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Norway's Top 5 Fjords - Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fjord Adventure

Norway's fjords are nature's true masterpiece. Each fjord offers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. But with so many spectacular options, how do you choose which fjord to explore? Let's dive into the distinctive features and must-see highlights of five of Norway's most awe-inspiring fjords: Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord, Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjord.
5 min readUpdated: Oct 24, 2025By: The Fjord Tours team
Kayaker paddles alone on fjord between green cliffs and blue sky.

Sognefjord: The King of the Fjords 

Known as the "King of the Fjords," the Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepestfjord, stretching an impressive 204 kilometers inland from the ocean.

Unique features: 

  • Vast and varied landscapes – a full fjord experience
  • Rich cultural heritage with stave churches and Viking history
  • Charming villages and a variety of outdoor activities

Must see highlights:

Perfect for:
Those seeking a full fjord experience with plenty of options for exploration and activities.
Fjord Tours recommendation: Our Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ tour offers an excellent introduction to this majestic fjord and its surrounding attractions.
Couple embraces on boat, gazing at the Sognefjord and clouds on water.

Nærøyfjord: The Narrow and intimate UNESCO World Heritage site

A branch of the mighty Sognefjord, the beautiful Nærøyfjord is one of the narrowest fjords in the world, and often considered the most beautiful too.

Unique features:

  • Narrow passages with steep mountain sidesallows for an intimate nature experience 
  • Dramatic scenery and untouched landscapes
  • Gudvangen, located at the end of the Nærøyfjord, has a rich Viking heritage

Don’t miss:

  • The Viking Village of the peaceful fjord village Gudvangen
  • Flåm and the Flåm Railway
  • Witness the majestic fjords from above on a scenic Nærøyfjord Hike 
Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and photographers looking for iconic Norwegian fjord scenery, as well as active adventurers.
Fjord Tours recommendation: Experience the magic of the Nærøyfjord on our famous Norway in a Nutshell® tour, which includes the Flåm railway and a scenic electric fjord cruise through this stunning area.
Traditional cabins with grass roofs on hillside above fjord, waterfall in distance.

Geirangerfjord: Famous Iconic Beauty and UNESCO status

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Geirangerfjord is known for its iconic beauty, emerald-green waters and fairy-tale atmosphere.

Unique features:

  • Spectacular waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Suitor
  • Dramatic landscapes with charming mountain farms clinging to steep cliffs
  • Excellent photo opportunities from severalpanoramic viewpoints

Must-see highlights:

  • Seven Sisters Waterfall – get close to Norway’s most photographed waterfall on a scenic fjord cruise 
  • Skageflå Mountain Farm–a historic farm with stunning views accessible by boat or hike
  • Eagle's Bend Viewpoint (Ørnesvingen) - a hairpin turn on the mountain road offering panoramic views of the fjord
Perfect for: Those seeking iconic natural beauty and Instagram friendly views.
Fjord Tours recommendation: Our UNESCO Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™ tour combines the best of both worlds, featuring this enchanting fjord alongside other iconic Norwegian attractions.
Person in orange sits atop mountain, arms wide, view of the Hardangerfjord.


Hardangerfjord: Waterfalls, scenic fjord cruise and local culture

Hardangerfjord is Norway's second-longest fjord, and the closest to Bergen. It is often called the "Fruit orchard of Norway" due to its lush, fertile landscapes.

Unique features:

  • Famous for its abundant fruit farms and charming fjord villages
  • The impressive Vøringsfossen waterfall and National Park
  • Cultural richness and local tastes

Must-see highlights:

Perfect for: Food and culture enthusiasts, as well as those interested in a diverse range of natural wonders and outdoor activities.
Fjord Tours recommendation: Discover the beauty of Hardangerfjord on our Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™ tour, which showcases the region's natural wonders and cultural highlights.
Four hikers pose together at Preikestolen cliff viewpoint

Lysefjord: Home of Iconic Norwegian Landmarks

The Lysefjord, located in southwestern Norway, is famous for its striking cliff formations and popular hiking destinations.

