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.
Norway’s fjords – the most famous fjords
Last updated: 30.01.2024
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.
Read more about the Norwegian fjords:
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
Could this be the world’s most beautiful lunch spot? |© Hotel Union
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
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.
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
The Lysefjord seen from Lysebotn. Twenty-seven hairpin bends from the fjord to the mountains.|© Lysefjorden Utvikling
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|© Espen Haagesen
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.
