You are planning to visit the kingdom of fjords soon? What a great idea! However, you are not yet sure which ones to add to your to-do list.
Legendary, gigantic, and fascinating, fjords are these immense glacial valleys shaped by the sea and time. There are actually more than a thousand of them, but each has its own specificity.
Here's how to select them during your road trip with this top 10 most beautiful fjords in Norway.
Map of the most beautiful fjords in Norway
#1. The Lysefjord, the most stimulating
length: about 42 km
Are you a fan of the concept "after the effort, comfort"? Well, the Lysefjord is perfect for you.
Easily accessible from Stavanger, it's the perfect setting for thrill-seekers who can experience base jumping. There are also numerous hikes, all equally exceptional.
Head to the one leading to Preikestolen rock for a 360-degree view. At sunset, you'll see that the Fjord of Light lives up to its name.
Another curiosity, if you still have energy, tackle the world's longest wooden staircase in Flørli, with its 4,444 steps. I promise you a good night's sleep after all that!
A tip: the kingdom of fjords is particularly conducive to road trips. So, remember to book an RV rental in Norway for a unique travel experience.
#2. The Hardangerfjord, the most bucolic
length: about 179 km
Be warned: life is lived to the fullest when visiting this fjord, a gateway to the famous city of Bergen. With its numerous orchards and fruit trees, the Hardangerfjord delights visitors. In spring, with all the trees in bloom, the atmosphere is simply enchanting.
The Trolltunga trail is probably the most epic hike in the region. It requires good physical preparation, but it's worth it. Also, don't forget to make a detour to Vøringsfossen waterfall, for a breathtaking spectacle over 180 meters high. It will make you feel tiny in this gigantic panorama!
The Authentik experience: it would be unthinkable to return from a trip to Norway without tasting the local cider or a small apple juice to delight your taste buds.
#3. The Nærøyfjord, the narrowest
length: about 17 km
Here's one that is as surprising as it is fascinating: the Nærøyfjord. Closely (that's the word!) related to its neighbor the Sognefjord, it is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is particularly appreciated by its visitors.
It is also a little paradise for wildlife. It is not uncommon to see seals, seabirds, or porpoises.
In fact, to try your luck at spotting them, put on your shoes, grab your binoculars, and head out on the trails for the famous Nærøyfjord Panorama hike that will propel you to the top of the world.
The Authentik experience: It is most enjoyable to paddle on the Nærøyfjord, between its narrow rocky walls.
#4. The Sognefjord, the longest
length: about 205 km
It is also called the king of fjords. That's quite something! It is of course the longest in the country with its 205 km of pure wild expanses and one of the largest and deepest in the world.
You will have to travel almost as many kilometers north from Bergen to get there. Charming villages such as Flåm, Aurland, and Balestrand are definitely worth a visit to soak up the Nordic atmosphere that prevails there.
Among a wide choice of hikes, I personally have a soft spot for Aurlandsdalen and the Nigardsbreen Glacier Walk. They allow you to discover up close the natural beauty of the region. Moreover, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy climbing, kayaking, fishing, and skiing, depending on the season.
#5. The Nordfjord, the most diverse
length: about 106 km
It's the Swiss Army knife of fjords, mixing both adventure and relaxation. Families can therefore enjoy a variety of activities: its proximity to the coast allows for more laid-back water activities like kayaking or paddle boarding on its beaches of incredible transparency.
The Jostedalsbreen National Park is mainly known for its hikes amid magnificent glaciers and emerald waters.
For a typical experience, the Norwegian fjord horse was the first equine to appear in this region: saddle up and hit the trails, this time with your feet in the stirrups.
The Authentic Experience: Looking for new challenges? The Hornelen Via Ferrata could be THE solution. Prepare to be amazed and get an adrenaline rush. Plus, you can boast about climbing the highest European cliff, which is no small feat!
#6. The Geirangerfjord, the most iconic
length: about 15 km
If there is one that is the symbol of Norway, it's the Geirangerfjord. I dare you to not make a sound in front of the most legendary of fjords and its dizzying waterfalls. No wonder this gem is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's definitely a must-see on your journey.
Viewpoints like Dalsnibba and Flydalsjuvet offer spectacular panoramas of the fjord and its surroundings. You can visit them with your eyes closed (but try to open them anyway).
The Authentic Experience: To get a bird's eye view of this extraordinary place, a helicopter flight over the fjord is a great option to create unforgettable memories.
#7. The Hjørundfjord, the most authentic
length: about 35 km
Nestled and overlooked by travelers, less than 50 km west of Geirangerfjord, lies the Hjørundfjord. A quiet and tranquil paradise. A little less known than the other fjords, it deserves its place in this ranking and offers similar outdoor activities as its cousins.
Away from the crowds, typical villages like Øye, Trandal, and Sæbø are perfect for admiring traditional architecture, tasting local dishes, and meeting their very friendly inhabitants.
To enjoy the panorama even more (and go back a little to childhood, I admit), the swing in Trandal promises magnificent snapshots with the Hjørundfjord as a backdrop. Absolutely stunning.
#8. Romsdalsfjord, the most breathtaking
length: approx. 88 km
Romsdalsfjord is best known for the endless ridges that set it apart and make it unique. Its entry point is the village of Andalsnes, in the county of Romsdal and its valley of the same name.
To get there, the Trollstigen is an essential scenic route. What makes it special is that it winds its way up a steep mountain face. It is accessible to both cars and RVs. The adventure promises to be both perilous and exhilarating.
Once there, make your way to the summit of Mount Nesaksla for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The ascent can be made on foot or, for the less adventurous, by cable car from the town of Åndalsnes.
The Authentik experience: For seasoned hikers, Rampestreken is a fairly strenuous hike, but the fruits of your efforts are once again amply rewarded with incredible views over the fjord and its surroundings.
#9. Trollfjord, the most legendary of all
length: around 2 km
At the heart of the Lofoten archipelago lies Trollfjord, a must-see destination on any trip to Norway.
Its narrow, winding, almost picturesque shape attracts land and sea adventurers from far and wide. Its wild and mystical side also makes it one of the most sought-after fjords for photographers.
Here, moreover, we mix two concepts that everything seems to oppose: cruises and calm. Most of the excursions are small, silent cruises: electric motors are there to contribute to a more respectful experience in the heart of this unspoilt nature. Savour these moments of tranquillity and listen out for the breath of the whales and orcas that are omnipresent in these polar waters.
#10. Lyngenfjord, the most Nordic of all
length: approx. 82 km
It's in the far north of Norway, in the county of Troms og Finnmark, that the bravest will face the Lyngenfjord. Granted, it's not exactly next door. But what can you say about this surreal landscape?
In winter, northern lights seekers will find it fascinating, while winter sports fans are sure to love this white fjord paradise, also known as the Lyngen Alps, in a nod to the European mountain range. A breath of fresh air awaits you.
In summer, rock-climbing and cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of a huge playground. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of whales. Be on the lookout!
At this time of year, the midnight sun is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. The sun simply doesn't set. Take the opportunity to experience it by bike or why not on the water.
And now you're ready for your roadtrip to conquer the fjords. What do you think is the most beautiful fjord? Prepare your roadtrip by car in Norway or in RV in advance using our online planner.
Don't hesitate to share your favourites in the comments area below.