Unique features:

  • Dramatic, steep cliff walls rising directly from the fjord
  • Home to some of Norway's most famous natural landmarks
  • Excellent hiking opportunities

Must-see highlights:

Perfect for: Adventure seekers and hikers looking for challenging trails and iconic photo opportunities.
Fjord Tours recommendation: Experience the thrill of the Lysefjord on our Lysefjord in a Nutshell™ tour, featuring a fjord cruise and the option to hike to Preikestolen.
Tourists in safety jackets on RIB  boat ride through turquoise Sognefjord surrounded by lush mountains.

Choosing Your Perfect Fjord Adventure

Each of these magnificent fjords offers a unique perspective on Norway's natural beauty. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
  • For grand scale and variety: Sognefjord
  • For dramatic, narrow passages: Nærøyfjord
  • For iconic fairytale landscapes and panoramic viewpoints: Geirangerfjord
  • For a blend of natural highlights, waterfalls and local culture: Hardangerfjord
  • For iconic landmarks and adventurous hikes: Lysefjord
Remember, you don't have to choose just one! Many of our tours at Fjord Tours allow you to experience multiple fjords in a single trip, giving you a comprehensive taste of Norway's stunning fjord landscape. Check out our curated combination tours, an excellent way to get more out of your Norway adventure.
Whichever fjord you choose to explore, you're guaranteed an unforgettable journey through some of the world's most spectacular scenery.
Book your fjord adventure today and prepare to be amazed by the natural wonders of Norway!

Experience the essence of Norway with our bestselling tours

Experience the best of Norway's most scenic fjords and natural highlights. Our Nutshell tours include fjord cruises, famous railways and breathtaking fjord and mountain nature. Travel in a day, or add extra days and activities to create your perfect Norwegian holiday. Explore our bestselling tours below.

Woman in yellow sweater leans from green train window, gazing at autumn forest landscape.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Norway in a Nutshell®
From: 1 day
Experience the classic Norwegian fjord and rail journey

Experience an iconic tour of Norway's stunning UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord and ride two of the world's most beautiful railways - the Bergen Railway and the famous Flåm Railway.

From 2270 NOK
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Boat on Sognefjord with flag flying, wake trailing behind on calm water.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Sognefjord in a Nutshell™
From: 1 day
The complete Sognefjord experience by cruise & rail

Enjoy a fjord cruise on the spectacular Sognefjord, the second longest fjord in the world. Experience two of the world’s most beautiful train rides, the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway.

From 2745 NOK
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Grass-roof cabins on hillside overlook fjord, waterfall, peaks.
Bestseller
Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™
From: 2 days
Spectacular Geirangerfjord and breathtaking views

Experience the crown jewel of Norway's fjords – the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Journey the spectacular Trollstigen Mountain Pass, and discover breathtaking viewpoints.

No available price
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Aerial view shows Preikestolen's dramatic position above Lysefjord
Lysefjord in a Nutshell™
From: 1 day
Preikestolen, Lysefjord and charming Stavanger

This tour takes you to Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock, one of Norway’s most photographed natural attractions. The tour includes a fjord cruise on the scenic Lysefjord and the charming city of Stavanger.

From 1720 NOK
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Experience the thrill of walking safely behind Steinsdalsfossen
Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™
1-day tour
Scenic Hardangerfjord cruise, waterfalls, culture and charming fjord villages

Discover Norway's natural wonders! Cruise the scenic Hardangerfjord, experience the famous Vøringsfossen and Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, discover local culture and idyllic fjord villages.

From 2482 NOK
Winter evening on Aurlandsfjord - aerial view of fjord boat with snowy mountain peaks at golden hour
Famous winter tour
Norway in a Nutshell® Winter
From: 1 day
Winter magic on Norway's most popular tour

Discover breathtaking nature and one of the world's most spectacular fjords on this amazing winter experience. The Norway in a Nutshell® winter tour brings you close to stunning nature in a responsible way with emission-free transport. Ride the winter rails on two of the top train journeys in the world and cruise the snowy fjords on a quiet electric fjord cruise.

From 2270 NOK
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Popular fjord cruises

Experience Norway's breathtaking fjords on a half day scenic fjord cruise.

Discover the famous Norwegian fjords

Norway has an incredible number of fjords. Get to know some of our favorite fjords here!