best way to visit norway fjords

Scandinavia Standard

Scandinavian travel, design, culture, and what’s on for locals, travellers and scandiphiles. Based in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Norwegian fjords (prounounced f’your-d ) are narrow inlets of the ocean between cliffs. They’re formed when glaciers retreat, allowing the sea to fill in the remaining space. There are over 1,100 fjords of Norway, and they are famous all over the world for their epic natural beauty. Seeing and exploring them is a bucket list item for many, and it’s no wonder why; they truly are magical.

Where and how can you find the fjords of Norway? Lucky for us, many of them are accessible by car or boat. Our list of the best fjords, where to stay, and what to do when you get there, will help you in your journey to experience the Norwegian sea and landscape .

These are the best fjords to visit in Norway, on your next trip through Scandinavia :

Geirangerfjord

The fjord to end all fjords: the Geirangerfjord is Norway’s best-known and most visited fjord. Perhaps you (and your kids) remember it from the movie “Frozen?” Yes, that fjord. Geirangerfjord is 15 km long and ends with the village of Geiranger.

That village may not be around much longer, as part of Åknesfjället mountain is projected to fall into the fjord soon, creating massive waves that could decimate Geiranger. The residents, thank goodness, will be evacuated by that time, as a close eye is being kept on the mountain’s status. In addition, there are contentious plans to put power lines across the fjord. So go see it in all its beauty while you can!

Geirangerfjord, Norway / © Adobe Stock

About three hours from Ålesund, in Møre og Romsdal country, Geirangerfjord is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from seeing the fjord itself, there are a number of abandoned farms that sit against the fjord. Some of them have been gently restored and can be explored, including Blomberg, Skageflå, and Knivsflå.

If fjords and farms aren’t your thing (or even if they are), Geirangerfjord area offers some incredible waterfalls, including the beloved Seven Sisters Falls ( De Syv Søstrene ) with the Suitor waterfall just across the fjord. Legend has it that the seven sisters run and dance down the mountain, while across the water, the suitor flirts with them. Seven Sisters Falls consists of seven separate streams, with the highest falls from 250 metres.

Left: Seven Sisters Falls; Right: Skageflå Restored abandoned farm / © Adobe Stock

How to get there

Geirangerfjord is accessible by road or cruise ship.

Where to stay

How to explore.

Hardangerfjord

The fjord that started it all! Hardangerfjord is Norway’s most famous fjord. In 1875, Thomas Cook began running tours from London to the Hardangerfjord, cementing Norway’s new tourism boom and the mythology of the country’s incredible fjords.

Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second longest fjord at 179 kilometres long, starts from the Atlantic Ocean and flows along the Hardangervidda plateau. The region is home to the rock formation known as Trolltunga (troll’s tongue), a major hiker’s destination. The fjord ends at Odda, a charming town to use as a base for your fjord-related adventures, whether you feel like hiking, kayaking, or anything else.

Left: Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) overlooking Hardangerfjord; Right: Hardangerfjord / © Adobe Stock

Along the fjord you’ll find Folgefonna, Norway’s third largest glacier, as well as numerous waterfalls. The coastline of the fjord is known as “the fruit orchard of Norway” thanks to its extremely fertile ground; there’s a huge amount of fruit that grows there.

It is also one of the major farm fishing regions of the world, focused particularly on salmon and trout. If you’ve ever had a sip of Isklar water, you’ve tasted Hardangerfjord; that’s ice-melt water taken directly from the fjord, bottled, and sold around the world.

Left: Hardangerfjord; Right: View from the top of Mabodalen of the famous Voringsfossen waterfall near Eidfjord off Hardangerfjord / © Adobe Stock

There is an express bus from Oslo, Bergen, and Haugesund. It is also possible to get to Hardangerfjord by car; the drive is approximately three hours from Bergen and four hours from Stavanger.

Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway – both the longest and deepest. It is 205 kilometres long, 6 kilometres wide, and up to 1,308 metres deep. Its nickname, “The King of the Fjords,” is perhaps a little grand, but it gets the point across. The fjord also branches off into a number of other, smaller fjords, including: Sognesjøen, Arnafjord, Esefjord, Nærøyfjord, and Lustrafjord.

Lustrafjord, the innermost arm of the region, ends with the village of Skjolden, an entry point to Jotunheimen National Park. So while the Sognefjord is a beautiful fjord to see in and of itself, the whole Sogn and Fjordane county features incredible landscapes and vistas.

Left: Sognefjord; Right: Viking ship on Sognefjord / © Adobe Stock

In addition to its natural beauty, visitors can explore three of Norway’s beloved stave churches: Kaupanger, Borgundthe, and Urnes. These churches are made from wood and were built in medieval times; most of those that have survived are in Norway, with 32 of them still standing in the country.

Think it’s all charm? Sognefjord also features the second longest span of power lines in the world, called the Sognefjord Span. A bit of something for everyone!

Left: Norwegian Stabkirche stave church on Sognefjord; Right: Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park / © Adobe Stock

Sognefjord is accessible by car; it will take approximately four hours to get there from Bergen.

This arm of the Sognefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fjord is quite small, only 18 kilometres long and as narrow as 500 metres at some points. Despite its size, the fjord is an ideal spot to visit to see the classic fjord vista. The high mountains on either side – up to 1,700 meters high – make for an incredibly beautiful scene.

Naeroyfjord Fjord / © Adobe Stock

Nærøydalselvi river flows into the fjord at the village of Gudvangen. The tiny village of Bakka can also be found on the west bank of the fjord, notable for the beautiful wooden Bakka Church designed by famous Norwegian architect Christian Henrik Grosch.

Nærøyfjord is a branch of Sognefjord, and is accessible via the same transport. It is easiest to reach it by car, and is about four hours from Bergen.

Called Lysefjord, meaning “light fjord,” due to the light-colored granite rock surrounding it, this spot is a popular one thanks to Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”). The high cliff overlooks the fjord and is a major hiker’s destination. At 604 metres tall, you’ll want to bring a good pair of hiking shoes and some binoculars to get the best view possible.

Left: Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”) on Lysefjord; Right: Preikestolen (“pulpit rock”) on Lysefjord / © Adobe Stock

Because the fjord’s sides are both rocky (so rocky and steep, in fact, that there are no roads directly across), there’s very little populating the coasts; the two small villages of Forsand and Lysebotn are the only two along the fjord. Lysebotn, a lovely village that has plenty of hotels, is made up nearly entirely of those working at the nearby hydroelectric plants, which provide electricity for approximately 100,000 people.

In addition to the villages and the cliff, there are gorgeous hiking trails and the chance to see Kjeragbolten , a large boulder suspended between two rock sides. If you feel like walking 4,444 steps, why not try the world’s longest wooden staircase, called Flørli 4444 . For a small fjord, Lysefjord has an abundance of things to see and do.

Left: Kjeragbolten on Hardangerfjord; Right: Flørli 4444 World’s Longest Wooden Staircase / © Adobe Stock

Lysefjord is approximately an hour from Stavanger by boat. To get to Lysebotn, you can drive your car along the extremely hair-raising and winding Lysebotnvegen in summer, or the ferry in winter.

Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord is a 29 kilometre branch of the larger Sognefjorden, and is considered one of the most picturesque of the larger fjord’s off-shoots. About halfway down the fjord, the Nærøyfjord branches off, which means that parts of Aurlandsfjord are included in that UNESCO World Heritage site.

Aurlandsfjord / © Adobe Stock

The fjord runs along Aurland, Lærdal, and Vik municipalities, with the teeny-tiny village (population: 350) of Flåm at the innermost part. Due to rocky terrain and steep mountains, there isn’t much by way of population along the fjord’s sides, with the exception of some small valleys and charming farmland. If you’re already headed to Sognefjorden, this is an easy one to see, and the dramatic landscape of tall sides meeting the deep water is picture-perfect.

As with Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord is accessible by car. It takes around four hours to get there from Bergen. You can also visit the village Flåm that’s located by the Aurlandsfjord on the highly esteemed Flåm Railway. Once you reach the larger fjord, a boat or ferry cruise is the best way to see the area.

NB: our hotel and tour recommendations for Aurlandsfjord are the same as those for Nærøyfjord; they’re approximately 12 kilometres apart and the tour listed below includes both.

If you’re visiting Oslo and won’t have a chance to travel outside of the city, luckily you can still see a Norwegian fjord in addition to all the great Oslo sights ! Running from Torbjørnskjær and Færder lighthouses, down to Langesund in the south to Oslo in the north, Oslofjord isn’t exactly a traditional fjord, but it still offers a beautiful landscape and the chance to experience all the fun activities that a fjord can offer.

Left: The old Kavringen lighthouse on Oslofjord; Right: Boats on Oslofjord / © Freya McOmish & Adobe Stock

The big draws of the area are the beaches and islands. Islands to visit include Hovedøya for its fascinating monastery ruins, and Nakholmen, Lindøya, or Bleikøya for relaxing wooden cabins and classic vistas. If you’re looking to camp, Langøyene is a great spot. Gressholmen used to be full of rabbits, but they were removed in 2007 due to destruction of the surrounding vegetation; it’s still a beautiful island for hiking, swimming, and exploring.

Cruise ship on Oslofjord / © Adobe Stock

You can travel by ferry; the DFDS ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen is one way to do it. There are also regular boats from Oslo’s Aker Brygge.

There’s something cinematic about Trollfjord, with its high dark rock contrasted against bright white snow. Located between the Lofoten Islands and the region of Vesterålen on Austvågøya island, the fjord is only 2 kilometres long and 800 metres wide at its widest point.

Left: House on Trollfjord; Right: Trollfjord Snow Capped Mountains / © Adobe Stock

The exact location of Trollfjord has been a bit of a discussion in Norway; no one can decide if it’s officially part of Lofoten or Vesterålen; Austvågøya island is part of Lofoten, but the island is located in Hadsel Municipality, a part of Vesterålen. It’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle!

Left: Hamnoy fishing village on Lofoten Islands; Right: Reinebringen mountain view on Lofoten islands / © Adobe Stock

Though the tall mountains to either side can make the fjord feel hidden, it’s actually a very popular tourist destination. History buffs will be interested to learn that Trollfjord was the scene of the Battle of Trollfjord in 1890, when open-boat fishermen fought against the advent of steam-engine fishing boats.

Trollfjord is only accessible by boat or hike.

Consider this the “express fjord” because you can get a lot done once you get to the region. Of course there’s the fjord itself, which is the sixth longest fjord in Norway at 106 kilometres. It stretches from Husevågøy island at the opening to Loen village at the end. The beautiful, raw terrain along the Stadlandet peninsula is considered the dividing point between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.

Left: Waterfall on the way to Briksdal glacier near Nordfjord; Right: Landscape near Utvik on the Nordfjord Norway / © Adobe Stock

So now you’ve seen a fjord; great! Want glaciers? Of course you do. You can check out both Jostedalsbreen and Briksdalsbreen; the former is Europe’s larest mainland glacier, while the latter is extremely idyllic.

What else does the area offer? Well, there are charming fishing communities to explore along the coast, year-round alpine skiing in Stryn, and Loen Skylift at Innvikfjord, taking you to the top of Mt. Hoven in only five minutes for a spectacular view.

Left: Briksdalsbreen glacier; Right: Jostedalsbreen glacier river / © Adobe Stock

There are express buses from Oslo and Odda, and an express boat from Bergen. The fjord is approximately three hours from Ålesund by car.

Lyngenfjord

This large northern fjord is 82 kilometres long and is considered the dividing line between northern and southern Troms county, and is close to the town of Tromsø. The eastern and western shores offer very different terrain and opportunities, with the stunning snow-peaked Lyngen Alps on the western side and the E06 highway along the eastern side.

Melting Steindalsbreen Glacier in The Lyngen Alps near The Tromso / © Adobe Stock

Two fjords that branch off the main Lyngenfjord are Storfjorden to the south and Kåfjorden to the east, and both are lovely, smaller fjords to explore once you’re in the region.

The high mountains of the Lyngen Alps create a shield from the rain, so Lyngenfjord is popular place to try see the Northern Lights. Of course you won’t always catch them, but this fjord is one of your best bets if aurora borealis is on your bucket list!

Mountain landscape at Lyngenfjord / © Adobe Stock

It’s easy and fast to get to to Lyngenfjord from Tromsø by car or bus.

