PLACES & LOCATIONS

The 6 most beautiful fjords in Norway + 1 hidden gem

Rogier van Oorschot, Owner, guide, and travel designer

Norway is perhaps most famous for it’s iconic Fjord landscape. Over 1100 carve out the Norwegian coastline, creating the iconic landscape. With so many fjords, it can be difficult to decide which one to visit. We have put together a list of the 6 most beautiful fjords in Norway, and 1 hidden gem only the locals know about.

#6: The Lyngenfjord

When thinking of the Norwegian fjords, those above the Arctic Circle often get left out. The Lyngenfjord is certainly one that should be on this list. Located near Tromsø, this area has much to offer. See the Northern Lights in winter or midnight sun in summer, go husky or reindeer sledding, skiing, glacier hiking, ice climbing, or even bungee jumping. The Lyngenfjord is worth a visit in any season.

Marvel at the phenomenal Aurora Borealis over the Lyngenfjord
Marvel at the phenomenal Aurora Borealis over the Lyngenfjord
Photo by Jan R. Olsen via Visit Norway

#5: The Hardangerfjord

For spectacular landscape and nature, look no further than the Hardangerfjord. In spring the Hardanger area is the place to visit, with many fruit trees blossoming at this time of the year. Close to the fjord, the Hardangervidda is a hiker’s paradise, a national park with many hiking trails, from day hikes to trekking expeditions from cabin to cabin. Here you can go to the Vøringsfossen waterfall, which plunges a spectacular 182 meters (597 ft) down a cliff.

Located south of Bergen, this area is home to one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks, the Trolltunga (warning, if you want to avoid crowds please go somewhere else). For the best experience, you should camp there for one night and watch the sunrise from this spectacular rock. You can also hike to and on the Folgefonna glacier for a more icy experience.

Fruit trees blooming in Hardanger

Fruit trees blooming in Hardanger

Photo by Sverre Hjørnevik via Hardanger Fjord

#4: The Lysefjord

This fjord is the most southern fjord on this list, and has one particular landmark that almost everyone knows, the Pulpit Rock (in Norwegian: Preikestolen). You climb 350 meter (1150 ft) in the 6 kilometer hike up to this iconic landmark. The hike can be extremely busy in the high season, so we would advise to do this either early in the morning or late in the evening. An even more interesting experience would be an off the beaten track hike with a guide

If you want a real workout, you could climb the 4444 steps of the Flørli stairs.

Hike 4444 steps above the fjord and enjoy the spectacular view

Hike 4444 steps above the fjord and enjoy the spectacular view

Photo by Flørli

#3: The Nordfjord

For experiencing the best that Norway has to offer in one fjord, you can visit Nordfjord, the fjord we call home. This fjord is off the beaten track and away from Norway’s busiest tourist destinations.

You will certainly find something that suits you on your vacation through this magnificent region. From the coastal area of Bremanger to the inner fjord at Loen, there are countless things to see and do. 

If you are up for an adventure: hiking, paddling, cycling, climbing or do a scenic road trip, Nordfjord is the place to be. With over 230 marked hiking trails there are countless mountains, meadows, and coastlines to be explored. Contact us for our private guided activities for you and your family.

The Nordfjord has spectacular hiking trails at any level

The Nordfjord has spectacular hiking trails like to Hornelen. 

Photo by Sverre Hjørnevik, Fjord Norway

#2: The Nærøyfjord

One of the two UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords, the Nærøyfjord is what inspired the landscapes from the Disney movie Frozen and the TV series Vikings. But more than that, it is a unique and wild landscape. Green forests and snow-packed peaks surround this side-arm of Norway’s largest fjord, the Sognefjord. Planning to visit this natural gem? This fjord can only be experienced by boat and foot. You can do it by passenger boat from Flåm or Gudvangen, or car ferry from Gudvangen or Kaupanger. In Gudvangen there’s a fun Viking village, also worth a visit.

Experience the Nærøyfjord on a sightseeing cruise
Experience the Nærøyfjord on a sightseeing cruise
Photo by Norway Adventures

#1: The Geirangerfjord

A landscape cut out in the ice age when glaciers crawled their way over Norway. The Geirangerfjord is among the most famous and most visited fjords in Norway, and not without reason. The area is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding beauty. The fjord is small compared to others on this list, but it has many activities and experiences to offer.

Go on a cruise to view the thundering waterfalls like the Suitor and the Seven Sisters, or spend a day or two kayaking the fjord for a more adventurous experience. You can also visit Skageflå historical farm up a high cliff, or drive to the viewpoint at the Eagle Road and continue towards the Norwegian Scenic Route Trollstigen

Hike up the steep cliffs to get the best views over the Geirangerfjord
Hike up the steep cliffs to get the best views over the Geirangerfjord
Photo by Norway Adventures

Hidden Gem: The Hjørundfjord

The Hjørundfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, but tourists have not yet discovered it. With the towering Alpine peaks and crystal clear water, the Hjørundfjord is perfect for single or multiple day hiking and kayaking adventures. Meeting locals in small roadless villages and enjoying the best kayaking Norway has to offer.

Enjoy a waffle or local made dish at the cosy Urke Kaihus in Urke by the fjord.

The art deco city of Ålesund is located at the coast if you are looking for a city trip, easy to reach by boat. Or go ski touring in the Sunnmøre Alps for a winter adventure!

If you are looking for unspoiled nature, off the beaten track and away from busy tourist crowds, the Hjørundfjord is perfect for you.

Navigate your kayak through this hidden gem

Enjoy the spectacular scenery from your kayak on a guided tour in this hidden gem

Photo by Norway Adventures
About Rogier van Oorschot

About Rogier van Oorschot

Owner. guide, and travel designer

The outdoors have always been Rogier’s passion, his mother took him to Norway when he was 11 year old, it was the trip that changed his life. In 2000 Rogier and his wife Anne moved to Norway.

Rogier creates transforming experiences and takes you on a journey in the Norwegian wilderness and culture, getting an in depth understanding of this amazing country.