Self-driving the 154 miles (248km) from Norway's southwestern fjord city of Bergen to the town of Fjærland on the Fjærlandfjorden, an arm of the Sognefjorden (the longest fjord in the country), is the most popular option for travelers looking to explore with flexibility along the route. A scenic ferry ride followed by a short bus ride is also a possibility for those looking to take public transportation and experience the stunning fjord landscape from the water for most of the journey.

Visitors to the region can expect to walk on one of the many outlet glaciers off of Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest on the European continents. Other activities include visiting the Norwegian glacier museum, hiking, and kayaking in the summer months, and skiing in the winter season. The Norwegian Book Town in Mundal is home to several quaint second-hand book shops as well. 

This 8-day itinerary is full of ideas for visiting Oslo, Bergen, and the Sognefjord, including a stop in Fjærland. 

By Car

Duration: 6-8 hours

After exploring the Nordic city of Bergen, you can choose from two routes to get to Fjærland with one only being about twenty minutes longer. Both will have you arriving at Fjærland in approximately four to four and a half hours if driving directly, however, it's wise to allow for extra time to stop and admire the scenery along the way.

The first route is slightly shorter and will have drivers embarking north on E39 to Oppedal. Then, a ferry ride is required to reach Lavik, before continuing on E39 and then connecting to Rv5 in the village of Skei. From there, it's a short drive (30 minutes) to reach Fjærland. For those looking to stretch their legs along the way, Lavik has hiking, bicycle, and boating opportunities.

The other route will have you driving through the picturesque village of Flåm via E16 before veering onto Rv5 in Lærdal, a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. From there, travelers will need to take a half-hour ferry ride on the Mannheller-Fodnes ferry before continuing north until reaching Fjærland.

By Ferry and Bus

Duration: 4.5-5 hours

The ferry departs once a day from Strandkaiterminalen båtkai in Bergen, usually in the afternoon. The ride is approximately four hours and forty-five minutes and weaves through the Sognefjorden, offering amazing scenery. Once arriving in Sogndal kai, travelers will need to transfer to the bus station (a seven-minute walk) to take bus line 162 for 45 minutes to Mundal, the main town in the Fjærland area.

Ask your local specialist for details.

Map