Norwegian Fjords FAQ

When is the best time to visit norway fjords.

It is possible to visit the fjords year-round, so it really depends on what you’d like to do! If you’re interested in winter trips where you can see snow and ski or hike, but aren’t looking to kayak or take a boat, the months of October – April will suit you well. For weather more conducive to kayaking, cruises, or hikes, May – September is best. High season is in June and July – particularly July, when you can see the infamous “midnight sun.”

How many fjords are there in Norway?

There are over 1,100 fjords in Norway.

When can I see the Northern Lights in Norway?

It is definitely possible to see the Northern Lights in Norway. Obviously the further north you get, the better the chance. November to March is peak time to see the lights, and the months of September and October offer possibilities as well.

Looking for more fun in Norway? Here’s what to do in Trondheim and all the tourist sights to see in Oslo .

    Heads up! This post contains affiliate links. Don’t worry, the commission we make comes at no additional cost to you. For more information on our affiliate program, please see our Disclosure Policy .

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Traveling Without a Passport

Best Ways to See Norway’s Fjords (Updated 2022)

This story was created in partnership with: Fjord Norway 

You don’t need me to tell you how breathtaking Norway’s fjords are. The word alone conjures up almost-mythic visions of scenery that will stop you in your tracks. Chiselled over hundreds of years, these natural phenomena will go above and beyond your expectations. 

Seeing is believing, but in the case of the fjords, you can’t just look at them – you need to get as close as is humanly possible to them. Discover some of the best ways to see Fjord Norway. 

Travel to: Fjord Norway

What are fjords? 

Fjords have captured our imaginations, but what exactly are they? In geological terms, they are narrow inlets – a passageway of water with steep cliffs that were formed by glaciers. For these geological formations to qualify as a fjord, they cannot be wider than they are long, in which case they would simply be a bay or a cove and perhaps not nearly as unique. 

According to this source , the Norwegian word fjord essentially means “where one fares through.” In this instance, the context for the word fare is travel and draws on the concept of ferrying. A ferry, of course, is but one of the ways to see Fjord Norway! 

Norway’s fjords at a glance 

Given that the country has over 1000 fjords, of which ten are often visited by cruise ship – some are more famous than others – it can be confusing trying to figure out which to see. Most tour packages will take you to the best ones, and so it can be helpful to consider seeing them in this way, especially if you want to prioritise fjords during a trip to Norway. 

These are are some of the most famous fjord regions with a handful of their key characteristics:

• Lysefjord – found in southwestern Norway, this fjord is famous for viewing points Kjerag and Preikestolen. 
• Hardangerfjord region – a national icon and Norway’s second-longest fjord, this adventure hub and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean just south of Bergen . 
• Aurlandsfjord – a branch of the Sognefjord, this fjord is close to the must-see picturesque village of Flåm.
• Nærøyfjord – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what’s lovely about this one is you’ll also see small farms and homes dotted along the hillsides of the fjord. 
• Sognefjord area – dubbed the King of the Fjords, this is also the longest of them, a magnificent 204-kilometre stretch of mindblowing nature. 
• Geirangerfjord area – another UNESCO site, this fjord region stands out thanks to the numerous waterfalls Mother Nature saw fit to bestow the area with. 
• Hjørundfjord – tucked away from tourists, you’ll find few untouched nature and remote villages here.  
• Romsdalsfjord – renowned for its diverse nature and isles, you’ll also find the famous winding Trollstigen mountain road in this region. 
• Åkrafjord – this is one of Norway’s undiscovered fjords, and just east of Haugesund (the homeland of the Vikings) it’s very easy to reach. Within a 90-minute radius you the deepest lake, steepest hills and biggest glaciers.

It’s worth mentioning that the fjords are not just about nature. As you travel through these natural wonders, you’ll find charming towns and cities along the way where you can experience Norwegian traditions and culture as well as Viking heritage. 

See Also: The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Norway

Best ways to see Norway’s fjords

The best way to see Norway’s spellbinding fjords is to experience them by channelling your passions. Do you love hiking? Or do you enjoy exploring coastlines in a kayak? Either way, when it comes to seeing fjords in Norway, it’s not just what you see, but what you do while visiting that will shape your memory of them. 

Go on a cruise 

Opting for a cruise is one way to see the fjords, especially if you love being out on the open water. As you sail through these fjord valleys – picture cliffs impressing their beauty on you from both sides, chances are you won’t know where to look!

There are several different routes you can choose from, but Hurtigruten, a Norwegian cruise and ferry company sails from Bergen every day. And the point of seeing the fjords in this way is not to stay on board the whole time!

The best part of any cruise in this region will be the moments when you hop off to spend time in the fjord villages and towns along the way – and for a more personal encounter, this is essential. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to explore local culture and Viking heritage in these remote villages. To make the most of your time in this part of the world, we recommend booking some additional days on either side of your cruise to explore Bergen and its nearby highlights.

Take a hike

Any hiker worth their salt knows there’s nothing more life-affirming than traversing nature’s works of art. For those that relish exploring the world on foot, Norway’s fjords will make you want to walk forever. 

A lot of places with this level of scenery require you to have a certain level of fitness. However, you don’t need to be in peak condition for these epic trails. If you want a real adventure in the fjords, you’ll find that too, but if you’re just hoping to take a gentle stroll through glacial landscapes and lush forests, easy does it. Also worth keeping in mind, from fjord cities such as Ålesund you can hike to panoramic viewpoints like Aksla that are just minutes away.

Best hikes in the fjords:

• Preikestolen
• Aurlandsdalen Valley 
• Mount Skåla 
• Romsdalseggen
• Hornelen 
• Himakånå (Trolltunga’s little sister)  

Soar above them 

The Loen Skylift is a more recent addition to the Fjord Norway experience. Climb to 1011m/3316ft in the comfort of a cable car up Mt. Hoven. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a delicious Norweigan feast in the Hoven Restaurant and enjoy some spectacular views over Nordfjord. 

This is an excellent option for people that want to enjoy the fjords in a relaxing way. If you do want something a little more active, fear not, Mt. Hoven is a good starting point for hiking and walking. There are lots of well-marked trails for all levels in this area too. 

See Also: Your Norway Hiking Itinerary: from 4 to 14 Days

Grab a kayak 

If you want an up-close and personal experience with the fjord coastline, another great option is kayaking. Thanks to the sheer variety of waterbodies offered by fjords, they are a haven for paddling enthusiasts. There’s no need to haul your gear all the way either, as you’ll find plenty of rental shops with everything you need. Better yet, opt for a tour, and they’ll take care of your gear and logistics!  

Along the way, you have the option of staying with local fishermen in their traditional cottages. This way, you’ll also get to indulge in Norwegian food culture and learn more about their local way of life. Some of the best spots for kayaking are the Helgeland coast and stirring waters of Nærøyfjord, and from Ålesund you can jump in a kayak to start paddling from the city centre.

With the fjords, it’s all about how you experience them. While you can camp, hike and explore many regions in the world, so few bare resemblances to anything as spellbinding as Norway’s fjords. Discover a place where mythic beauty comes to life before the word gets out.

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

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Fjords in norway: 7 ways to see the spectacular waterways.

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When you think of Norway, you think of fjords and snow-capped mountains that seem like they touch the sky. Waterfalls cascade from rocky peaks. Houses painted Scandinavian red perched on tiny islands look out over flowing waters.

The Norwegian fjords and surrounding terrain are a perfect wilderness.

So what is the best way to see the fjords in Norway?

I started to become obsessed with seeing the fjords from as many different angles as I could on our recent trip to the fjords that began in Bergen and ended in Flåm.

What's in this article

Best way to see the Fjords in Norway

Where to see the fjords in bergen and flåm region, self guided fjord day trips from oslo, guided norway fjord tours, a note on cruise liners on the fjords, fjords in norway faq.

Fjords are long and narrow inlets flanked by steep sides or cliffs that were created by glaciers eroding mountains in their path. The inlets are often very deep – sometimes up to 1,300 metres!

Where the fjords meet the coastline, they are dotted with thousands of skerries or small island rocks.

There are well over one thousand fjords in Norway. We only managed to see a few of the major fjords – Sogneford, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Osterfjord – and they are some of the most beautiful natural landscapes I have ever seen.

1 – The fjords from up high

Try to get a window seat if you are flying into Bergen. The views from altitude on a clear day are incredible. You get a full perspective of the landscape and can see in detail the tiny islets and skerries unique to this part of the world.

When in Bergen take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for impressive views of Bryggen and the area surrounding the city. You take the funicular from the station close to Bryggen. Return tickets are 130 NOK for adults [2021], and the attraction is open all year round – more information .

For spectacular views of the Aurlandsfjord near Flåm, you must visit the Stegastein viewpoint .

Jutting 650 metres above the fjord, from here you can admire the landscape back towards Flåm and in the other direction to Undredal. To get here, you can drive or take a bus tour from Flåm – more information .

Tip – check the weather in Norway before you head out looking for views using this recommended Norway weather site

2 – Bergen to Flåm ferry on the Sogneford

Many people take the popular Bergen railway train and bus route via Voss and Gundvangen to reach Flåm. We opted to take the ferry service on a high-speed catamaran down the Søgneford instead. I’m so glad we did.

The largest and deepest of the fjords, Sogneford is also known the King of the Fjords . The journey is scenic and probably the best way to appreciate the changing landscapes along the fjord.

The boat passes through wide open water and skerries. You can spend time on deck watching waterfalls cascade dramatically down cliff faces and try to count how many you see.

There are several stops along the way when the boat slows down, so there are plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the landscapes out on deck.

Conditions on the ferry are comfortable with huge glass windows so even if it is cold you can enjoy the views. There are luggage storage areas and a cafe onboard as well as wifi for those who need to be connected.

The ferry service departs daily from Bergen from 1st May to 30th September at 8:00 am and takes 5 hours to reach Flåm. Prices are from NOK 950 [2021] with discounts available for children and seniors. Children under 4 travel for free – more information .

Scandinavia dreaming? Check our 10 day Scandinavia itinerary including the fjords, Oslo, Gothenburg and Copenhagen here

3 – A half or full day cruise from Bergen

Bergen is rightly called the gateway to the fjords. You can take tours north and south to explore the many islands and inlets that are features of the landscape.

We took a three-hour cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen on the Osterfjorden. Heading northeast from Bergen, the cruise takes you past tiny settlements perched strategically to capture the best vistas of the fjords.

Mountains rise majestically above the fast flowing waters and waterfalls seem to appear around every corner. I was surprised at the diversity of the terrain and how narrow the channels between islands are at points along the route.

You’ve never tasted water so pure as the crisp clear drops our guide collected for us to taste when we stopped close to a waterfall.

The Osterfjorden fjord tour vessel is a comfortable modern catamaran and leaves from the Zachariasbryggen pier outside the fish market and the tourist office on Bryggen Harbour at 10:00 am and 14:00 pm daily with another sailing at 18:00 pm in July and August. 

For more information on the Osterfjorden tour >> click here

Other day tour options we considered:

✪ Fjord viewpoint tour to – we skipped this one as we were doing most of the activities as part of our stay in Flam but it is a great option if you only have a day in Bergen to see the fjords. You travel by mini-van for part of the way and stop at key sites like the Stegastein viewpoint before joining a 2 hour cruise on the Nærøyfjorden >> more info

a half-day tour to Skjerjehamn, a heritage town north-west of Bergen at the beginning of the Søgneford – click for more info

✪ visiting Rosendal on the Hardangerfjord – full day tour (7.5 hour) round trip from Bergen

4 – Fjord safari from Flåm

My favourite experience of our short time on the fjords was joining a Fjord Safari in Flåm. Not surprising really as I love specialist guided tours .

After being suited up in warm, waterproof clothing, hats and gloves, you hop into a small speed boat and go whizzing across the world heritage Aurlandsfjord.

Your guide gives you lots of interesting tidbits of information about the local area and history and helps you spot local wildlife. Yes, seals and porpoises live in the fjord.

Where Aurlandsfjord meets Nærøyfjord, there is a hairpin bend, and your speedboat glides across the waters as dramatic mountains loom overhead.

Your guide will tell you stories and legends inspired by the landscape and of Vikings who once lived there.

