Just north of Bergen, between the mighty North Sea and the deep fjords, lies the Coast of Fjords. Here you will find the very best of the authentic and pure Norwegian experiences. You will explore the diversity of nature, with high mountains, magnificent fjords, white beaches and a myriad of islands in the ocean.
History
People have lived along the Norwegian coast for thousands of years, and you can still see traces of ancient coastal living here. In
Ausevika in Florø, one of the largest petroglyph (rock engraving) fields in Norway is found. In
Kvernsteinsparken in Hyllestad, which is nominated for UNESCO's World Heritage List, they have been carving millstones since the Viking Age. At Utvær in Solund, which is the westernmost point in Norway, you can see traces of where the Vikings cut their swords before they set off on their westward expedition. In Gulen, a sculpture park has been has been established to commemorate the
Gulatinget, which was the largest regional parliamentary gathering during the Middle Ages. The Gulatinget was the starting point for Norway becoming a democratic state and has often been referred to as the cradle of democracy.
In these ancient times it was the sea that formed the basis of life on the coast. Fishing villages large and small emerged, and during the rich herring fishing industry in the 1800s there was considerable activity along the entire coast. Amongst other things this led to the establishment of
Florø as a city, which today is Norway’s westernmost city. Fishing is still the most important source of income for many of the small communities on the islands in the region. Florø offers all the charms of a small idyllic town while at the same time being one of considerable commercial development. These days petroleum, shipbuilding, fishing and livestock are the most important industries.
Boating holidays
The Coast of Fjords is a popular destination for boaters. The many islands in the area mean that you can travel safely in the sheltered waters along most of the coast. There are many delightful small harbours where you can moor, as well as several marinas that will cater to your needs.
Read more about Boating holidays on the Coast of Fjords
Things to do on The Fjord Coast
Within the framework of its diverse nature, unique coastal culture and rich history, the Coast of Fjords offers many exciting adventures.
Coastal hiking
The Coast of Fjords offers various hiking possibilities, from spectacular mountain peaks to casual walks in beautiful coastal scenery. Climb up the Hornelen, Northern Europe's highest sea cliff, or the Alden Mountain, appropriately nicknamed "the Norwegian horse." If it is the less demanding hikes you are after, the Nordsjøløypene (North Sea trails) are definitely something for you. These are sign-posted trails that meander through easy terrain with rich history and beautiful coastal scenery. Throughout the whole region you will find well-marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are trips that suit everyone, regardless of fitness level. Read more about hiking on The Coast of Fjords
Island Hopping
Catch a ride on the local postal boat in Solund for a guided tour among the myriad of islands out to sea. You follow the local postal route before heading north to Gåsvær, Bulandet and Værlandet. Here you can visit the Bulandet theme park, museum, gallery and Norwegian seabird centre. The tour takes you close to the beautiful nature of these islands and has even been voted the best round trip in Norway. You will definitely get the most out of this trip if you divide it up into a couple of days and spend the night in a cottage, a small inn or fisherman's cabin along the way. Read more about island hopping on The Coast of Fjords
The saga island of Kinn
On the
island of Kinn outside the city of Florø lies the fabled
Kinnakyrkja (the Kinn Church), dating back to the 1100's. The church is built in a Romanesque style and is one of the oldest in the country. From olden times the church has been closely associated with the legend of St. Sunniva, and was most likely an important place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. The island also offers great hiking opportunities. The Kinnaklova mountain is one of the most famous sailing landmarks along the coast. During the third weekend of June every year a performance of the play “Kinnaspelet” is arranged. This historical play, written by Rolf Losnegård, is acted out in open air with the nature providing a magnificent backdrop for the performance.
An active holiday
The Coast of Fjords offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. The region offers fantastic diving conditions with a wide range of marine species, exciting diving terrain and many shipwrecks to discover. Here you will find amongst other things some of the best shipwrecks from World War II, which attract divers from around the world. If you want to experience the sea from the surface, then a kayak trip is highly recommended. Thousands of islands, islets and rocky outcrops along the beautiful unspoiled coastal nature make for unforgettable paddling experiences. Back on land, the easy undulating terrain with very little traffic is ideal for cycling. Read more about an active holiday on the Coast of Fjords.
Fishing holidays
It is easy to see why the Coast of Fjords is a popular destination for fishing tourists. Surrounded by open sea and fjords on Norway's most beautiful islands, the conditions could hardly be more ideal for fishing all year round. You can catch mackerel, pollock, cod, haddock, ling, crab and crayfish. Throw your line deep enough and you should also be able to feel the tug of halibut and monkfish on your hook. Throughout the area you will find cottages, cabins and boathouses tailor made for the fishing holiday experience. Along the Coast of Fjords, conditions are also ideal for salmon and freshwater fishing, and you will find many beautiful lakes and rivers where you can fish for salmon, trout, and eel.
Getting here
The Coast of Fjords is easily reached by either express boat from Bergen, bus from the largest cities in Norway, with the famous
Hurtigruten, flights to Florø, or by car.
Enjoy a day trip with Go Fjords
If you want to get a taste of Norway’s coast and island communities packed into one day, we recommend checking out Go Fjord’s tour,
Go Island Hopping Bulandet. You may also join a half-day trip from Bergen on the popular boat trip that sails through mystical whirlpools on the tour,
Go Skjerjehamn.
Express boat
The best and most simple way to travel to the Coast of Fjords is by express boat from Bergen.
Norled offers two daily departures to and from Bergen from Monday-Friday, and once daily on Saturday and Sunday. The express boat makes several stops in the region.
Go Fjords offer many
tours by express boat. Pick the one that suits you most.
Flights
Widerøe has several daily departures to Florø from Bergen (35 min) and Oslo (1 h 10 min).
Bus
Local and regional bus services provide easy and affordable access to the region.
Nor-way Bussekspress runs from Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen.
Car
The Coast of Fjords is easily accessible by car. From Bergen it takes approximately 2 hours to Gulen in the south and about 5,5-6 hours to Måløy. From eastern Norway you can drive ferry-free to Måløy and Florø. From Oslo via Otta it is about 572 km to Måløy and 580 km to Florø, and via Fagernes about 572 km to Måløy and 480 to Florø. The trip from Ålesund to Måløy is approximately 144 km, and to Florø it is approximately 216 km.
Hurtigruten - the Coastal Express Route
The famous
Hurtigruten that runs along the Norwegian coast is considered to be one of the world´s most beautiful ship journeys. Hurtigruten stops in Måløy and Florø every day on both its north- and southbound routes.
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