvik. The hotel has 143 rooms, 80 of which face the fjord. Wake up to the sound of the crushing waves and enjoy hearty meals based on local produce in the hotel restaurant. Fjordside beach, hot tub, sauna and pool.

Tre personar går gjennom blomstrande frukthagar langs Frukt- og siderruta i Ulvik med utsikt over fjorden.

Fruit and Cider route, Ulvik

The fruit and cider route in Ulvik connects the fruit farms Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk. Join in on a guided tour for a unique peek "behind the scenes" or sample some scrumptious goods from the farmyard shops.

Tre turgåarar på toppen av Dronningstien med storslått utsikt over Sørfjorden og Folgefonna i bakgrunnen.

HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail

Experience "Dronningstien" in Hardanger – one of the most beautiful and popular hiking trails in Norway. Get up close to mighty nature and enjoy the beautiful views from one of H.M.Queen Sonja's favorite hikes.

eldre hus i klyngetun

Agatunet

Agatunet is traditional Norwegian village center near Aga in Ullensvang by the Sørfjorden. The oldest building is the Lagmannsstova from 1220. At Agatunet you can book guided tours and see art and cultural-historical exhibitions. It is owned by a foundation.

Et vinterbilde av en ribbåt fylt med passasjerer, snøfylte fjell i bakgrunnen.

Hardanger Fjordsafari - 60 minutes RIB boat tour

Hardanger Fjordsafari offers RIB boat tours from the harbor in Eidfjord. Join them on one of their trips, and you will get close to the impressive Hardangerfjord.

Lysefjord – towering mountains and magnificent scenery

The Lysefjord, situated in Ryfylke close to Stavanger, is at 42 km one of the longest fjords in Norway. It is situated between Oanes/Forsand (on either side of the fjord) and Lysebotn. The fjord is surrounded by high mountains, and hikes to Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Mount Kjerag offer fantastic views of the fjord. The roadless village of Flørli is situated halfway along the fjord and is known for having the world's longest wooden staircase with 4,444 steps. At the head of the fjord is the village of Lysebotn and the twenty-seven hairpin bends that wind from the Lysefjord and up to Øygardstøl mountain pasture farm.

Seeing the Lysefjord from a boat makes for an unforgettable experience. There are daily fjord cruises from Stavanger during the high season, as well as car ferries with a limited number of places. Read more about the Lysefjord

Hårnålsvingene fra Lysebotn til Sirdal, og utsikt over Lysefjorden.
The Lysefjord seen from Lysebotn. Twenty-seven hairpin bends from the fjord to the mountains.|© Lysefjorden Utvikling
Accommodations in Flørli

Accommodations in Flørli

Flørli 4444 has four rental apartments, Flørli Historic Hostel and Special Rooms with shared facilities. All houses and most rooms have a fjord view.

Lysefjordcruise

Fjord cruise to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen from Stavanger

Rødne Fjord Cruise offers a must-try fjord cruise to breathtaking Lysefjord from Stavanger. Highlights include Preikestolen and Hengjanefossen waterfall.

Flere folk som er på platået til Preikestolen.

Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, and is one of Norway's biggest attractions. The view at the top is stunning.

nature, mountain formations in norway, famous kjerag mountain and kjerag boulder

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

In Flørli in the Lysefjord, Ryfylke, you'll find the world's longest wooden staircase (Flørli Stairs) with 4,444 steps. A demanding but family-friendly hike.

Lysefjorden Turisthytte

DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte in Lysebotn

The colourful DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte is the perfect place to start experiencing Lysebotn, Lysefjorden and Kjerag.

Nordfjord – between the wild sea and deep valleys

The Nordfjord is the sixth longest fjord in Norway, extending 106 km inland from the Stadhavet sea to Stryn. The area is a paradise for kayakers, both out on the coast and in the fjord arms. Try mountain biking on Haugsvarden with amazing views of the Nordfjord, explore the many marked hiking trails, or visit Sagastad Viking Centre in Nordfjordeid to learn about Viking history and see the Myklebust Ship – one of the world's largest Viking ships. Read more about the Nordfjord and the region.

The beautiful Nordfjord
The beautiful Nordfjord|© Espen Haagesen
Hotel Alexandra

Hotel Alexandra

Hotel Alexandra is a first class hotel with a view to the fjord in Loen and to Mt. Skåla (1848 m.o.h.). The hotel is surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Nordfjord Hotell

Nordfjord Hotell

Nordfjord Hotell has 54 well-equipped guest rooms with 110 beds. The hotel has a restaurant with a good kitchen, bar, modern meeting room department for up to 250 people and a new bathhouse with SPA and fitness center. The hotel has a lift.

Loen Skylift

Loen Skylift

Loen Skylift is a spectacular attraction and adventure arena, at the inner part of the Nordfjord, in the heart of Fjord Norway. A Cable Car will lift you from the fjord to 1011 m. Enjoy the views of the fjord landscape - from the restaurant table, or while exploring in the mountains.

Kajakk på Nordfjorden med Loen Active

Kayak on the fjord with Loen Active

Experience Loen from a kayak on the Nordfjord. Loen Active offer guided tours in double kayaks almost all year round.

Sognefjord – king of the fjords

At 205 km long and up to 1,303 metres deep, the Sognfjord is Norway's longest and deepest fjord – and the world's second longest fjord. It is also the world's longest inhabited and ice-free fjord! Many of Western Norway’s top attractions can be found in the region, such as the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord, Flåm Railway, Aurlandsdalen valley, Jostedalsbreen glacier and Urnes stave church. It’s a great destination for a very active or very cultural holiday – or a combination of the two! Read more about the Sognefjord region.

Kviknes Hotel

Kviknes Hotel

Kviknes Hotel combines tradition, comfort, and breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable Sognefjord stay.

Walaker Hotell Solvorn

Walaker Hotel

Escape to Walaker Hotel, Norway's oldest family-run hotel, for an unforgettable fjord-side retreat. Experience authentic Norwegian hospitality, savor delicious local cuisine, and explore breathtaking nature

FjordSafari Extended

FjordSafari Extended

Get closer to nature in the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord with a guided RIB tour

Keipen i Balestrand

Keipen in Balestrand

Experience the spectacular Keipen in Balestrand

Urnes stavkyrkje

Urnes Stave Church

Urnes Stave Church , the oldest of Norway's stave churches, is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Fjord Cruise Balestrand - Fjærland one way

Fjord Cruise Balestrand - Fjærland one way

Fjord Cruise from the beautiful artist village of Balestrand into the majestic Fjærland Fjord on board MS Fjord Lady where you disembark in Fjærland

Read more about the Norwegian fjords

What is a fjord?

What is a fjord?

Fjord Norway has its name from the many beautiful fjords. But what exactly is a fjord? And how were they created?

The best fjord cruises in Fjord Norway

The best fjord cruises in Fjord Norway

The best way to see the fjords is from a boat! Here is our list of the top day cruises available.

Fjord cities

Fjord cities

In Fjord Norway, nature is part of the cities and they are part of nature. The fjords, coast and mountains are right on your doorstep!

A family adventure between Bergen and Ålesund

A family adventure between Bergen and Ålesund

Fjord Norway is a perfect destination for a family holiday. An adventure awaits in the mountains and fjords that will create family memories for life.

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