We chose to join the 3.5 hour Heritage Taste Safari which includes a stop in Undredal to taste the local award winning goats cheese. The cheese is delicious and the stories behind how it is made equally fascinating.

The Fjord Safari seems quite adventurous, but it is an activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Our preschooler twins had a blast. The company runs a range of tours that differ depending on the time of year and length of tour you wish to take – more information .

5 – The Norwegian fjords by rail – Flåm railway

One of the world’s greatest train journeys, the Flåmsbana railway connects Flåm and Myrdal a mountain station over 850 metres above sea level.

Built between 1924 and 1940, the Flåm Line is a great engineering feat due to its steep gradient and over 20 tunnels along 20 kilometres of track.

The journey takes just under an hour and you past gaping gorges, massive waterfalls and the small hamlets and farms that the railway was built to serve.

You constantly crane your neck to see what natural wonder is around the next corner. It’s an incredibly beautiful journey worthy of all the accolades.

A short stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall is your opportunity to experience the full force of nature. We visited in Spring, and the waterfall gushed over the rocks in spectacular fashion.

The train departs almost hourly during the summer season – May to September. Tickets for the Flåm Line are from NOK 430 one way – more information

6 – Hiking the fjords of Norway

There’s no better way to appreciate the terrain than when you walk and hike through it.

The Norwegian fjords attract hikers from all over the world as there are many trails in the region suitable for people with all levels of fitness. Our experience was quite tame as we had small children with us but I’d like to go back to the region and try some of the more challenging walks.

Here is a list of top 5 hikes in Norway  to add to your list – the ones to note in this area are the hikes in the Aurlandsdalen Valley . You can also hike back to Flåm from Myrdal after taking the Flåm railway. The downhill route takes around 5-6 hours.

We stayed at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel in Flåm, and they were only too happy to help with a list of shorter walks taking in waterfalls and fjord views.

Tip – due to weather conditions, most of the walks are suitable for hiking between June and September.

7 – Kayaking the fjords

Having experienced the fjord safari tour and getting close to the water, if we visited again, I’d like to try a kayak tour.

I watched people paddling out across the fjord from Flåm, and it looked like the perfect way to connect to the water and truly appreciate just how magnificent the Norwegian fjords area is.

You can do half day tours and overnight kayak tours with Njord Sea Kayak   who are committed to respecting the local environment and wildlife.

Many people choose to do a self guided tour full day fjord experiences from Oslo. The popular route Oslo to Bergen in a day starts in Oslo, and takes you through the fjord region on trains, ferries and buses across some of the most beautiful scenery in the world before finishing in Bergen. This option includes a cruise on the magnificent Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord as well as a one way journey on the Flamsbana railway  >> click for more info

If you want someone else to plan so you can relax and enjoy the scenery you can always join a small group tour and let your guide manage the logistics for you.

Here are some suggestions based on our experience and feedback from fellow travelers we met along the way.

Best for highlights of Norway – Trafalgar’s 9 day Norway highlights tour takes in several of Norway’s magnificent fjords including Hardangerfjord, Geirangerfjord, and the Sognefjord. There’s also the opportunity to view the Bøyabreen Glacier and cultural sites such as the Stave Church in Lom and Royal Palace in Oslo >>   more information

Best for adventurers – G Adventures fjord trekking tour takes you south of Bergen to Odda and the Hardangerfjord. It’s a bucket list 7 day vacation that includes spectacular Trolltunga and a glacier walk >> more information 

I haven’t mentioned the overnight cruise liner option here, and there’s a reason why. When you are visiting a country to experience its incredible natural wilderness, it is disturbing to be confronted by cities afloat.

We saw three mega cruise liners dock while we were in Flåm. They offloaded thousands of people who flooded the tiny town and dispersed on their own fjord adventures – some of these mentioned above. There is no doubt that these ships make an enormous contribution to the local economy. And I’m sure the views on deck would be fantastic.

But there’s nothing like having the wind in your hair and the fresh waters of the fjords splashing your face to feel truly at one with nature. And after all, isn’t that what you’re there for?

If you’d love to cruise the Norwegian fjords, consider a small ship adventure where you can really come close to nature and experience the essential beauty of these stunning landscapes. Departing from Tromso, this 13 day cruise makes its way south stopping at the Lofoten Islands, Trondheim and Geiranger as well as Flam before heading to Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands >> more info

Norway is the country with the greatest number of fjords in the world with are over 1,700 named fjords found along its 57,000km-long coastline. 

Geirangerfjord, Lysefjord, Aurlandsfjord, and the Nærøyfjord are the most dramatic and therefore the most popular of the Norwegian fjords. Two of the fjords: Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord are featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The Sognefjord is both Norway’s deepest and longest fjord. It stretches 204 kilometres inland just north of the coastal city of Bergen.

It depends on what type of experience you want. Summer – from June to August – is the best time to visit for outdoor sports like hiking and kayaking and cruising. In the winter months – from October to March – you’re mostly like to see the Northern Lights. 

Thanks to Visit Bergen and Fjord Norway for kindly supplying Bergen city cards and our tour to the Stegastein Lookout.

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

The Best Way to See Norway's Fjords

My husband would like you to know that his grandfather was from a tiny town in Norway called Odda. His grandfather immigrated to the United States a century ago and wound up in Mississippi, where he married, fathered three children, and died long before my husband, Karl, was born. Karl believes that he inherited a deep love of boats and a need for large bodies of water from this grandfather he never met. He believes this water/boat thing is wrapped in the double helix of his DNA, which makes it a shame that we now live in landlocked Tennessee. At night, he looks at boats on the internet and falls asleep to dream of fjords.

After 22 years of watching my husband wrestle with his inner Norwegian, I decided to do something about it. I decided to take him to the motherland on a ship.

The boat-loving, water-loving part of Karl is drawn to a life that is practical and rugged. The kind of boat that should bear him to his ancestral home would not be the sort that features a karaoke bar or spa pedicures. When going to the land of the Vikings, one should not arrive on a ship that twists one’s bath towel into the shape of a goose at bedtime. So I booked our northern passage on Hurtigruten , on the M.S. Nordkapp.

This is not to say the Hurtigruten ships are anything less than comfortable, but this is not a silly operation. Founded in 1893 to transport passengers and post through intricate waterways, the shipping line was an essential part of rural Norway’s eventual modernity. Thanks to Hurtigruten, a letter written in Bergen (at the bottom of the country) could be delivered in Kirkenes (at the very top) in a week rather than half a year, and the young person hoping to flee Kirkenes would have a way to do so.

It was sunny when we arrived in Bergen, and it stayed sunny for about 20 hours a day. The weather was warmer than anyone had expected, and my husband said he wanted to buy a shirt or two just to have something lighter to wear. He got some pants, too, and a belt and some socks. When we were finished, I reveled in the cherry blossoms and the wide swaths of yellow tulips, while Karl stood at the water’s edge and looked at the boats. Then the ship came to harbor and we boarded.

By the standards of cruise ships, this one was small, holding 622 passengers when booked to capacity, but by the standards of the old Viking ships, or Nansen’s noble Fram, the famous Arctic exploration vessel, it was still big. Our cabin was styled with a sturdy Scandinavian sensibility. There was a place for everything, and so we put everything in its place. My husband, that happiest Norwegian, then went out on deck to stare at the fjords and the passing boats.

A Hurtigruten ship leaves Bergen every day of the year, which means 12 vessels passing each other on their way to Kirkenes or back, each ship stopping at a total of 34 ports on the 12-day round-trip. While the mighty Nordkapp no longer delivers the mail, it is still a freighter. Wrapped pallets of carburetors were put into the cargo hold in Molde and taken off in Bodø, kitchenware was loaded in Stamsund and came off in Hammerfest. In some ports the ship stayed for hours, in others it was 20 minutes. And it wasn’t just packages that Hurtigruten picked up and delivered, it was Norwegians. They use the ship as a ferry to the next town or maybe five towns up the line. One day on deck I saw two small blond girls with their mother, the next day it was a group of older men in matching vests. They were on the ship and then they were gone. It made sense, because running a cruise line for passengers up to the top of Norway was one thing in summer and something else entirely in winter. Hurtigruten had found a way to stay afloat year-round.

While the passengers and pallets came and went, we watched the never-ending film of rocky atolls, small islands, little villages, and fishing boats that slid past the windows. It was almost impossible to look away because every frame in the ever-changing view was so singular: a little red wooden house perched atop a rocky crag, with no other houses in view. Who were these people, and what were they doing out there?

Hurtigruten travels up and down the Norwegian coast using 13 ships, including the Nordkapp.

The Germans we met—as well as the English, the Swedes, the Swiss—had all spent their lives dreaming of exactly this Hurtigruten voyage through the fjords. “My grandfather was from Odda,” my husband told one of the Norwegian passengers beside him at the window.

The man squinted. “Bodø?”

“Odda,” Karl said.

Odda, it turned out, was obscure by even Norwegian standards, and Karl’s pronunciation wasn’t the best.

In Ålesund, we disembarked to walk through town and admire the Art Nouveau flourishes. Here’s the thing about Norway: It has burned to the ground more times than can be counted—blame this on the wooden buildings or the long winter nights that require too many candles. It seemed that every city in the country had been rebuilt at some point. Ålesund was so consistently perfect, it looked like it had been snapped together with Art Nouveau Legos, if such things were to exist. When it started to rain, my husband noted that his raincoat wasn’t up to the job and dashed into a ship supply store, where he found one better suited to Norwegian weather. He got some proper rain shoes as well and a Helly Hansen duffel bag before we headed back to the ship.

Every day we got off the Nordkapp. In Trondheim we visited the Nidaros Cathedral, which was built by Catholics and later lost to Protestants—meaning that Saint Olaf, the most essential of Catholic Norwegian saint-kings, was buried beneath the stone floor of a Lutheran church. We visited the Ringve Museum of musical instruments, and our guide played the harpsichord and the pianoforte, looking like he had just stepped out of an Ibsen play. My husband ducked out to buy a hat and gloves because it had gotten cold. At the next stop he found a warmer jacket.

It wasn’t until a few days later, when I was looking for Karl on deck, that I realized I could no longer find him. He was dressed like all the other Norwegian men. They stood together, backs to the room, admiring the water and boats. We kayaked with two English guides who had come to Norway to visit and never went home. In our kayak I understood that decision because the light on the water and the high, snowcapped mountains were more beautiful than anything I’d ever seen. The guide who took us to the Northern Cape had left Rhodesia for Norway. Karl told each of them that his grandfather was from Odda, and each asked him to repeat the name.

The farther north we went, the shorter the trees, until there were no trees, only reindeer. The endless rocks that popped out of the water like unexpected wisdom teeth were furred with nothing more than moss. Once we passed into the Arctic Circle, there were fewer villages, fewer lonely houses, fewer birds. Karl paced the deck, leaning into the bitter wind. “We should live here,” he said, looking out at the rocks and the cold gray sea, no doubt thinking that Odda must be a place very much like this.

Have you ever given someone the moon, only to discover he wanted the sun and the stars? I aimed to show my husband how much I loved him by taking him to Norway, which was very different from showing him how much I loved him by agreeing to move to Norway. He was right, of course—it’s a spectacular country, even when the freezing rain blows sideways over the barren land. When I told him we weren’t moving, he looked across the fjords and nodded stoically. Maybe if I’d said yes he would have laughed, but I don’t think he was bluffing. There were sirens in those rocky waters singing love songs to the men in their passing boats. They wanted their Norwegians to come home.

Doing THE FJORDS by ferry

Getting there: Year-round, Hurtigruten sails 12 ships on six-day south and seven-day north trips between Bergen and Kirkenes. Norwegian Air flies regular nonstops to Oslo (and Bergen in summer) from six U.S. cities, including New York and L.A.

Before you board: In Bergen, treat yourself to dinner at Lysverket, in the Kode 4 art museum. Chef Christopher Haatuft, who trained at Per Se and Blue Hill, put together the best meal I’ve ever eaten in my life. I actually mean that.

Back on land: In Oslo, stay at The Thief, a hotel that manages to be at once warm and modern. I’d also recommend Gustav Vigeland’s sculpture garden on a sunny day and the powerfully moving Nobel Peace Center on a rainy one.

