Visit These 5 Gorgeous Fjords in Norway
Fjords forever.
Norway has one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. Between the mountains, the midnight sun, and fjords—oh, so many fjords—there is beauty around every turn of the road. Or turn of the tunnel...Norway loves tunnels.
Fjords are long, narrow inlets, carved by the receding of glaciers. Norway's famous fjords (there are over 1,100 of them) run all the way up the country's long coast and into Svalbard.
It would take a lifetime to explore them all, and while that sounds like a worthwhile pursuit, you might not have that kind of time on your hands. Here are five gorgeous fjords in Norway that you won't want to miss.
Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord is the most famous fjord in Norway, but don't let that scare you away. Located in southern Norway, the long fjord is surrounded by dramatic rock walls, waterfalls, and the adorable town of Geiranger.
When you're in the area, get off the tourist track with a hike to Storseterfossen.
Hardangerfjord
Hike the "Troll Tongue" at Hardangerfjord, Norway's second-longest fjord. Located only an hour and a half from Bergen, the edge of Hardangerfjord is dotted with quaint towns, adventure hamlets, hiking routes, and plenty of gorgeous scenery.
The Lofoten Islands
We're breaking the rules a little bit here by recommending not a single fjord, but a series of fjords on the Lofoten Islands. The Lofoten Islands have recently become Insta-famous ("the next Iceland!"), but they are hard enough to get to that you won't be fighting for space...yet. Fjord-packed and ridiculously scenic, the Lofoten Islands are worth the trek.
Sognefjord
Sognefjord is Norway's longest and deepest fjord, and at points, the mountains that line the fjord climb over 5,570 feet. The Sognefjord has many arms to explore, too, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Nærøyfjord, which is only 820 feet across.
Tromsø
The town of Tromsø, far in the north of Norway, is known as a major cultural hub north of the Arctic Circle. It's also the world's northernmost university town and is surrounded by the Lyngen Mountains (also called the "Alps of Norway"), islands, and of course, fjords. Everything is expensive north of the Arctic Circle, so we recommend traveling with friends!
Cover photo by Katch Silva, of Besseggen Ridge
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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