Picture perfect, nature’s unadulterated best, untouched paradise, visual magic expressions fall short before the majesty, beauty and tranquility that the stunning Norwegian Fjords have to offer.
It would be an absolute shame for every traveler and nature lover if they did not get to visit these magical lands that still look like they are engulfed in the purity that has been unaltered since the day they started taking shape way back in the last ice age. The Norwegian Fjords are not only the home to some of the world’s largest coral reefs and most fertile fishing grounds, but are a gateway to nature’s nirvana.
Delving into its ten best portals will take you on a journey like none other on the planet, and will leave you changed forever…
Sognefjord
The spectacular Sognefjord is the crowning glory of the Norwegian Fjords, when it concerns magnitude. Offering some amazing sights with the cliffs on either side of the water rising over 1000 meters into the sky vertically, it’s the second largest fjord in the world and the largest in Norway - 205 km.The fjord reaches a maximum depth of 1,308 m below sea level and it’s 4.5 km wide on average. On top of the Sognefjord is a power line with a span of 4597 m, making it a great tourist attraction and a journey that offers a magical route on the road to fairyland.
Hardangerfjord
Known for its great trekking spots and beautiful plant life, Hardangerfjord is the second largest fjord in Norway and the third largest on the planet at a length of 179 km. Starting at the south of the Atlantic at Bergen, it is easily accessible to tourists making its many serene sights and sounds popular among those visiting Norway. The charm of these wide and glorious fjord curves is hidden in its rich heritage, great sunsets and spectacular panorama. Hardangerfjord is far more touched by human settlements and unlike other fjords; its banks are often brimming with little towns and settlements.
The Lysefjord
A 40 km long fjord might not really sound spectacular in terms of length, but the extraordinary sights that it offers, the untamed charm that it exudes and the adrenaline rush it gives its visitors makes the Lysefjord arguably the most popular fjord in the world.
The main attraction of the fjord is the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), which towers an impressive 604 meters over the Lysefjord. Standing on top of the rock gives you a view that is unique and a hair-raising experience to say the least. Standing on Kjeragbolten and looking out over the Lysefjord is something that you would not want to miss either. The imposing Kjerag towers and the exhilarating Pulpit Rock make this famous fjord a must visit.
Geirangerfjord
Located in the county of Møre og Romsdal, in northwestern Norway, the 15 km long fjord is a World Heritage Site enlisted with UNESCO. The fjord is home to Brudesløret (the Bridal Veil) and De syv søstrene (The Seven Sisters); two of the most famous waterfalls diving into the Geirangerfjord.
Apart from the usual fjord trips and luxury cruises, you could get some action here with fishing, canoe trips, rafting, riding and summer skiing.
Nærøyfjord
Located in the heart of Western Norway, Nærøyfjord is an arm of the Sognefjord, and is a part of the county of Sogn og Fjordane. Also included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its unparalleled natural beauty and rich treasure of glorious sights and sounds, the17 km long fjord is surrounded by imperious mountains that are 1700 meters tall! This branch of Sognefjord is popular for kayaking and relaxed picnics on its more accessible shore at certain spots.
Trondheimsfjord
Renowned for its ice-free nature all around the year, Trondheimsfjord is an amazing marine ecosystem with at least 90 species of fish observed in and around these waters. Offering serene and calm moments with its relative inaccessible branches that can be explored by tourists with a little bit of extra effort and enthusiasm, the main part of the fjord is a rich commercial region.
Nordfjord
Famous for the trip to the Briksdalsbreen Glacier, Nordfjord offers a trip both into the historic and geographic best of the Norwegian Fjords. Located among the beautiful Geirangerfjord and the imperious Sognefjord, this 110 km long natural wonder offers a stunning ride from its glacial origin, all the way to the sea. Apart from fun activities like summer skiing, canoeing and rafting, one can also make a trip to the historical Selje Monastery.
Frierfjorden
The name ‘Frier’ means beautiful and that’s what Frierfjorden is all about - getting away from the big fjords and experience the small-town charm and the hustle and bustle of a growing trade center. Amazing sunsets, beautiful ferry rides or the Grenland Bridge at the Frierforjden - Norway’s highest cable bridge, are just a few things that will wow you. How about double the usual delight? Northern Lights …. as you’re getting close to North Pole? Amazing, isn’t it?
Oslofjord
The famous Oslofjord is known as much for its beauty and vibrant economic infrastructure as it is known for saving the nation of Norwegians from the 1940 German invasion. Starting from the Torbjørnskjær and Færder lighthouses and down to Langesund in the south, to Oslo in the north, the Oslofjord is not a fjord in the strictest geographic terms, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting it or the region, unless you want to miss an authentic Norwegian experience.
Hjørundfjord
The last fjord on our trip is back to thick woods, pure natural splendor and a journey on the less explored path. Hjørundfjord is part of the western Norwegian county of Møre og Romsdal and is considered as one of the wettest fjords on the planet for the huge amount of rainfall it receives.
It is engulfed in mountains that stretch as high as 1700 meters high, while its steep sides are endowed with thick forests. Sounds like an adventure into nature’s heart, isn’t it?
You can spend an entire lifetime in the famous Norwegian Fjords and you will never ever take note of time. That is the enchanting beauty and spellbinding magic of these lands that each day offer a million shades, colors, sounds, sights, and textures.