We curated the soundtrack for your next cruise, whether you spend it sunbathing in the Caribbean or exploring Norway's fjords:

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The Fjords of Norway: Experience the most beautiful fjords in Norway!

The ultimate guide to the Norwegian fjords: what is a fjord and how were the fjords formed, what is the name of the longest fjord in Norway, and which fjord cruises should you do?

One of the things Norway is best known for is its fjords. The word ‘fjord’ is one of the few Norwegian words to have become international! In Western Norway – the region we call Fjord Norway – you will find some of the most beautiful, longest, narrowest and deepest fjords in the world.

What is a fjord?

The definition of a fjord is a deep, narrow and elongated sea or water inlet with steep land on three sides, shaped by massive glacier tongues over the course of several ice ages. ‘Fjord’ comes from the Norse word ‘fjorðr’ and means ‘where you cross’. Would you like to know more about how the fjords were formed?  Watch the video ‘What is a fjord’ and read the article here .

Norway’s fjords – the most famous fjords

Norway boasts some of the longest, narrowest, deepest and most beautiful fjords in the world, and the pristine fjord landscape is even inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, represented by the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord.  Read more about the most famous and most beautiful fjords in Norway here .

The little-known fjords you mustn’t miss

Do you prefer exploring lesser-known gems, where there are less people in summer? We can help you to find them! From the south to the north of the region, you will find many  lesser-known fjords that are definitely worth visiting !

When is the best time to visit the fjords?

You can visit the fjords all year round! But many people would probably say that the best time to visit the fjords is in spring and summer.  Read more about the different seasons and the best time to visit the fjords .

The best Norwegian fjord cruises

The best way to experience the fjords is from a boat! There are many fjord cruises throughout the region, and  we have gathered the best fjord cruises for you here .

The best activities to experience the fjords

The fjords can be experienced up close on the water, or admired from afar in the surrounding mountains, on, for example, hikes with magnificent fjord views. In many of the fjords in Western Norway, you can join a guided kayaking or SUP trip, or a more high-speed RIB boat trip. Some places organise fishing trips, and floating saunas are available in several places. Hiking with and without a guide, or snowshoe trips in winter are also recommended.  Read more about the various activities on or near the fjord here .

Get close to the fjord in a kayak!

Western Norway is perfect for kayaking! This is a great activity that is suitable for most people!  Read more about kayaking on the fjords and along the coast .

Hotels and holiday homes beside the fjords in Norway

You can stay right beside the fjord in many places in the region. Imagine waking up to a beautiful, tranquil fjord in the morning light! Little beats the feeling of tranquillity you get surrounded by beautiful scenery. Many places also rent out holiday homes with a boat.  Read more about where you can stay right beside a fjord .

Read more about the Norwegian fjords!

A family adventure between bergen and ålesund.

Fjord Norway is a perfect destination for a family holiday. An adventure awaits in the mountains and fjords that will create family memories for life.

The best fjord cruises in Fjord Norway

The best way to see the fjords is from a boat! Here is our list of the top day cruises available.

The best activities to experience the Norwegian fjords

The fjords can be experienced up close or admired from afar. Here are some tips for the very best fjord experience!

Do you prefer exploring lesser-known gems? We can help you discover the best experiences in the lesser-known fjord arms in Fjord Norway.

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The 15 Best Fjords in Norway – According to Locals!

May 26, 2023 by Silvia 8 Comments

Probably the three main reasons people visit Norway are to see the northern lights, Norwegian mountains, and the Norwegian fjords. And while over my years living in Norway I’ve written many blog posts about seeing the northern lights , and even an in depth northern lights ebook , as well as a guide to Norway’s most beautiful mountains , I’ve never written a guide to the best Norwegian fjords.

I actually started a Norway fjord blog post several months ago, but realized there were a couple of fjords in southern Norway I had missed, so of course I had to take a road trip to the Norwegian fjords to investigate. But now I can say with full confidence that I have explored up and down the Norwegian coast well enough to share my list of the best fjords in Norway.

Norway Travel Guides!  I’ve gathered all my best advice for planning an incredible trip through Southern and Northern Norway in two 95-page ebooks covering my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and how to plan the perfect itinerary.

You can  purchase the Norway Travel Guides here .

But what is a fjord?

Norway is famous for its fjords, so of course everyone who visits Norway wants to see them. But while the fjords will make it on every Norway bucket list, not everyone actually seems to know what a fjord really is.

I remember being on a boat trip in Finnmark and after hearing I live in Norway one of the passengers asked me if I knew where she could go to see a fjord. And then when I laughed and informed her that actually we were currently on a fjord she was  so excited, like I had magically made the view even more incredible by naming it a fjord.

Though to be fair to any confused visitors, Norwegians use  fjord in a broader meaning, referring to any long, narrow bay, whereas the international geological definition of a fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier. So it’s no wonder tourists are often disappointed when they first see the Oslo Fjord – it’s not actually a fjord by the international understanding of the term.

This also means that you can’t simply look at a map of Norway and randomly choose a fjord to visit – at least not if you’re looking for steep cliffs and deep water. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this list of fifteen fjords that I promise will not disappoint.

Hjørundfjord

I tried to roughly organize this list with my favorite fjords first, and while I found it really hard to rank these fjords I did know which fjord should come first: Hjørundfjord.

Hjørundfjord is  stunning , and a bit less visited than Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, so you’ll find some actually quiet nature escapes here.

I wrote about my visit to Hjørundfjord here , including some amazing accommodation options. You could also stay at Norway’s historic  Hotel Union Øye on Norangsfjord, which is an arm of Hjørundfjord. I wrote about my experience staying at the Hotel Union Øye here .

If you want to see Hjørundfjord on a day trip,  this boat trip from Ålesund  goes all the way down Hjørundfjord and then into Norangsfjord, where you can stop at the Hotel Union Øye for lunch.

Or if you’re staying at the famous  Hotel Union Øye  you could even go kayaking on Hjørundfjord with  this kayaking trip  leaving from Øye.

Romsdalsfjord

While Hjørundfjord is the prettiest fjord, my favorite fjord experience would have to hiking and camping in a tree tent along Romsdalsfjord . The views here are epic, with snow peaked mountains even in late June.

You could also stay in Åndalsnes, which is by the popular Rampestreken hike , as well as by the start of Norway’s famous Trollstigen road, featuring eleven hairpin turns.

Lyngenfjord

I loved my first visit to Lyngenfjord a couple of years ago, but somehow I managed to fall even more in love when I visited last week. The views here are truly incredible, and I love that it’s a bit less touristy than the main fjords in southern Norway. Plus, since it’s in Northern Norway you’re able to see the Midnight Sun here in the summer and the northern lights from September through March.

On Lyngenfjord I’ve stayed in a glass igloo at Lyngen North as well as in one of these mini aurora fjord cabins , both of which are ideal for watching the northern lights (while staying warm inside).

Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and the second longest and second deepest in the world, stretching over 200 kilometers and 1,000 meters deep at its deepest points. Several of its branches are probably the most popular fjords for tourists to visit, both because of the beautiful views and their relative easy accessibility from Bergen.

You could either take the express boat from Bergen into Sognefjord , or do the popular Norway in a Nutshell public transportation route . But of course my preferred way to explore the fjords is always by car , as you can get off the beaten path and travel at your own pace (public transport in Norway tends not to run very often).

I’ve compiled a list of incredible accommodation spots along Sognefjord here .

♥ Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord is a branch of Sognefjord, but I thought I should specifically name it because it is definitely one of the prettiest fjords in Norway. However this is also one of the most visited fjords in Norway, so if you’re coming in the summer you’ll find a lot of tourist crowds here.

A great way to escape those crowds would be to get out on the water, like with this guided sea kayaking tour from Voss through Nærøyfjord, because there’s no better way to experience a fjord than from a kayak. Check current prices and availability here

♥ Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are both included in the Norway in a Nutshell route, but again, I preferred visiting by car so that I could stop and take all the photos. And it seems like every bend along Aurlandsfjord reveals another gorgeous view.

I think most Norwegians would agree that Lofoten is one of the most picturesque areas of Norway, though the islands are known more for their pointy mountains and cute red fisherman cabins than fjords. Yet one fjord does stand out.

I visited Trollfjord on this sea eagle safari , and while I loved watching the sea eagles swooping down to the sea catching fish, I was most struck by the steep, dark cliffs of Trollfjord. I’m not saying Trollfjord is definitely enchanted, but it certainly could be.

Geirangerfjord

Ask a Norwegian what the most beautiful fjord in Norway is and there’s a good chance they’ll say Geirangerfjord . Geirangerfjord is certainly one of Norway’s most popular fjords, and for good reasons. The views here are truly epic. In fact I probably would agree that Geirangerfjord is Norway’s most beautiful fjord if it weren’t for all the tourist crowds.

Geirangerfjord gets so full of cruise ships and tourists that it doesn’t quite offer the same quiet nature that my favorite fjords do, but if anywhere deserves so many visitors it would have to be Geirangerfjord.

If you want to escape the crowds you could try this two day kayaking trip through the fjord, which looks epic.

And I’ve compiled a list of amazing places to stay along Geirangerfjord here .

Speaking of popular tourist spots, Lysefjord is another Norwegian bucket list item, home to Pulpit Rock , the start of the famous Kjeragbolten hike , and the  Flørli Stairs , the longest wooden staircase in the world.

If you’re not into the popular bucket lists and would rather get off the beaten path, Melfjord in Helgeland , located right on the Arctic Circle, is absolutely magical, and you will likely have the fjord all to yourself. You can read about my visit to Melfjord here .

Hardangerfjord

The second longest fjord in Norway, Hardangerfjord is probably best known for its beautiful springtime views when the fruit trees are in bloom, which usually happens in May. But this fjord is beautiful anytime of year, and just an hour and a half from Bergen, making for a wonderful day trip from the city. Or you can visit from Odda, which is also close to Norway’s famous Trolltunga hike.

If you won’t be renting a car, or if you want to see the fjord by boat, there are lots of guided trips of Hardangerfjord on offer, including this boat trip from Odda , this small cruise from Bergen , and this minivan tour from Bergen . Or you could even take this epic day trip from Bergen to both Hardangefjord and Folgefonna Glacier , Norway’s third largest glacier.

And you can read more about visiting Hardangerfjord here .

A bit north of Sognefjord you’ll find Nordfjord, which reaches an impressive 106 kilometers inland. This is a popular cruise ship destination, but I always recommend avoiding the cruises in Norway, as they tend to contribute nothing to local economies and it’s just not a great way to actually see Norway (if you can’t tell already, most locals really hate the big cruise companies).

But I’ve included Nordfjord on this list because there are so many cute villages and towns here, as well as some great hikes, including to Briksdalsbreen glacier , which can be reached from the village of Olden. And then at the end of Nordfjord you’ll find Stryn and the beautiful Oppstrynsvatn lake, and the historic Hjelle Hotel .

Porsangerfjord

I really, really love Finnmark, the northernmost region of Norway, so while Porsangerfjord doesn’t have the dramatic high cliffs of other fjords on this list, I still wanted to include it. You really feel like you’re driving up to the edge of the world along Porsangerfjord, and in fact if you continue driving north you’ll reach the North Cape, which is the northernmost point of mainland Norway and Europe.

Varangerfjord

If you want to continue your journey along the edge of the world, head east to Varangefjord, Norway’s easternmost fjord, which lies north of Finland. From here you can drive down to Kirkenes or up the Varanger National Scenic Route to the tiny village of Hamningberg, which is one of my favorite places in all of Norway. Read about my visit to Kirkenes, including the famous Snow Hotel here and Hamningberg here .

And finally, if you want a true adventure, head to Svalbard! Svalbard’s towns are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet (aside from a few research bases), and in fact Svalbard is closer to the North Pole than to Bergen.

I’ve only visited Svalbard during polar night and am now itching to visit in the spring or summer to see it in the daylight. And the largest fjord on Svalbard is Isfjord, where you can have a chance to see whales, polar bears, and impressive glacier fronts by boat or you could even take this kayaking trip on the fjord .

You can read about my trip to Svalbard here .

