Norway — dried fish, mead, Vikings, snow and sagas. Norway’s culture is ancient and resilient. Even though the culture has changed a lot since the Viking era, the importance and love for nature has never changed for the Norsemen. The lawful right to roam freely in nature no matter who owns the land — ‘allemannsretten’ or ‘every man’s right’ — is next to sacred for Norwegians. And the fjords are one of the elements that make this country so special. A fjord is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs created by glaciers during the Ice Age, and Norway is the most well-known place to see the phenomenon. The word ‘fjord’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘fjǫrthr’. The fjords can be steep and dramatic, with breathtaking waterfalls. Here we have gathered the ten most jaw-dropping ones to make sure you leave your Norwegian fjord holiday in awe.
1. Geirangerfjord
The harmony of stone, water and sky can take your breath away in Geirangerfjord, one of the most famous fjords in the country. The fjord resides in the famous Seven Sisters waterfall, where — like the name suggests — seven streams fall side by side from a staggering height of 410 metres. If there is one fjord you should prioritise, it’s this one. Fun fact: the Norwegian Crown Princess also got married here.
2. Trollfjord
Born from shadow and stone, the mythic Norse figure ‘troll’ is perhaps one of the most famous elements from Norwegian tales and traditions, and the fjord Trollfjord in the Lofoten Islands is named exactly after this fictitious creature. There is no road to Trollfjord, so the only way to access it is by a boat or by hiking. If you go for the boat option, make sure you choose the guided boat rides as you might also spot some white-tailed eagles!
3. Lysefjord
Like a forceful breath held between granite jaws, Lysefjorden marks its presence on the south west coast of Norway, where the closest city Stavanger works as a great starting point for the trip. The fjord is popular because of its many opportunities for hiking, including a trail to Prekestolen (Pulpit Rock). Prekestolen towers 604 metres above Lysefjord, giving visitors a spectacular view from the top. But don’t be a daredevil and go too close to the edge…
4. Hjørundfjord
The majestic Hjørundfjorden slices 21 miles into the Sunnmøre Alps, where jagged peaks rise. Along the fjord you can find idyllic, Instagram-friendly villages like Trandal or Bjørke, which lie scattered waiting for you to come visit. Compared to its more famous siblings, Geirangerfjord and Norangsfjord, Hjørundfjord is an undiscovered gem that is really worth a trip.
5. Lyngenfjord
Situated between Tromsø and Alta far in the north of the country, you find the stunning Lyngenfjord. This arctic dream is a perfect base for watching the aurora borealis in the winter, and the midnight sun in the summer. We recommend camping here and hiking to the magnificent Blåisvatnet, a glacier lake with an intense crystal-blue colour. Make sure you bring good hiking boots for this hike, as although it isn’t far, the path is very stony.
6. Ofotfjord
‘Ofot’, meaning an owl’s claw, fits the raw and elegant landscape of this fjord. It has towering mountains that rise like stone guardians, some covered in forests, others in snow even in the summer. The town Narvik is located in the inner shores of the fjord and is a great base to see the fjord from; the people of Narvik are known to be jovial and good-humoured.
7. Oslofjord
Okay, we know this is not the most spectacular and dramatic fjord Norway has to offer, but if you are someone who wants to combine city life and taking a swim followed by a sauna, Oslofjord in Oslo is the fjord for you. In the last decade, floating, private saunas you can rent with your friends have started to pop up here. It is an amazing experience if you are going to the Norwegian capital, and from here, you can also see the Opera House, a building praised for its innovative architecture and style.
8. Nærøyfjord
The spellbinding Nærøyfjord in Aurland Municipality is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for a good reason. This incredibly narrow fjord is only 250 metres wide at its slimmest point and it holds majestic mountains up to 1800 metres high, making for a dramatic contrast. At the end of the fjord, the peaceful village of Gudvangen awaits, a village with only 100 residents. From here, you can go to Njardarheimr, a Viking village where costumed locals bring the Viking history to life with axe-throwing and storytelling.
9. Romsdalsfjord
Being one of the most fish rich and cleanest fjords, Romsdalsfjord is an El Dorado for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking and exploring the mountaineering area of Åndalsnes. The water is so still it mirrors the sky, and we really recommend hiking up to Rampestreken — a jaw-dropping viewpoint 537 metres above sea level in Åndalsnes.
Back at ground level again, you can find cute arts and craft shops that catch the rugged beauty of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
10. Sognefjord
You can’t talk about Norwegian fjords without mentioning the one nicknamed ‘the king of the fjords’ — Sognefjord. Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. It stretches 128 miles inland from the wild Atlantic coast to the small village of Skjolden. Villages Balestrand and Flåm are also close by, and are known for their down-to-earth and welcoming people, with a curious and incredibly charming Norwegian accent.
P.S: Norway is a very long and massive country in area, and the distances between each of the fjords we have recommended can be vast, so we suggest that you see Hjørundfjord, Geirangerfjord and Romsdalsfjord on one trip, or go and see Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord during another separate trip.
