On a Norwegian vacation, there are more than one thousand fjords to visit, which are found along the Norwegian coastline. A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that heads from the sea, inland. Usually, they have very steep towering walls of rock on both sides and are U-shaped. A predominant feature is huge cascading waterfalls racing down the sides. Fjords are found in several other countries such as Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland and Alaska. However, the fjords on trips to Norway, are as spectacular as anywhere else. Small villages are to be found along the fjords plus trails for hiking and for less strenuous walking. The Norwegian fjords experience a mild climate and remain virtually ice-free. If on a cruise boat, because the fjords are so deep, you can experience their beauty at close range. Of these thousand fjords, the following are the most outstanding.

Sognefjord

The Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. It extends from just north of Bergen to the Jotunheimen National Park. Its depth reaches 1300 metres/4225 feet and the highest point is 1700 metres/5440 feet. It stretches 204 kilometres/127 miles. The average width is around 4.5 kilometres/2.8 miles. It has an arm called the Naeroyfjord, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and where you will find the highest mountains in Norway. The recognition is due to its wild beauty and its emerald green colour caused by water melting from glaciers. The mountains surrounding the Sognefjord are among the country's most popular hiking areas on trips to Norway. There are several inlets that carve a path through steep mountains before ending at picturesque small villages. Other popular activities in the area include rafting, mountaineering, rock climbing, summer skiing and mountain biking.

Hardangerfjord

The Hardangerfjord, located to the south of Bergen, is the world’s fourth-largest fjord and the second-longest in Norway, stretching 179 kilometres/111 miles. There are several smaller fjords that branch off the Hardangerfjord. Norway's third-largest glacier is located here, on the Folgefonna peninsula. It is possible to take a guided glacier walk or even explore on your own. Activities in the area include cruising on the fjord, hiking, cycling and also kayaking to enhance your Norway vacation. 

Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord has amazing blue waters and is surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and lush, green vegetation. Stretching for 15 kilometres/9.3 miles and a branch of the Storfjorden, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by some of the steepest mountains on the west coast of Norway. The sides rise practically vertically out of the fjord. Dramatically beautiful waterfalls plunge down into the fjord. The best known is called the Seven Sisters. Once again, popular activities include hiking, cycling, kayaking plus rafting, canoeing and fishing. 

Nordfjord

The Nordfjord is the sixth-longest in Norway stretching 106 kilometres/66 miles from the island of Husevagoy at the mouth to the village of Loen. The region also includes Hornindalsvatnet, Europe's deepest lake. There is a scenic glacier, Briksdalsbreen plus numerous fishing communities along the fjord. Once again, impressive waterfalls drop down the mountainsides into the fjord. There are many outdoor activities to experience on trips to Norway such as hiking, cycling, skiing, glacier walking and a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park home to the largest glacier on the European mainland. 

Lysefjord

Though smaller in size than many other fjords, Lysefjord, the most southerly of the fjords, is very popular on a Norwegian vacation. It is 42 kilometres/26 miles in length and lies just east of Stavanger. What makes it special is Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) which, when you are standing on it, you experience the thrill of looking over the fjord from a height of 600 metres/2000 feet. The region also offers several interesting historic sites such as the prehistoric rock carvings at Solbakk that date back to 500 BC.

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Norway vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Norway.