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Pauline says

October 9, 2020 at 11:07 am

I think you did very well! I grew up right next to Nordfjord and visited Geirangerfjord, Hjørundfjorden, and Sognefjord when I was a kid on a boat trip. This year I did Aurlandsfjorden, Lysefjorden, and Hardangerfjord. It is hard to do decide which are the best because they are all unique in their way. The fjord I spent my childhood in was Vanylvesfjorden. I mean, visiting Norway and not seeing the fjords is like being in Italy and not eating Pizza. Fjords are Norway 😀

October 9, 2020 at 2:34 pm

I had the same experience when I worked as a tourist guide in Norway! One one trip there was a man who was constantly asking me what a fjord was, despite having arrived by ship on the Romsdalsfjord! Long story short (5 hours later), it turned out that he thought a fjord was a stretch of land reaching out into the ocean, rather than the exact opposite, a stretch of ocean cutting into the land… No wonder he was confused! 😀

Mila Feinstein says

July 4, 2021 at 1:14 am

You have a very good blog and I really enjoyed reading about Norway and decided to rent a car and explore this beautiful country instead of public transportation. But i am running one issue – being stuck with the car if we want to cruise one of the fjods. Which cruise would you reccommend that we can take a car? We are drivinf drom bergen to Flam visiting Tvindefossen waterfall, Hopperstad Stave Church, Balestrand, Viking Village and then on to Flam. Thank you, Mila

Morten Jacobsen says

August 20, 2022 at 2:14 pm

Hello and thanks for an interesting blog. My name is Morten Jacobsen, I grew up and live by Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. 205 km long and 1303m deep. I currently run a rib safari company (www.vikadventure.com) and drive a lot of tourists around our guarded fjord. I drive a lot in the nærøyfjord with Flom and Gudvangen, which are beautiful places but not the most beautiful in my eyes. Then we have to go to Arnafjord and especially Finnafjord with the Finnabotn in the innermost part. This is clearly the most beautiful fjord Norway has to offer. I have taken tourists to these fjord arms for many years and this is where they really get to experience Norwegian nature at its most beautiful. The feedback we get from our tourists is that this was the best and most beautiful thing they have experienced. so you have to visit this. If you come back sometime, I’ll take you on a wonderful trip here to my paradise🤗

Previna says

November 2, 2022 at 4:34 pm

Hello. I would love to visit Norway next year, I would like to know if there is private land transportation for one day to see the fjords from Bergen

Silvia says

November 10, 2022 at 2:50 pm

There are a few great options here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/day-trips-from-bergen-norway/

Pontus says

May 31, 2023 at 11:45 am

Hey Silvia, i’ve got a question if you dont mind, my girlfriend and i are looking to go visit Sognefjord. Is camping and such allowed anywhere in Norway or is there some kind of rules we might need to be aware of?`

Loved this post it opened my eyes to multiple areas we didn’t know about that we need to consider exploring! Thanks!

May 31, 2023 at 12:20 pm

Yes wild camping is allowed. You can camp on pretty much any uncultivated land (so no farms), as long as you’re not pitching your tent closer than 150 meters to an inhabited house or cabin. Technically you’re also not supposed to stay for longer than 2 days, but if you aren’t disturbing the nature then you should be fine.

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Top 8 Best Fjords to Visit in Norway

• Published: July 11, 2023
• Updated:July 18, 2023
• Attractions , Ecotourism

There’s a kind of magic that wraps itself around your senses when you visit Norway’s fjords. The sheer scale of these towering sea-filled valleys, their raw beauty, and the peaceful serenity they offer are simply awe-inspiring. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, exploring the fjords is a must. But with over a thousand fjords, you might be wondering, “Which are the best fjords to visit in Norway?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Discover the Majesty of the Norwegian Fjords

Let’s paint a picture: You’re on a boat, the cool Norwegian breeze gently brushes your face, and you’re surrounded by towering cliffs that plunge into deep, emerald waters. Waterfalls roar down from incredible heights, their mists creating rainbows in the sunlight. This is the magic of the Norwegian fjords, a spectacle of nature that leaves you feeling humbled and awestruck.

Now, let’s dive into our list of Top 8 Best Fjords to Visit in Norway you absolutely have to see!

Your Norwegian Fjord Bucket List

Geirangerfjord.

First on our list of fjords to visit in Norway is the stunning Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Norway’s most visited fjords, and for a good reason. It’s home to the famous Seven Sisters waterfall, which is actually a series of seven separate streams cascading into the fjord below. The opposite side of the fjord features a lonely waterfall known as “The Suitor.” The waterfalls, combined with the fjord’s vibrant wildlife, make Geirangerfjord a must-see. I recommend taking a kayak tour to fully appreciate the fjord’s scale and beauty. And if you’re up for a challenge, hike up to Flydalsjuvet lookout for a view that will leave you speechless.

Sognefjord, known as the ‘King of the Fjords’, is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway. Its raw beauty is characterized by towering snow-capped mountains, vibrant green valleys, and powerful waterfalls. The fjord is so wide at points that when you’re standing at the water’s edge, it feels like you’re standing by the sea. A scenic ferry ride provides a panorama of Sognefjord’s grandeur. For those who love a thrill, there’s nothing like a glacier walk on Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier.

Lysefjord is another top choice among fjords to visit in Norway. It’s home to two of Norway’s most famous hiking destinations: Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Kjerag. Pulpit Rock, a flat mountain plateau that seems to hang over the fjord, offers a breathtaking view that attracts hikers from around the world. Kjerag, on the other hand, is a popular base jumping spot. If you’re not quite up for base jumping, you can still enjoy the fjord’s beauty from the many ferries and sightseeing cruises that ply its waters.

Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord, the ‘Queen of the Fjords’, offers a softer side to Norway’s rugged beauty. It’s known for its orchards which, in spring, are filled with blossoming fruit trees. This fjord is also home to many impressive waterfalls, including Voringsfossen, Norway’s most famous waterfall. For an active exploration of Hardangerfjord, we recommend visiting the Folgefonna National Park, where you can ski even in summer!

Naeroyfjord

Naeroyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a tranquil experience. This fjord is one of the narrowest in Europe, and its high, steep walls create an awe-inspiring sight. The fjord’s quiet beauty is best enjoyed from a kayak, where you can paddle at your own pace, taking the time to appreciate the serene environment.

Aurlandsfjord

Among the fjords to visit in Norway, Aurlandsfjord is a branch of the larger Sognefjord, that offers a wealth of attractions. One of the highlights is the Flam Railway , known as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. The train winds its way through stunning landscapes, from high mountain plateaus to deep fjords. Another must-visit is the Stegastein viewpoint, a platform jutting out 650 meters above the fjord, offering an unparalleled panoramic view.

Trollfjord, tucked away in the Lofoten Islands, offers a truly mystical experience. The fjord is narrow with high, steep-sided mountains, creating an intimate feel. As you cruise through the fjord, it’s easy to understand why it’s steeped in mythology. You’ll be captivated by the local tales of trolls and Viking legends that bring the fjord’s scenery to life.

Hjorundfjord

Hjorundfjord, located in the heart of the Sunnmore Alps, is a fjord less travelled, but no less beautiful. Surrounded by towering peaks and tiny, picturesque villages, Hjorundfjord offers an enchanting setting for outdoor activities, from fishing and hiking to simply soaking up the serene atmosphere.

Don’t forget to check out our 10-days eco-friendly itinerary in Norway that includes these fjords and more. For more travel tips and must-see attractions, make sure to visit our Norway travel guide .

Practical Tips for Your Fjord Adventure

To make the most of the Fjords to Visit in Norway make sure to pack your camera, hiking boots, and a rain jacket for unpredictable weather. A pair of binoculars could come in handy for spotting wildlife. As for the best time to visit, summer offers warm weather and outdoor activities, while winter showcases the fjords’ snowy beauty.

Remember to respect the environment during your visit. Follow all safety guidelines, especially during hikes and water activities. And, as the Norwegians say, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær” – there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!

In a Nutshell…

Fjords to Visit in Norway offer more than just stunning views; they’re gateways to adventures, tranquil retreats, and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a peace seeker, the fjords have something for you. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on your Norwegian fjord adventure today!

Can I visit multiple fjords in a single trip?

Yes, many fjords are located close to each other, making it possible to visit several in one trip.

Is it safe to hike in the fjords?

Yes, but it’s essential to stay on marked trails and follow local safety advice.

What wildlife can I see in the fjords?

Depending on the fjord, you may see seals, eagles, or even whales.

Can I swim in the fjords?

Yes, but the water can be chilly, even in summer.

Are there guided tours for fjord exploration?

Absolutely, there are many tours available that offer guided exploration of Norway’s fjords.

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Related Posts

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A Traveler’s Journey: From Admiring Nature to Restoring It

Cheap Trip to Norway – Travel on a budget

Ecotourism Activities in Norway: Embracing Nature’s Beauty

Discovering the Best Month to Visit Norway

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Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway!

Psst! Some links in my posts may be affiliate links, which means that I get paid a fee if you chose to purchase something through it. This doesn't cost you anything, but makes a huge difference for me! Thanks for your support!

Being born and raised by the beautiful Norwegian fjords, I often get asked to share my best travel tips for Norway . Through my years as a travel blogger I have written several helpful guides to visiting Norway, but I realised I’ve never actually created one, massive resource for travelling to Norway – kind of like an ultimate Norway travel guide!

So, that’s what this is.

In this post, I aim to share EVERYTHING you need to know before your trip to Norway, including the best places to visit in Norway, when to visit Norway, and what the expectations are when it comes to tipping in Norway.

And more, of course.

I’ll also link to all my best Norway resources and articles where they are relevant, which you can also find by heading to the Norway travel category where I have collected all posts about travelling to Norway. 

Don’t forget to join my Norway Travel Tips Facebook group to connect with others who are currently planning their trips, discover new Norway travel hacks and share inspiration to make the most of your travel plans!

Since this post turned out to be massive, feel free to use th table of contents to navigate ! Just click the little button on the right of it to expand and click your way through my guide!

Table of Contents

Norway Travel Guide: Welcome!

The photo above is the view from my house. I’m serious. This is what Norway looks like, and it’s no wonder publications and travellers alike call Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

I grew up by the fjords, and not just any fjord. The Aurlandsfjord, with Flåm at its end and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord as one of its ‘arms’, is one of the most popular fjords in Norway.

This means that my little municipality of 1700 people (my village has around 600 inhabitants) is visited by over 1,5 million tourists a year.

Side note: having grown up where I have, I also run a blog dedicated to Flåm and the area – head this way to read!

It wasn’t until I moved to Wales at 17, followed by London and Florida that I started realising just how beautiful and special Norway is, and now I love sharing my Norway travel tips and guides with visitors from all over the world.

3 Things to know about Norway before visiting

In order to cover all the best places to visit in Norway, I’d first like to point out that there are a few things you should know before you book a trip to Norway. 

#1 The Cost of Things

One of those things is that Norway is expensive as hell .

There’s no denying it, and you’ll be better off by knowing this in advance. By saving and budgeting, your trip to Norway will go a lot smoother, and being prepared for high prices will save you any frustration during your trip.

Especially in the more touristy areas you’ll find that the prices are quite high.

#2 The Language

Another thing to know about Norway is that the Norwegian language can come across as quite rude . This is not to say that Norwegians are rude, but a result of the lack of ‘polite filler words’ in our day-to-day language.

By this, I mean that we don’t add ‘please’ to the end of a sentence when ordering food or asking for something, we very rarely say ‘excuse me’ if interrupting someone, and the language generally lacks the politeness of English.

You may come across exceptions to this rule, but it’s still worth being aware of so you don’t get offended when someone bumps into you on the street without apologising.

It’s not that we are being rude, it is just our culture and the way of our language.

One last thing worth knowing before you visit Norway is that in general, Norwegians speak and understand English very well .

This is something we are aware of and are proud of, and I believe it is a result of all English/American TV shows and movies aired in Norway simply being subtitled, and not dubbed.

This means that a Norwegian might get offended or annoyed if you speak English as if we don’t understand you, by over- pronouncing or speaking extremely slowly.

I have personally gotten slightly defensive when a tourist once was extremely surprised by the fact that I speak English.

So ask us politely and normally if we speak English, don’t act surprised when we say ‘of course’. If you comment on how Norwegians speak very good English in general, make sure to do just so. Don’t say it in a surprised tone on how one specific person speaks it so well.

There you have some of the things I think you should know before visiting Norway. Now, let’s get down to business!

