Sognefjord

The Sognefjord – Norway's longest and most fascinating fjord, with the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, the Flåm Railway and many opportunities for walking and activities all year round – extends all the way to the foot of the Jostedalsbreen glacier and Jotunheimen National Park.

• "Norwegian fjords – the world’s top unspoiled travel destination" (National Geographic Travel Magazine, 2004)
• "Unique beauty" (Trip Advisor)

The Sognefjord has several distinctive offshoots that carve a path through steep mountains before ending at picturesque small villages and hamlets. The fjord serves as a base for adventurous activities where you can experience nature and its beautiful contrasts up close.

The Sognefjord is surrounded by steep mountains and hillsides that change colour with the season. All the fjord arms are lined with charming small villages where a varied range of activities are available, for example Flåm, 'the Art Village' of Balestrand, the Book Town in Fjærland, the old village of Gamle Lærdalsøyri, Solvorn and Skjolden. 

 

UNESCO World Heritage Listed

Two places on the Sognefjord are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, Urnes Stave Church and the Nærøyfjord. The Nærøyfjord, the world's narrowest fjord, was voted 'the world’s top unspoiled travel destination' by National Geographic in 2004.  Innermost in the Aurlandsfjord lies the beautiful small village of Flåm – the terminal station for one of the world's most beautiful train rides, the Flåm Railway (Lonely Planet, 2014)

 

Activities and Food

For people who like to be active, the Sognefjord area is a great place to indulge in a wide range of outdoor pursuits all year round. In summer, activities range from atmospheric kayaking and walking to action-packed mountain biking and RIB boat safaris. In winter, the area is ideal for skiing, snowshoe treks and randoné skiing. More info about activities.

Food lovers can look forward to well-preserved food traditions and beverages made from local produce. The area around the Sognefjord offers a veritable feast of locally produced food, and possibilities to see at first hand cheese, cider and beer being made. 

 

Sognefjord cruise

Take the express boat between Bergen and Sogn, a cruise on the Fjærlandsfjord, or see the wildest and most beautiful offshoot of Sognefjorden, the Nærøyfjord. Take a fjord cruise against an inimitable backdrop of steep, snow-capped mountains, wild waterfalls and lush cultural landscape. More information about fjord cruises here!

 

Kayaking in Sognefjorden

In a kayak, you glide silently over the fjord in an environmentally friendly way. You can feel the fresh, clean water of the Sognefjord and see harbour porpoises playing around your kayak. Kayaking trips are available in Sognefjorden with or without a guide, a course or equipment – a magical experience. More info about kayaking.

 

RIB boat trips on the fjord

On a guided RIB boat trip, you learn about the history of Sognefjorden and can see harbour porpoises, seals and eagles. Children can also go along on the RIB boat trips. Survival suits and other necessary clothing are provided. 

 

Sognefjellsvegen

From Gaupne, a small town by the Lusterfjord, you can drive Sognefjellsvegen, one of several national tourist routes in Norway. With spectacular mountain scenery on either side, Sognefjellsvegen vil take you to Jotunheimen National Park, where you will find the highest mountains in Norway.

 

Other places to explore in Sognefjorden

Fjordside towns and villages: Høyanger, Vik, Balestrand, Fjærland, Leikanger, Sogndal, Solvorn, Skjolden, Gaupne, Lærdal, Årdal, Aurland, Flåm, Undredal, Gudvangen.

Fjord arms: The Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Lusterfjord, Fjærlandsfjord, Finnafjord, Høyangerfjord, Sogndalsfjord, Årdalsfjord, Lærdalsfjord, Arnafjord.