The Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian Fjords make an impression on everyone who visits them.
The Norwegian Fjords have always given people memories for life – and temporary neckache from gazing at their beauty.
Cutting in from the sea, through steep mountains rising up to 2,000 meters high, they have passages so narrow that, when the ship sails in, you can sometimes touch the mountainside with your fingertips up on deck.
What is a fjord?
A fjord is a deep, narrow and elongated ocean inlet, cut into the landscape, with steep mountains on three sides. The fourth side, called the mouth of the fjord, is open towards the sea.
The fjords were formed when the glaciers of the Ice Age retreated. Seawater rushed in to replace the ice, flooding the U-shaped valleys and creating the memorable geography we see today.
Seeing the Norwegian fjords
To many foreigners, Norway is synonymous with fjords. The country has the highest concentration of them in the world, ranging from the Oslo fjord in the southeast, all the way up to East Finnmark near the northeastern Russian border.
Norway is also fortunate enough to have a warm sea current running along its coastline. As a result, the fjords are virtually ice free – and ready to be explored.
The most famous fjords in Norway
The most famous fjords in Norway are found in the western coastal and northern regions. In the west, for example, Geirangerfjord, Hjørundfjord and Nordfjord are recognized on UNESCO's World Heritage List, with their alpine mountains, waterfalls and lush villages full of fruit trees.
On your way to Trondheim, you can experience the Trondheimsfjord. Further north, the Trollfjord, only 100 meters wide at its narrowest point, is among the most fascinating fjords in the country.
The Geirangerfjord
Stretching for 15 km, this deep-blue fjord in Stranda Municipality is surrounded by majestic peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. One of the reasons Geirangerfjord is UNESCO-protected is to preserve the way farmers live and work on its incredibly steep mountain slopes.
- Best time to visit: June - August
The Hjørundfjord
Seclusion and an unspoiled natural landscape are what give this 35-kilometre-long fjord its special character as it cuts into the massive Sunnmøre Alps.
- Best time to visit: September - October
The Trollfjord
A visit to this narrow fjord in Lofoten and Vesterålen is a truly memorable experience. Bordered by steep-sided mountains, it is home to the white-tailed sea eagle – one of the main attractions in the area.
- Best time to visit: May - October