The 8 Best places to visit in Norway

Norway is quite a large country, in spite of only having a little over 5 million inhabitants.

Out of all the great places to visit in Norway , you’ll find that some are more popular than others.

Most travellers, unless they are on a cruise, will arrive by plane into one of the two main airports in the country; Oslo or Bergen.

From there, they’ll either have a packed itinerary taking them through all the best places to visit in Norway or play it by ear.

Those visiting by cruise will often dock in destinations such as Flåm , Olden or Geiranger.

In this section, I have tried to break down the most popular places to visit in Norway. In no particular order.

Naturally, Oslo is one of the top places to visit in Norway.

The capital of Norway has a variety of fun attractions, and you’ll find that there are a plethora of fun things to do and see. You can enjoy a boat ride or go swimming in the Oslo fjord, take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or rent a bike and explore Oslo on a budget.

The Akerselva River runs through the city, and the path alongside it makes for a lovely stroll.

Head this way to read the ultimate guide to things to do in Oslo . You’ll need more than a day to get through all the 30+ activities on the list!

#2 The fjords

Obviously, I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Norway and not include the famous fjords.

However, they are in need of their very own section, as there are several of them worth visiting. Norway is actually the country in the world with the highest density of fjords ! Considering that the word itself is Norwegian, I’m not surprised.

I have covered the fjords in a separate section below, as well as this post about the best fjords in Norway .

The second largest city in Norway is a very popular destination for travellers to Norway due to its proximity to the famous fjords.

This is also where I currently live!

Bergen is famous for the wooden houses along the docks of the city; Bryggen , great local restaurants , and some incredible hikes overlooking the city.

Many tours to the fjords start in Bergen, and it is the perfect starting point for a Norwegian holiday.

Bergen is not only one of Norway’s major cities, but it is also the largest cruise port in the country. So if you are visiting Norway on a cruise you are very likely to be dropping by Bergen.

When you are visiting Bergen, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in the city , this overview of some great Bergen tours , or even these Bergen fjord cruises (to help you make the most of your trip)!

Bergen Hotel Deals

#4 trondheim.

Trondheim is known amongst Norwegians for their killer student community, and amongst visitors for the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral.

This is the perfect city for a stroll, and both the main square and the pathways along the Nidelva River are beautiful areas to visit.

#5 Lillehammer

Lillehammer gets an honourable mention on this list of places to visit in Norway thanks to the hilarious Netflix show Lilyhammer .

Lillehammer was also the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, which many Norwegians still remember and remind people that they hosted.

Most travellers will visit Lillehammer as a day trip from Oslo.

#6 Northern Norway

I’m sorry to put this as one item on the list, as I know that there are many beautiful places to visit in Northern Norway.

Alta , Bodø, Tromsø and Lofoten are amongst popular destinations in Northern Norway, and visitors from all over the world travel to Norway to head up North in the winter in order to see the Northern Lights, as well as experience incredible activities such as dog sledding, learning about Sami culture and sleeping in an igloo hotel .

Northern Norway is actually where you’ll find several of the world’s best places to see the Northern lights .

Personally, I think Alta might be one of my favourite destinations in Norway! Just make sure to pack well .

Heading up north? Don’t miss my guide to shooting the Northern lights with a GoPro !

Northern Norway Hotel Deals

#7 the lofoten islands.

The Lofoten Islands (or just Lofoten) is an archipelago of islands located in Nordland county in Northern Norway.

It is an incredibly popular destination for photography enthusiasts, and with good reason. These islands boast of incredible nature with steep, alp-like mountains, stunning white-sand beaches, and even some killer waves for anyone who’s into surfing.

I couldn’t possibly write a Norway travel guide without mentioning this place (even though I have a separate section for Northern Norway right above it).

I didn’t visit Lofoten until I was 28, and I couldn’t believe I had taken that long to explore the place. Absolutely stunning, is the only way to describe it.

Curious about visiting Lofoten? Here are 23 reasons you need to visit Lofoten now!

In my collection of itineraries, I have now added self-drive Lofoten itineraries (it is a place where a rental car is a must)! Head this way to find them!

#8 Stavanger

Stavanger is an incredibly pretty city, and one I didn’t actually visit until I was in my twenties. I wish I had sooner because it really took my breath away!

From the pretty Fargegaten (the coloured street pictured below) to walking through the Old Town, Stavanger has plenty of reasons to visit.

Head this way to read my favourite things to do in Stavanger !

The best fjords to visit in Norway

Below is an overview of which fjords to visit in Norway, but you can also head this way to read my extensive guide to the 5 best fjords to visit in Norway!

I told you the fjords deserved their own section in this post. Basically, most people who travel to Norway come to experience the Norwegian fjords, and with good reason.

The fjords offer breathtaking scenery, majestic mountains and a landscape that will stay in your memory forever.

First things first.

What is a fjord?

You’ll be surprised with the amount of people who arrive in Norway with no clue what a fjord actually is.

Some think it’s a lake, others think it’s the name for Norwegian mountains. We have had people ask us if we drain the fjords in the winter (?) or if we turn off the waterfalls at all (??).

My friend once got asked if we built the visiting cruise ship on the fjord in order to get it there , because apparently , it was too hard to believe that it had sailed its way there.

A fjord is a body of water that fills a deep and narrow valley created by a glacier, often with steep, dramatic mountains surrounding it. As it is connected to the ocean, it is not a lake. As it is not flowing anywhere, it is not a river. It is a fjord.

How do I use ‘fjord’ in a sentence?

I wanted to mention this briefly as I have heard (and read) too many fun variations of sentences including the fjords. Here’s my low-down of how to use the fjords in a s entence;

• You are by the fjords, not at the fjords when you are in the area surrounding it, such as in my village Aurland.
• You are only on the fjord if you are on a boat, on the fjord . If you are going for a swim, you are in the fjord.
• The mountains are not fjords, so you cannot ‘ hike a fjord ‘. You can hike by or near a fjord. However, you can hike in the fjord landscape.
• The fjords as a plural is used to describe several of the fjords in Norway, which are mainly found in the west. Thus, the term ‘the fjords’ could also just mean ‘the area in Western Norway spreading across the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord. Don’t ever call it the fjords (plural) if you are only talking about one of them.

Now that we’ve got the technical stuff covered, let me share the best fjords in Norway with you. There are only 3 you need to know, in my opinion.

#1 The Lysefjord – Lysefjorden

Lysefjorden is a small fjord near Stavanger, and it is the location of the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag/Kjeragbolden. These two popular hikes have incredible views of the fjord below and are both worth a try if you are in the area. 

The Lysefjord ends in Lysebotn, a small village at the bottom of the mountain and at the end of the fjord.

The fjord can be explored by ferry, and there are also car ferries running there in the summertime, allowing you to bring your own car on the fjord adventure.

Along the Lysefjord you’ll also find Flørli, which is the last ferry stop before Lysebotn. Here you can hike the famous Flørli 4444, which is the world’s longest wooden stairs.

They consist of (you guessed it) 4444 wooden steps going up the mountainside along the old water pipes.  The pipes are reminders of Flørli’s rich hydro energy history.

Please note that there are limited schedules for the ferries on Lysefjorden in the winter, and so I advise you to do your research before heading to the pier for pickup.

#2 The Geiranger fjord – Geirangerfjorden

One of the busiest little villages in Norway, mainly thanks to the cruise traffic visiting this fjord, is Geiranger.

This quaint little place is neatly nestled at the bottom of a mountain, and looks tiny when pictured with the majestic fjord landscape surrounding it.

The Geiranger fjord is one of two fjords in Norway (the other one is next) that have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The area surrounding Geiranger boasts some incredible viewpoints, such as Dalsnibba and Ørneredet (the Eagle’s Nest). A popular hike overlooking the fjord goes to Westerås Farm, where you can even spend the night if you book in advance.

Going on a fjord cruise in Geiranger is a must if you want to see the famous waterfalls ‘De Syv Søstre’ (the Seven Sisters) or ‘Friaren’ (the Suitor).

These waterfalls face each other along the fjord, and have a pretty interesting backstory , which I’ll tell you if you ask!

#3 The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord

These two fjords, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are actually ‘fjord arms’ of the Sognefjord, which is the largest fjord in Norway.

A fjord arm is simply a smaller fjord connected to the main fjord, which is connected to the ocean. I really should be a teacher with these amazing explanations.

The Aurlandsfjord is the name of the fjord where you’ll find my village, Aurland, as well as the famous neighbouring village Flåm.

Flåm is one of Norway’s largest cruise ports, after Stavanger, Bergen and Geiranger. You can imagine how busy it gets in a village of 300 inhabitants when 5000 cruise passengers embark.

One of the best activities in the area is the newly opened Flåm Zipline, which is Scandinavia’s longest (and fastest)! Read my review (and watch my video) here !

Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railways. Aurland is home to the impressive Stegastein Viewpoint , a viewing platform built 650 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the fjord below. It’s with good reason that I love this area.

The Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Aurlandsfjord, and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status along with the Geiranger fjord (above). This is where the Sognefjord is at its narrowest, which provides for some impressive sceneries.

Before heading to the Aurlandsfjord area, don’t miss the travel guide I have written about it! It’s a 30+ page eBook , and I am so excited to have finally published it!

The 4 Best Things to do in Norway

Now that we have covered the different places to visit in Norway (and I’m sure I’ve missed a few), it’s time to cover another important topic; what is there to do in Norway?

Naturally, each of the places above will have their own distinct activities and things to do, and some are very location specific.

However, there are some experiences in Norway that are more popular than others, and they are worth knowing about before visiting Norway.

I also have separate posts on what to do in Oslo , Bergen , Stavanger , Lofoten , Flåm and Olden specifically.

#1 Hiking in Norway

There are many popular hikes in Norway, and you’ll see photos of them everywhere and anywhere you turn online.

The most famous ones are Pulpit Rock, and the dreaded 10-hour hike Trolltunga (which some tourists still manage to complete in sandals and jeans), but there are loads of great lesser known hikes in Norway too!

Here are two of my favourite unknown hikes in Norway!

#2 Explore the fjords by boat

As mentioned above, the fjords are some of the main reasons people visit Norway. Naturally, heading out on the fjords by boat is a must during your trip to Norway, and luckily there are several ways to cross this on your list!

On all three of the fjords I’ve listed in this post you can go on a fjord cruise which will take you through the fjords so you can enjoy the scenery.

Most of the companies have classic car ferries covering the routes, but if you go on a fjord cruise in the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen or back) you can travel on fully electric vessels, which is an experience on its own.

Another fun way to explore the fjords is to go out on a FjordSafari, which is in a smaller boat allowing you to get much closer to nature. These tours are popular in Flåm and Geiranger.

If you prefer a more active approach, kayaking on the fjords is always an option, and you can choose between renting your own or joining a kayaking tour.

There are even tours that include an overnight stay along the fjord, giving you a fjord experience to remember for life.

#3 The Flam Railway – Flåmsbana (and other train journeys)

Named one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this is at the top of many people’s Norway bucket list. The Flåm Railway runs between Myrdal and Flåm, and takes approximately one hour each way.

This is the #1 attraction in Flåm, and tickets sell out extremely fast, so do make sure to book early.

Originally, the Flåm Railway was constructed with the purpose of connecting the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the boats coming into the Sognefjord (Flåm is literally at the end of it), but today its main job is transporting almost 10’000 tourists a day to the top of the Flåm Valley and back down to the fjord.

If you are one of those travellers, do read this sarcastic mini guide by yours truly on how to be a tourist in Norway.   Remember that offence is taken, not given.

#4 Norway in a Nutshell

This isn’t technically a ‘thing to do in Norway’, but more like a way to explore Norway. Norway in a Nutshell is a popular non-guided tour, starting in either Oslo or Bergen.

Basically, it takes you from either city via train, connecting you to the famous Flåm Railway at Myrdal. On the train to Myrdal you will have already seen some of Norway’s beautiful nature, and experienced the impressively poor w ifi they advertise on the NSB trains.

From Myrdal to Flåm you not only get no wifi at all, you also won’t have any phone signal. So grab your camera and enjoy the stunning views of the Flåm Valley.

One of the most impressive things about the Flåm Railway, in my opinion, is the fact that in one of the tunnels the train turns almost 180 degrees, and you’ll exit the tunnel with the view you had on one side of the train on the opposite side. That’s all happening inside a mountain, guys!

