Getting Oriented
One of the biggest draws to Norway is its famed fjords. Carved out by receding glaciers, these scenic strips of blue-hued inlets feature jagged cliffs, snow-capped mountain peaks, forested hills, powerful cascades, and charming hamlets that appear to cling to the rocks. The landscape is truly unique and worth a trip alone!
From north to south, Norway is full of fjords. Some of the most popular are the Geirangerfjord, the Aurlandsfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Lysefjord, plus the Nordfjord, the Sognefjord, the Hardangerfjord, and the narrow Trollfjord. You can enjoy these iconic landscapes with fjord cruises, hikes, cycling, kayaking, and visiting fjord villages and museums.
Geirangerfjord & Hardangerfjord
Two of the most popular fjords in Norway are Geirangerfjord and Hardangerfjord. Geirangerfjord is known for its waterfalls and charming farm villages, while Hardangerfjord is the fifth-longest in the world and where you'll find the curious Troll's Tongue rock.
Kayaking Geirangerfjord & Fjord Farm Hike
Discover two of Geirangerfjord's famous sites with a combined kayaking and hiking excursion. You'll start by kayaking through the fjord on your way to a small and picturesque bay. From here, you'll park your kayak and hike up to Skageflå, one of the most beautiful abandoned fjord farms. Although it's a challenging ascent, your effort is worth it, thanks to the spectacular views of the fjord and its surroundings. On the way back, kayak by The Seven Sisters and The Suitor cascades. Read more
Explore Hardangerfjord
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Hardangerfjord has some of the most scenic hiking and skiing trails in the fjord region. Spend the day enjoying the beauty with treks to waterfalls in Husedalen Valley, the Folgefonnia Glacier, and within Hardangervidda National Park. Or, if you'd like to ski in the summer, visit Fonna Glacier Ski Resort, where snowy routes remain open from May through October. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Sognefjord
Known as the "King of Fjords," Sognefjord is Norway's largest and deepest. It's the main fjord for several of the smaller, popular, and picturesque "arms."
Fjord Cruise & Glacier Walk
Enjoy a full exploration of Fjærlandsfjord, starting with a scenic cruise passing colorful villages, cliffs, snow-capped mountain peaks, waterfalls, and forested hills. Then head to Bøyabreen Glacier for an icy walk, followed by a visit to the renowned Norwegian Glacier Museum for interactive fun. Read more
Explore the Wilderness of Værlandet by Bike
Known for its picturesque landscapes and abundance of wildlife, Værlandet is best explored by bike. You can spend the day as you'd like, visiting the Nordsjøporten, a string of bridges connecting the archipelago, and cycling through Sørværet's nature reserve. There are plenty of opportunities for stops and breaks, including the Norwegian Seabird Center and Gallery Værlandet. Read more
Aurlandsfjord & Nærøyfjord
Two of the most picturesque fjords include Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Both offer those iconic fjord views, including cliffs, snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and forested hills.
Visit the Fjordside Village of Undredal
Undredal is a charming and humble fjord village oozing with Norwegian culture, customs, and traditions. Enjoy walking through this hamlet and stopping to visit Scandinavia's smallest medieval wooden stave church. Then, with the help of a local, try some of the area's famous cheese, followed by lunch featuring other regional goods. Read more
Fjord Cruise in Nærøyfjord
Enjoy a roundtrip fjord cruise between the small fjord villages of Flåm and Gudvangen. You'll pass through two fjords, Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both known for incredible scenery. Take in the views of forested hills, cliffs, narrow inlets, snow-capped peaks, and charming farms and hamlets dotted with red houses. Spend some free time in Gundvagen before heading back. Read more
Lysefjord
Snuggled down in Southern Norway, many visitors make their way to Lysefjord for the scenery and convenient hiking opportunities. Here you'll find the world-famous hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Fjord Cruise & Pulpit Rock Hike
Combine two of Norway's most popular and scenic activities: a fjord cruise and a hike up to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). You'll start with a picturesque cruise through Lysefjord, stretching 26 miles (42 km). Then make your way up a moderately difficult route to Pulpit Rock, which stands 1,981 feet (604 m) off the ground at an impossibly perpendicular angle. Read more
How to Craft the Perfect Fjord Itinerary
A trip through the Norwegian fjords is on many bucket lists. Since the country is full of them (from north to south, east to west, islands to inland), you can easily add fjord excursions to any itinerary or make them the focus of your trip. Bergen is the main fjord hub, as it's the closest major city to Sognefjord, which offers the picturesque "arms" of Fjærlandsfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lærdalsfjord, Sogndalsfjord, Årdalsfjord and Lustrafjord.
You can also focus on Southern Norway, combining Oslo and Lysefjord or Northern Norway with coastal fjords and the Lofoten Islands. Either way, give yourself plenty of time to experience these unique and picturesque regions of Norway. We suggest planning at least one week to make the most out of your trip.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that included the fjords: