The Sognefjord in its autumn splendour – ready for adventure

Fjord communities

The Sognefjord is more than just Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. In the Sogn area, you can stay in great accommodation along emerald-green fjords, close to blue glaciers, below mighty waterfalls, on idyllic farms or high up in the mountains surrounded by jagged peaks.

The Sognefjord offers a taste of unique local culture. A trip along the Sognefjord takes you on a journey from adventure to adventure, where you can experience wild and beautiful scenery, idyllic fjord communities, exciting activities and accommodation beside the fjord. Each small community has its own speciality. In Vik, you can sample traditional Gamalost cheese, fantastic honey in Leikanger, while Årdal has a brewery that makes delicious drinks. In Årdal, you can also go on fantastic walks in Utladalen valley at the foot of Jotunheimen National Park, or go kayaking.

In Balestrand, you can stay at the venerable Kviknes Hotel. Balestrand is also home to Ciderhuset, which makes cider, juice, fruit wine and apple brandy under the brand Balholm. They offer courses, cider tasting, guided tours, lunch and dinner on request. We also recommend a guided hike to spectacular Keipen or a RIB boat trip on the fjord with Balestrand Fjord Adventures.

Sogndal is the ‘capital’ of the Sognefjord where Sognefjord Guiding offers a ‘meet the locals’ tour and guided kayaking trips. You can stay at Quality Hotel Sogndal or Best Western Lægreid Hotel. In Lærdal, you can experience Gamle Lærdalsøyri with its 161 listed wooden buildings. On the way between Filefjell and Lærdal, you can do a historical walk along the King’s Road. It’s possible to just do parts of the walk.

The iconic Flåm Railway and World Heritage Nærøyfjord

Fretheim hotel is situated in the heart of Flåm and is the perfect base for adventures in the area. This grand hotel is steeped in tradition, and has been extended several times since it was built in the 1870s. Alternative accommodation in and around Flåm can be found here.

It’s no accident that the iconic Flåm Railway has been named the most beautiful train journey in the world numerous times. On the trip between Myrdal in the mountains and Flåm down by the fjord, you can enjoy panoramic views of some of the most spectacular and wild scenery in Western Norway. The Flåm Railway corresponds with the Bergen Railway, and the station in Flåm is situated right beside the hotel. 

No trip to Flåm is complete without a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord. The narrow and spectacular fjord is surrounded by steep mountainsides and cascading waterfalls. Gudvangen is situated at the end of the fjord, where you can visit Njardarheimr Viking Village. There is a bus service back from Gudvangen.

A search for ‘Stegastein’ on Instagram produces thousands of photos. And you’ll understand why, the fantastic viewpoint above the Aurlandsfjord looks spectacular in photos. The real experience is amazing too – especially when the surroundings are in their autumn splendour. There is a daily sightseeing bus from Flåm.

Ready for some action? The guiding company Bulder & Brak can take you on a kayaking trip in Årdal. You will learn basic kayaking techniques before the trip, and learn about Årdal’s culture and history en route – and, not least, soak up the scenery.

You could also cycle the Navvies’ Road – a cultural heritage monument to the workers (navvies) who built the railway between Bergen and Oslo. It can snow in October, so check the conditions before you set off. 

If you’re interested in mountain walks, the beautiful Aurlandsdalen valley is not far away. If you don’t want to walk all the way from Finse to Vassbygdi, you could for example walk from Østerbø, which is a beautiful 20-km section. 

The restaurant at Fretheim hotel serves food made from ingredients that by and large come from the local farms. We also recommend that you test the Viking platter at Ægir microbrewery: a five-course beer and food menu.

Mountain peaks, waterfalls, RIB and spa in Luster

Luster is situated innermost in the Sognefjord and borders on Jotunheimen National Park. It is home to, among other things, BesteBakken, an exclusive accommodation provider that was originally a small farm. BesteBakken beautifully combines cultural history and modern facilities. Alternative accommodation can be found here.

Get ready for a fantastic trip on the fjord: wearing warm flotation suits, go on a high-speed Rib boat trip on the Lustrafjord. The boat stops en route so you can go ashore and walk to the impressive Feigefossen waterfall. After a gentle mountain walk, you can enjoy the sight of the 218-metre high waterfall.

If you’ve not had enough of water-based activities, you can try a bracing and fun experience in the Leirdøla river: Canyoning. You will be equipped with a wetsuit, life jacket and helmet – and remember to wear a layer of wool!

There are lovely mountain walks you can do in the area. Jotunheimen is within reach, but there are also lots of other great walks you can do: The walk to the mountain pasture farm Rebnisli offers great views down towards the Lustrafjord and parts of Skjolden. The walk up to Fuglesteg, an old farm that is now one of the Norwegian Trekking Association’s cabins, is also popular. The popular summit hike to Molden (1,116 metres) is said to offer the best view in the whole of Luster and you can see the fjord in all directions. 

Some of the loveliest cycling routes are also situated along the Sognefjord, and you can for example cycle ‘the romantic road’. If you don’t bring your own bikes, you can hire a bike in Skjolden. You can also hire electric bikes from Bestebakken, and they can provide tips about the most picturesque cycling routes in the area. They also offer a package that includes a trip to a mountain pasture farm with lunch, a visit to a goat farm and the chance to bake your own traditional lefse pancakes.

After an active day, you can relax with spa treatments, massage, shiatsu or heat therapy using 11,000-year-old clay from Hafslovannet lake. BesteBakken develops its own creams and products using ingredients from, among other places, its own herb garden.

Guests leave here with one wish: to come back again!

Fjærland – where the fjord meets the glacier

Idyllic Fjærland – where the Sognefjord and Jostedalsbreen glacier meet. Many visitors say it’s the prettiest glacier town in the world! Fjærland is also known as the book town, Norway’s loveliest book shop.

Find accommodation in and around Fjærland here. If you check into Fjærland fjordstove hotel, a small hotel situated beside the fjord, you will enjoy fantastic views of the magnificent scenery from the rooms and common areas

its proximity to the glacier makes a visit to one of its glacier arms a must. It’s easy to get to Bøyabreen glacier. Take care not to go too close to the glacier as it may calve. You can also walk up to Flatbreen glacier at 1,000 metres. The walk takes approx. 2-3 hours. 

There are countless other mountain walks you can do in the area. Fjærland guiding will be happy to take you on a guided trip – and they can customise trips for your group. They can also take you kayaking on the Fjærlandsfjord. This trip is also suitable for beginners. You will be able to see the Bøyabreen and Flatbreen glaciers on the trip

It’s not far from Fjærland to the start of Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet. This Scenic Route between Gaupne and Lom ascends to 1,434 metres above sea level – making Sognefjellet the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. You can also do a detour to Urnes stave church on the other side of the Lustrafjord. 

After active days and so many impressions, it’s great to relax in the hotel with delicious food and drink. The restaurant at Fjærland fjordstove uses local fish, venison, beef, lamb, honey, potatoes and dairy products – and herbs from the hotel’s own herb garden.