The next step of the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary is to get on a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. On this cruise you’ll sail through the Nærøyfjord, and get to cross off the UNESCO listed area from your list. From Gudvangen you continue on to Voss by bus, where you will jump on a train back to either Oslo or Bergen.

Do note that this is mainly the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, and that there are many variations of it, for example allowing you to end in a different city from where you started.

Here’s my guide to booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own (saving you quite a bit of $$$)!

What to see in Norway

Okay, I understand that some of these could have been included on the ‘things to do’ list, but as they are more on the scenic side,  it made sense to add them in their own category. Naturally, the Norwegian nature is a big reason many people come to visit, and so naturally, these things are mostly natural phenomenon, with a few buildings sprinkled in.

In no particular order, these are the things people come to see in Norway:

• The fjords, mainly the Nærøyfjord, the Geiranger fjord and the Lysefjord
• The Northern Lights
• Famous mountains such as Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten
• Snow (seriously)
• Impressive structures such as the Opera House in Oslo and the Stegastein Viewpoint
• Historic buildings such as Bryggen in Bergen and the ships at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

The Best Time to Visit Norway

This is another question I get a lot; when is the best time to visit Norway? I have dedicated an entire blog post to it here , but you can also keep reading for an overview.

Side note : if you are planning your trip to Norway around the Aurora Borealis/northern lights, read my post covering the best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway !

Naturally, every season has its charms, and there are pros and cons for visiting Norway at any time of year. Visiting Norway in the summer is naturally the most popular time to visit Norway.

This is when it is warmest, and many would say the country is at its prettiest in the summer. Summer is high season for tourism in Norway, and this also means that there are more people. Everywhere.

Visiting Norway in the winter is becoming increasingly popular, as people want to venture away from everyone else and experience something unique.

Norway in the winter is cold, dark and quiet, and that’s exactly what many people are looking for. I have also written a complete guide to visiting the fjords in the winter , which I update yearly to ensure that all the latest info is there.

Don’t miss this complete packing list for visiting Norway in winter!

Onto spring, which is when many locals will advise you to visit Norway. April is still considered to be shoulder season in Norway, but more and more tour companies and providers are offering high season opening hours and schedules.

It is a little colder than summer, so you’ll have to dress well if you visit in the spring (seriously, we sometimes have snow in May!). but it’s worth it to beat the crowds.

The same can be said for visiting in the autumn, which is personally my favourite season. If you visit in September you’ll enjoy similar opening hours as August, and still catch the end of summer beauty of the country.

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to the question of when to visit Norway, and it is a decision that has to be made by each traveller.

If your priority is to have the most off-the-beaten-track experience of Norway, I would say autumn, while if it’s really important to you to have the green grass and good weather, you may have to brave the crowds of July. Either way, I hope you’ll have an amazing time in Norway!

Visiting Norway on a budget

Now onto something else completely. Is it possible to visit Norway on a budget? Well, it depends on how you define budget.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Norway on a backpacker budget, simply because you won’t get the real experience of the country if you can’t afford to join any of the activities on offer and have to spend half your trip trying to hitch-hike a ride and finding a spot to set up your tent.

Visiting Norway on a budget in the sense that you can be smart about your money and not break the bank completely, however, is completely doable!

Here’s how you can visit Oslo on a budget , with tips that are valid for any of the Norwegian cities .

It’s all about doing your research in advance, checking for price increases and asking locals for tips. For example, in both Bergen and Oslo you can skip the expensive airport express and go by local transportation, paying less than half the price.

Instead of joining the Norway in a Nutshell tour, why not set it up on your own? As you saw above from my outline of the itinerary, it’s pretty straight forward, and completely doable to book separately. Here’s exactly how to do it on your own !

The Best Hotels in Norway

There are lots of great places to stay in Norway, from the ultimate luxury hotels to budget-friendly Bed & Breakfasts. You’ll find that there are many historic hotels across the country, offering unique experiences and fun stories to share with their visitors.

These are often members of De Historiske , which is a collection of historic hotels, and an affiliate of Historic Hotels of Europe.

Some of my favourite hotels in Norway are hotels that have a story to tell, whether they are part of De Historiske or not. Such as Amerikalinjen in Oslo, Vangsgaarden in Aurland, Hotel Union in Geiranger and Hotel Norge in Bergen.

Here are some of my favourite hotels in Oslo , specifically.

Oslo Hotel Deals

Below you will find some specific hotel deals for Oslo – courtesy of Booking.com! Hotels in Norway (and especially Oslo) fill up fast, so as soon as you have your travel dates I highly recommend booking your stay.

Travelling in Norway – How to get around

When visiting Norway you’ll want to get around in the most efficient (and budget friendly) way.

There are three main modes of transport in Norway , in addition to each city having their own system.

If you are visiting Oslo, the public transport system is called #Ruter ( yes, with the hashtag ), and in Bergen it’s called Skyss.

Both companies have apps where you can check schedules, plan your trip and buy your tickets, so I suggest downloading these before you leave. Just search for their names in your respective App store.

Want specifics? Here’s how to travel from Bergen to Flåm (and back) , and here’s how to get from Oslo to the fjords !

Note that in Spring 2019, NSB (the national rail company) and Nettbuss (my favourite bus company) announced that they were joining forces and rebranding as Vy .

Nettbuss was already owned by NSB, so by “joining forces”, I mainly mean that they are to be seen as one company publicly.

This has been a long process, and now you can book bus and train transportation (schedules, prices and tickets) on their websites; Vy and VyBuss .

Ideally, they want to merge their websites, so that you can book both bus and train tickets in the same spot – but so far it hasn’t been working greatly. So my advice is to use the separate websites for now.

Travelling Norway by car

Many people decide to rent a car in Norway and getting around that way. Renting your own car is a great way to explore the country, as it will allow you to take things at your own pace and set your own itinerary.

There are also so many great places to stop on a road trip in Norway .

Most car rentals are found near the major airports, and so it’s quite common to rent your car where you first arrive in Norway.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN NORWAY

I’m sorry to have to caps lock that heading, but this is important. If you are renting a car in Norway and driving yourself, please read my advice very carefully.

• Do not use the emergency blinkers for anything other an emergency.  In Norway drivers are legally required to stop for vehicles with their emergency lights on, and you can only imagine the amount of times I’ve stopped and worriedly ask someone of they are okay, only to have them smile and hold up their camera and tell me that “they were only taking photos”. The emergency light does not allow you to stop in the middle of the road or in someone’s driveway. Please drive safely and keep this in mind.
• Do not drive slower than 10km/h below the speed limit. It fucking kills to be stuck behind an idiot who is too busy taking photos of the mountain to look at the road. Now before you call me insensitive, I’ve been there and I know how it feels to be insecure of the roads and not comfortable to drive faster. But that’s when I pull over and let other cars past. So please, if you are not comfortable following the speed limits, or you want to take in the scenery as you drive, please pull over whenever you can to let people past . Too many accidents are caused by a mix of insecure tourists and impatient locals.
• Calculate for extra time , no matter where you are going. The Norwegian roads, especially by the fjords, are narrow, windy, and often end in a ferry port to get you to the other side of the fjord. On our more popular tourist routes, such as the Snow Road (Aurlandsvegen) to the Stegastein Viewpoint, there are several hairpin turns to get through before you’re at the top, and most areas of the road only have space for one car at the time. Then think of the hundreds of other drivers you’ll be meeting on these narrow roads and plan accordingly. 
• Don’t overestimate yourself  or be cocky. i’m sure you’re the man and have a big car back home, but these roads can be insane. It’s not uncommon for locals to to have to get out of their cars in order to help visitors reverse theirs.

Excuse my French above, but I’ve seen too many near-accidents (and actually fatal accidents) caused by people who don’t follow these tips.

Travelling Norway by bus

There are several major bus companies with routes crossing Norway in this or that direction. Personally, I prefer travelling by bus over train, and love to get comfortable in my seat and watching the houses and farms fly by outside the window. 

The major bus companies to note in Norway, and to check if you are planning on travelling by bus in Norway are;

• VyBuss (formerly Nettbuss)
• Nor-Way Bussekspress

Travelling Norway by train

This one doesn’t require a lot of explaining, because there is only one major train company in Norway; Vy. It’s government funded, and so it is basically the national rail company. Super simple. All train tickets in Norway can be booked on their website , with few exceptions.

One of those exceptions is that SJ, a Swedish company, is currently operating certain train lines in eastern Norway. However, tickets are still sold by Vy on their website, so as a visitor you won’t really notice the difference.

As mentioned above, NSB and Nettbuss announced in early 2019 that they will be rebranding into a new company called Vy (and old Norwegian word for ‘view’). So, if you see either names or logos anywhere when traveling, you’ll know why.

Some train routes are owned by private companies, mainly when the purpose of the train is tourism and it’s considered a ‘tour’, and not simply transportation.

The Flåm Railway is a perfect example of this, all though Vy does own a percentage of it and will sell one way tickets to the Flåm Railway on their website.

Tipping in Norway

Out of all the Norway travel tips I’m ask ed to share, how tipping in Norway works is a big one.

Tipping in Oslo is a little different from tipping in Norway generally, so I’ve split them up below in order to make it easier for you.

This is mainly because Oslo is a major city with more international influences than the rest of the country. Bear in mind, however, that some of the Oslo tipping guidelines can be used in most of the other major cities in Norway as well, such as Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger.

It’s worth noting that Norwegians generally do not tip when they are out in Norway , but with the influx of tourism the country has had in the past few  years it has become more and more common to expect a tip from visitors.

Especially if you are American, as Norwegians are well aware of the American tipping culture. Sorry about that, but at least you’re warned.

Please note that these are guidelines only , and that you should always tip what you are comfortable with. However, I hope this little tipping in Norway guide makes it a little easier for you to decide.

Tipping in Oslo

As mentioned, tipping is not very common practice for Norwegians, other than rounding up the bill to not have to carry change. As a tourist, however, it is more common to round up the bill at restaurants in Oslo to the nearest 100 NOK. This is about the extent of the tipping practices in Oslo.

Norway is a very expensive country, and so the wages of employees are quite high to match, including waiters and bartenders. So don’t feel responsible for paying their ways, as they are more than fine on their own.

But, like I said above, due to the many tourists visiting Oslo, tipping in restaurants has become more common practice. Simply round up to the nearest 100 NOK if the meal is more than 500 NOK (or the nearest 50 NOK if it’s below).

It is not common to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff when it comes to tipping in Norway. The exception is private drivers or tour guides that you have hired yourself.

Tipping in the rest of Norway

It’s not necessary to tip, and in many places they’ll follow you to let you know that you forgot your change. If you got outstanding service, feel free to leave a tip, as it will be appreciated. It’s just not necessary.

Personally, I worked as a waitress for a couple of summers by the fjords, and was incredibly glad when customers were happy enough to tip me, all though the 50 kroner they left wasn’t even a third of my hourly pay.

But still, I saved all my tip money and bought return tickets to New York at the end of summer! Score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Norway

Still have questions about Norway? Well, keep reading. I have answered some commonly asked questions about Norway and travelling to Norway below. If you have a question that’s missing; leave it in the comments!

Surprisingly enough, this is quite a common question and shows up rather often on the list of Googled questions about Norway. If you are one of the people who made it to this post by searching ‘Where is Norway?’, then you’ll want to read this. Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, and borders Sweden along most of its borders, and Finland and Russia in the North. It is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and (you guessed it) Sweden on the 4th. If you are looking at a map of Europe and want to find Norway, just go as far North as you can on the map. If you hit Svalbard or Greenland, you’ve gone too far (all though Svalbard is actually a part of Norway, so you wouldn’t be wrong). Heading to Finland or stopping over in Helsinki? Don’t miss my guide to one day in Helsinki !

The largest city in Norway is the capital, Oslo. The second largest city in Norway is Bergen, which also used to be the capital, back when it had its original name; Bjørgvin. Heading to Oslo? Don’t miss this guide!

