One of the most breathtaking sights on earth, the fjords of Norway should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Covering the west coast of the country, these long, narrow inlets were formed millions of years ago when glaciers cut through the mountains leaving winding passageways full of pristine wilderness. Experience this extraordinary region and discover awe-inspiring cliffs, picturesque waterways and stunning waterfalls.

With so many great deals on Norway tours and travel packages, it’s a great time to plan your trip. Here’s our guide to help you get started.

Best Time to Visit Norway

Norway is beautiful year round and offers something every season. Summer has the best weather and includes long hours of sunlight. It’s also peak tourist season and therefore has the most crowds. In spring and fall, the crowds thin out as the days are shorter and cooler, but it’s also a great time to see spring blooms or fall colors in the mountains. Winter is chilly with long hours of darkness but full of stark beauty. See the fjords blanketed in snow and glimpse frozen waterfalls.

How to See the Fjords in Norway

The fjords offer amazing views both from the top and below. Find magnificent lookout areas such as the Stegastein viewpoint which juts out about half a mile (650 meters) above the iconic Aurlandsfjord.

The most popular way to see the fjords is in a boat or kayak on a Norway fjords tour. Experience winding through narrow waterways as you look up at giant cliffs and cascading waterfalls. You may also spot seals and porpoises playing in the water. There are a variety of ferries and fjord cruises that run all year between Gudvangen, Aurland and Flam.

Best Fjords to See in Norway

Norway’s coast is home to over one thousand fjords. Naeroyfjord is perhaps the most popular and included in most tours. Narrow and dramatic, its cliffs rise over 6,000 feet (1800 meters). Nearby, Aurlandsfjord is regarded as one of the most beautiful.

Sognefjord is the largest and deepest of the fjords and is easily accessed from Bergen via the Flam ferry. Nicknamed the “King of the Fjords,” it winds through 120 miles of scenery and feature Jostedalsbreen, the biggest glacier in Europe. At 110 miles long, Hardangerfjord is the second longest and known as the “Queen of the Fjords.” It features much sightseeing along the way including Folgefonna National Park and the charming towns of Jondal and Sundal.

Things to Do in Bergen

Called the “Gateway to the Fjords,” Bergen is a great destination for kicking off your adventure. Located on the southwestern coast of Norway, there are a variety of fjord tours to the north and south of the city.

Enjoy seeing the city’s colorful architecture, including Bryggen, a postcard-worthy row of colorful buildings along the harbor. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic area features small shops, galleries, artist studios and the Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene which tells the story of the merchants who live here 400 years ago.

For amazing views, take the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, one of Bergen’s seven mountains. Then, stop for lunch at Bergen’s fish market for unforgettable local seafood.

The Thrilling Flam Scenic Railway

No trip to the fjords region would be complete without a one-hour ride on the scenic Flam Railway. Renowned as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, this journey runs from Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. Along the way, enjoy cascading waterfalls, precipitous mountains and narrow tunnels. For an memorable train experience, try this six-day rail tour from Oslo to Bergen that includes the Flam Railway.

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