Many people visit Norway, whether it is an epic road trip, a hiking trip, or a cruise. Norway’s beauty will leave you in awe and most pictures won’t do the place justice. Along with the epic mountains, waterfalls, and scenery; Norway is home to many fjords. There are over 1,000 in the whole country. The fjords in Norway can be long and deep and they have what are called ‘side arms’. In some cases, the ‘
Geirangerfjord
You can access this fjord by sea (on a cruise) or by road (connecting all the way to Oslo). Geiranger is a city of around 200 people, however, it hosts around 800,000 visitors a year. This number can be staggering, but after talking with a local, they rely on visitors and welcome them!
There are many outdoor activities you can experience (although cruises only operate during the summer months). Explore this fascinating UN
The highlight for us was seeing three of the most amazing viewpoints throughout Geiranger. Our first stop was Flydalsjuvet – about 4 km (or 2 and ½ miles) up from the city center.
Snatch a photo on the “Fjordsetet” or the ‘Fjord Seat’, Queen Sonja installed in 2003.
Our next stop (and our favorite) was Dalsnibba. A thirty-minute drive to Geiranger Skywalk was a winding and stunning drive. The road takes you to the viewpoint which is around 1500 meters (4921.26 ft) above sea level. It was crazy to find the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees and our guide informed us if there was any precipitation, it would be snow! So don’t forget a coat! Experience Europe’s highest fjord view from the road. Walk along the rocky terrain, try not to look down on the grated Skywalk, and fill your memory card with as many photos as you can!
Our last stop of the day was Ørnesvingen – Eagle Road.
The name comes from the highest point of the land which is home to a great number of eagles. Drive down the mountain and past Geiranger city center and you will find the steepest stretch up the mountain. Bragging of 11 hairpin bends up to the highest point, soak in some of the most views of the fjord!
There are many waterfalls throughout Norway, just like Iceland, keep an eye out for the three famous waterfalls around Geirangerfjord: Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil.
Sognefjorden
Another stunning and majestic fjord to explore is Sognefjorden. Nicknamed the ‘King of Fjords’ it is the largest and deepest in Norway (and second-longest in the world!). Stretching 126 miles inland from the coast north of Bergen. A quick drive from Oslo you’ll see high mountain peaks, blue glacier ice, mighty waterfalls, and idyllic small farms.
Travel along the fjord until you reach the
Flam is famous for its adventure activities including biking, ziplining, and train riding! In 2014, Flåmsbana (the Flåm Railway) was named the world’s most incredible train journey by Lonely Planet – and of course, we had to see it for ourselves! The 12-mile-long train ride takes you through the most stunning valley filled with babbling brooks, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque mountain farms.
Our ticket included a trip to Myrdal Station with a traditional Norwegian dish of pancakes with sour cream.
(We were so hungry we also ordered hotdogs; both were quite good!). You then can choose to either rent a bike and ride back down through the valley or take the train back down. It would be the better choice to bike ride down the valley, however, we were warned there is a part so steep, you may have to walk it.
Since we were only able to get a taste of the gorgeous fjords in Norway, here are just a few more dramatic fjords to explore:
Northerly narrow Trollfjord has a narrow entrance and steep-sided mountains surrounding it. The name is derived from a troll, a figure from Norse mythology. The entrance is so narrow it looks impossible for such a large ship to enter, and even more impossible to turn the large ship at the end of the fjord. The incredibly steep & tall mountainsides make the experience even more dramatic!
Sea eagles circling around the mountain peaks are quite a common sight.
Nærøyfjord, close to Flam is the narrowest and best-known of the many arms of the Sognefjord. With its steep mountainsides, hanging valleys, towering peaks, snowfields, waterfalls, and small hamlets, this fjord is perhaps the most outstanding natural attraction in Norway
Romsdalsfjord is the ninth-longest fjord in Norway. Unlike many other fjords, Romsdalsfjord has several islands and is home to a total of 68 species registered in the fjord area.
Nordfjord lies between the biggest mainland glacier in Europe and Stad, the wildest stretch of sea in Norway. It has spectacular mountains and valleys, emerald-green lakes, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Hardangerfjord is known for having some of Norway’s most impressive waterfalls and the world’s third-longest fjord. The 182m-high Vøringsfossen has drawn tourists to the area since the late 19th century, while Steinsdalsfossen is just as popular as visitors can walk right underneath the flow of water!
Lysefjord, the waterway is the farthest south of all the famous Norwegian fjords, but it’s the easiest one to reach from Stavanger and offers plenty of hikes and stunning viewpoints.
Thank you for reading! Until the next destination!
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