This has been answered in detail earlier on in the post, but if you’ve simply scrolled down to the FAQ, I’ll give you a brief answer. Each of the seasons have their charm, and I believe there is no right or wrong time to visit Norway. Personally, however, I think the best time to visit Norway is the autumn, due to the beautiful colours, and the fact that there are less people in the shoulder season. I am also an advocate for visiting Norway in the winter. Head this way for a month by month breakdown of the best time to visit Norway.

The highest mountain in Norway is Galdhøpiggen. Fun fact : it is not only the highest mountain in Norway, but also in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, with its 2469 metres above sea level. You’ll find it in the mountain range Jotunheimen, which has inspired many a song and fairytale. You may remember the ‘Jotuns’ that Thor and Loki fought in one of the Thor movies? They are the troll creatures said to inhabit Jotunheimen.

I am loving these questions! And well done for wanting to figure this out before your trip. You have no idea the amount of people that come to the fjord wondering what the hell they are there for. Norway is famous for its stunning nature, which is quite unique due to its fjord landscape. A fjord is a narrow inlet of water deep into the country, often with steep mountains surrounding it. The word ‘fjord’ is Norwegian, and used in the English language as well. If you scroll up to one of the earlier sections of this post, you’ll find a nifty little guide to how you can use the word in a sentence. Norway is also known for its expensive beer, beautiful people and for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. We also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. But, as mentioned, its the breathtaking nature of Norway that draws the most people, and is what Norway is famous for. Oh, and the Northern Lights.

Final Norway Travel Tips

You’ve almost made it to the end, my friend! Now that you have finished the guide, I hope you are feeling better equipped to visit Norway! It’s such a beautiful country, and one that should be on your list.

My final, and most important, tip for anyone travelling to Norway is make sure to stop and take it all in as often as you can during your trip.

The fjords are incredible, and the Northern Lights are nothing short of spectacular. On your trip to Norway you’ll see nature like you’ve never seen before, so please don’t miss it.

All My Norway travel guides

Below you will find every single post, guide and article I have written on visiting Norway! I add to this list every time I publish a new post, and hope you will find it helpful.

• eBook: Flåm and the fjords – Travel guide written by yours truly!
• Easy-to-follow Norway Itineraries (for Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, Lofoten and more)
• How to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre
• 18 Things you’ll only understand if you grew up in Norway
• The Ultimate Norway Winter Packing List
• 23 reasons (with photo proof) you need to visit Lofoten (in winter)
• The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
• How to photograph the Northern Lights using a GoPro
• 30+ fun things to do in Oslo
• Things to do in Stavanger + List of Stavanger restaurants
• Guide to spending a weekend by the fjords
• The best hikes in Norway
• Visiting Oslo on a budget
• Visiting the fjords in the Winter
• The best hotels in Oslo
• A guide to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
• Things to consider when visiting Norway
• Visiting the Norwegian Palace in Oslo
• How to be a tourist in Norway
• A free Oslo activity: The Akerselva walk
• Hilarious Norwegian Christmas Traditions & How we Celebrate Christmas in Norway
• How to travel from Bergen to Flåm
• How to travel from Oslo to Flåm
• How to book the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own
• A complete list of hotels in Flåm (and nearby)
• The 13 Most Beautiful Places in Norway , as told by travellers who have been there
• Fun and sustainable experiences in Aurland, Norway
• 8 great Bergen tours (including self-guided, Segway tours, and trips to the fjords!)
• 44 Things to do in Bergen
• 10 ridiculous questions asked by tourists in Norway
• Where to stop on a road trip in Norway
• A guide to the famous Flåm Zipline (+ video)
• A guide to visiting Stegastein Viewpoint, Aurland
• 25 Nordic Sweaters You’ll Love (for your trip to Scandinavia)!
• How to plan a trip to Norway (Step-by-step guide)
• The ultimate guide to hiking Pulpit Rock
• Guide to hiking Ulriken, Bergen
• The best time to visit Norway (month-by-month breakdown)
• A guide to the 5 best fjords in Norway
• The Perfect 10 Day Norway Itinerary
• The Best Restaurants in Bergen
• 17 Great things to do in Olden, Norway
• What is Norway famous for?
• Epic Things to do in Alta, Norway
• The 5 Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
• 21 Unique Things to do in Tromsø
• The 5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen
• The 10 best cafes in Bergen
• The 5 Best Dog Sledding Tours in Tromsø
• The Best Beaches in Norway
• Nordic Symbols and their meanings

Thank you so much for reading my Norway travel guide! Was anything missing? Do you still have questions about visiting Norway? Leave them in the comments so I can answer you and add it to the blog post for the future!

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Where you should stay in Norway to visit the fjords

Much of Norway’s craggy western coastline is cut by fjords – steep-sided, narrow inlets gouged out millennia ago by glaciers. And cruising their blue-green waters is a highlight of any Norwegian trip.

However, there are around 1,100 fjords in total, and there’s no way you could see them all in one trip. And due to their geography, surrounded by towering mountains and jagged coastlines, the fjords are not always easy to get to.

To help you out, we’ve made this guide showing on the best places to base yourself. All of the following places have good public transport links and budget accommodation, allowing you to experience some of Norway’s most scenic fjords without blowing your budget.

Stavanger: the best for selfies

Seen Mission Impossible: Fallout ? Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen in Norwegian) is the monumental slab, jutting out over Lysefjord far below, that Tom Cruise faces in the final fight scene.

And nearby Stavanger is probably the best base for visiting Lysefjord and Preikestolen, one of the most snapped sights in the country.

But, before you join the selfie-stick wielding throngs, take some time to explore this buzzing oil town with its good-looking harbour, where herring were landed by the billion in the 19 th  century.

The seafarers’ and cannery workers’ quarter, Gamle Stavanger, is the prettiest neighbourhood for a wander along cobbled streets among white clapboard houses.

Check out the life-size, cast-iron human figures around town, too – the 23 sculptures make up a work called Broken Column by British artist Antony Gormley.

You can get to Preikestolen from Stavanger by public transport: the journey involves a ferry and bus followed by a steep two-hour hike up to the top. The easier option is to take a guided tour , which includes return transport from Stavanger.

To avoid the crowds, opt for a sunrise hike  or an off the beaten-track tour . Other less busy options from Stavanger include an early-morning fjord cruise and hike to Kjerag  – the boulder famously suspended between two rocks.

Alternatively, quieter fjords such as Boknafjord, Sandsfjord and Saudafjord (the latter with many small beaches) can all be reached by express ferry from Stavanger.

Getting to Stavanger

Stavanger airport is about 20 minutes out of town, with international and internal flights, while Nor-Way Bussekspress runs regular buses from Bergen to Stavanger (5h 20m).

Where to stay in Stavanger

Stavanger Bed & Breakfast is central and friendly, with free waffles and coffee every evening. Beds of Stavanger  near the ferry terminal offers hostel-style dorm beds in a old beamed building.

Voss: best for adrenaline junkies in a hurry

Voss is in a great position between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, with fast, frequent public transport connections, so you can easily see the best bits of the Western Fjords without needing to hire a car.

It makes a great base if you have limited time and are ready to pack a lot in. Known for its whitewater rafting, downhill skiing, paragliding and kayaking, Voss has more of a resort vibe than the sleepy villages around it.

Tre Brør café is its social hub, with live music and DJ nights, a seasonal menu and 20 beers on tap from the village microbrewery (the brewing tradition goes back centuries).

From Voss, a great trip is doable in a day , that includes the Flåmsbana railway , a cruise or paddle on Sognefjord into Naerøyfjord, then the bus back from Gudvangen.

You can also get to the bucolic villages of Hardangerfjord by bus. Some of the best villages to aim for include the cider-producing Ulvik, Eidfjord for the Vøringsfossen waterfall, Odda for Trolltunga (another insta-worthy rock to clamber up) and Lofthus, for a hike up to Hardangervidda national park.

Skyss buses and Norled ferries  will get you around.

Getting to Voss

Regular trains run to Voss from Bergen (1hr 15min) and Oslo (5hr 16min).

Where to stay in Voss

Voss Hostel (HI) on Lake Vangsvatnet is large, modern and does a good breakfast of local, organic produce.

Åndalsnes: for nature lovers

Tucked away on the innermost arm of Romsdalsfjord, Åndalsnes lies within striking distance of Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s best-known fjords – yet it’s out the way of the stampede of visitors.

Arriving by train from Oslo is part of the fun, with the final leg on the Rauma branch line giving a glimpse of the Trollveggen, a vertically overhanging mountain wall.

A don’t-miss day trip from here is the Golden Route from Åndalsnes to Geiranger along Highway 63. Geiranger itself is tourist honey-pot, but for mountain scenery it’s off the scale, dwarfed by horseshoe-shaped fjord walls reaching 1,400m above sea level.

You get there via the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder) – if you’re brave enough, you can drive it yourself (summer only), or join a guided tour  (late-June to August).

Alternatively, you can tackle the 10km Romsdalseggen high-level ridge hike, which starts in Vengedalen ( bus  from Åndalsnes, mid-June to end Sept) and ends in Åndalsnes, giving bird’s-eye views along Romsdalsfjord to the sea.

And if that’s all too energetic for you, you can just hire a kayak and go for a peaceful paddle on the fjord.

Getting to Åndalsnes

Trains run from Oslo (6hr 41m, 1 change), or it’s a 6hr drive from Oslo, and a 4hr drive from Trondheim.

The slowest but most exciting way to arrive is on a Hurtigruten cruise ship from Bergen to Molde (19hr 30min), then by bus to Åndalsnes (1hr 20–30min; hourly).

Where to stay in Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes Vanderhjem hostel (HI) is a turf-roofed building with views down to the fjord, while the waterside Åndalsnes Camping offers cabins as well as pitches.

But, if you really want the wow factor, splash out on a luxuriously minimalist Birdhouse room at Juvet Landscape Hotel in the middle of nowhere between Åndalsnes and Geiranger.

Bodø: best for wilderness adventure

When people refer to ‘fjord country’ they normally mean the western fjords near Bergen.

But the fjords run all the way up the coast to the Russian border. Bodø in the Arctic Circle has a fab setting on Saltfjorden, with the Børvasstindene mountain range to the south, and the bonus of midnight sun between 1 June and 12 July.

Rebuilt after bombing in WW2, Bodø is cheerful enough, but you don’t travel all this way for its urban attractions. The major draw here is the Lofoten Islands across Vestfjorden – in good weather they can seem lapped by a Caribbean-blue sea.

The Nordland Express passenger ferry crosses to Solvaer on the island of Austvågøya daily (3hr 20min), passing islands and skerries on the way, and Hurtigruten ships call in as well. Alternatively you can spot sea eagles and see the Hartøy islands from the decks of a yacht , with a ‘refreshing’ swim thrown.

Getting to Bodø

There are direct flights from Oslo to Bodø. From Trondheim, the overnight bus or train takes 9–10 hours, or it’s a 10-hour drive.

Where to stay in Bodø

Airbnb choices include the spacious, centrally located Nordlysbuen , and Mariann’s cottage , a 15-min drive out of town, full of character with vintage finds.

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Slowly explore Norway over 6 days with this new scenic train journey

Soak up some of the country’s most stunning locations

The Norient Express – a scenic and luxury train journey through Norway – is set to launch very soon.

A Norwegian take on the famous Orient Express, the unique six-day experience will let travellers explore some of the country’s most stunning locations.

Norway's fjords, active adventures and dramatic beauty – not to mention the opportunity to catch the Northern Lights – means the country is regularly voted 'one of the most scenically stunning' in the world and is high on travel bucket lists.

So, in signature 'slow travel' style , soaking the country up gradually via train and savouring the experience seems like one of the best ways to do it.

In terms of the route itself, the Norient Express will depart from the coastal city of Bergen and move southeast towards and through Oslo, before heading north to end in the historical Trondheim, with exceptional views of Norway's serene lakes and mountains along the way.

It’ll be a luxurious affair too, with comfortable interior furnishings based on natural and Norwegian materials, an exercise room and an observatory all on offer for passengers.

The two trains running this service will be electrically powered, making the Norient Express not only a slow but a sustainable way to soak up the Norwegian landscape.

Exact details about launch dates and ticket prices are yet to be revealed – but, according to VisitNorway , first trips are planned for autumn 2024.

However, the Norient Express isn’t the only lavish train journey set to launch very soon.

Italy's first luxury train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, will commence its journeys in spring 2025 – with eight itineraries to choose from, depending on the time of year.

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