Norway's Fjords: 5 Places Worth Seeing

Norway is known for its fjords, narrow sea inlets between tall cliffs. You can reach them from Bergen, and the main spots are not far from each other. We have gathered five places worth including in your route and added tips on how to prepare.

In Short

• Best time: summer, roughly June to September, when the main trails and roads are open.
• Base for the route: Bergen, from where most fjords are easy to reach.
• Allow time: there are long roads and ferries between the spots.
• Check the weather in advance: it changes fast in the mountains.

Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Nærøyfjord. Its slopes are decorated with waterfalls, the best known of which is called the Seven Sisters. It is best to see the fjord from the water on a cruise or ferry trip, and then climb to one of the viewpoints above it.

Geirangerfjord

Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord is considered one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, and its slopes rise almost vertically. You can see it from a boat or a kayak starting from the villages of Gudvangen and Flåm. It is quiet here, and the slopes around you seem very close.

Nærøyfjord

The Flåm Railway

Flåm is a small village where the famous Flåmsbana railway begins. The route is about 20 km long, takes roughly an hour and descends more than 800 meters. From the train windows you can see waterfalls, mountain valleys and the fjord, which makes it one of the easiest ways to see Norwegian nature without long hikes.

The Flåm Railway

Preikestolen

Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock, is a flat cliff about 600 meters above Lysefjord. The trail is about 4 km one way and takes roughly two hours, with some steep parts. There is no fence at the top, so be careful near the edge, especially in wind.

Preikestolen

Trolltunga

Trolltunga, the Troll's Tongue, is a rock sticking out about 700 meters above the lake. The route is long: around 28 km round trip, usually taking 8 to 12 hours. You need good fitness, suitable shoes and an early start, and in bad weather it is better to skip the hike.

Trolltunga

Tip: do not try to see everything in one go. There are long roads and ferries between the fjords, so it is better to pick two or three places and take them calmly.

What to Bring

• A waterproof jacket
• Warm clothes in layers
• Comfortable trail shoes
• Water and a snack
• A charged phone and a power bank

Was Norway Worth the Trip?

Absolutely. The fjords look different depending on weather and time of day, and even a short trip stays with you for a long time. The main thing is to plan the route in advance and not rush.