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Where to see the fjords in Norway

Norway is known as a land of great beauty and stunning nature and within its vast territory lies over 1,700 fjords. These long, deep inlets dot the country and are one of the most popular reasons given by tourists for visiting.
5 min readUpdated: Feb 27, 2026By: The Fjord Tours team
Scenic Norwegian fjord with small cruise ship, lush greenery, village along water’s edge, snow-capped peaks, and cloudy sky.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Norwegian fjords – and hopefully entice you to visit to see them for yourself!

What are the fjords of Norway?

The fjords of Norway are long, deep inlets with steep sides. Despite being water-filled now, they formed through glaciers eroding mountainsides to such an extent that U-shaped valleys were created. Subsequently flooded by seawater, these valleys became bodies of water, sometimes incredibly deep, and now they are one of the country’s prime attractions.
The word fjord comes from the old Viking terms ‘where you travel across’ (der man ferder over) and ‘ferry’ (ferje). While many countries can boast about their fjords, none have as many nor do they play as significant a part in the country’s culture and heritage as Norway’s fjords.
The view of the Lysefjord and surrounding mountains is indescribable in the purple sunset light

How many fjords are there in Norway?

There are over 1,700 fjords in Norway and they make up a significant part of the coastline of the country. In fact, when the Norwegian coastline includes the length of the fjords as they jut in and out of the sea, the coastline becomes ten times longer! This helps explain why the fjords have held such a significant cultural heritage for the Norwegian people. Entire towns and cities have been built overlooking the fjords due to their stunning beauty, and it’s no surprise that fjord cruises are incredibly popular with visitors.
Couple sit on dock bench in Gudvangen, overlooking the Nærøyfjord and forested cliffs under clouds.

Where are the Norwegian fjords?

There are fjords all over the country. However, the most famous fjords are located on the West Coast and Northern regions of the country. For example, the well-known Sognefjord, sometimes nicknamed ‘The King of Fjords,’ is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. It is situated on the west coast just north of Bergen and stretches over 200km! The beautiful Nærøyfjord and charming Aurlandsfjord, both part of the amazing Norway in a nutshell® tour, is also located on Norway's western coast.
Traditional wooden houses with grass-covered roofs by the fjord, with a cruise ship in the distance, mountains in the background.

When to see the fjords in Norway?

The fjords can be visited all year round, but June to August tends to be the most popular time. During the summer, temperatures are mild in the north but can be over 25 degrees in the south. The summer is also the time of the midnight sun when, in parts of the country, the sun never sets, even in the dead of night – so it’s a fascinating time for international travelers to see Norway!
While it will be colder in the other months, each season brings its own delights to Norway’s fjord landscape. Autumn brings out the reds and yellows of the leaves as the green expanse of summer fades while in the spring the snow melts, swelling the fjords and bringing new life and energy into the waterways. Finally, the winter months bring a blanket of snow across the landscape and long, dark nights. While it does get cold at this time of year, the fjords are transformed into a magical kingdom with the snow-lined mountains and the possibility of seeing the northern lights dancing across the sky making the experience spectacular.
Cabins with grass roofs on hill above fjord with snow-capped mountains and waterfalls.

Where to stay in Norway to see the fjords?

Given the vast number of fjords in the country, there is no one best place to view all the fjords. However, there are a couple of spots that provide a good place to base yourself depending on the fjords you want to visit.
Bergen is an obvious choice of places to visit if you are interested in experiencing the fjords. The city is often referred to as "the gateway to the fjords", so you can't go wrong with Bergen. From Bergen, we offer several tours to the fjords, including the famous Norway in a nutshell® tour.
Stavanger is a vibrant harbor city in the south of the country and provides quick access to both the beautiful Lysefjord and the world-famous Preikestolen, otherwise known as Pulpit Rock. The Lysefjord is the biggest of the southern fjords. Flanked by towering mountains on one side and the famous rock formation on the other, this long and narrow fjord makes for truly spectacular photos.
If you’re planning on visiting the western fjords, the charming village of Voss is a great base point. Situated just outside Bergen, its transport links and pleasant atmosphere makes it a popular choice among tourists. From Voss, the grand Sognefjord is easily reachable where you can enjoy a luxurious fjord cruise or dip your toe into the waters with fun activities like paddleboard lessons or kayaking.
Couple on viewing platform overlooking Norwegian fjord, mountains, cruise ship below, and sun casting a warm glow.
The Hardangerfjord, sometimes known as the Queen of fjords, is also accessible from Voss. Famed for its beauty, there are many small villages, orchards, and waterfalls along the 179km fjord just waiting to be discovered. Here, you’ll also find the spellbinding Hardangervidda National Park, which is the largest national park in the country!
If you’d like to experience the best of what Fjord Norway has to offer in one trip, you’re in luck – Fjord Tours offers customizable tours of the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. You can also take your pick among fantastic experiences in the Lysefjord area, such as an unforgettable cruise and hike up the Flørli staircase, which is the world’s longest wooden staircase!

See all 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
The famous Norwegian fjord and rail journey

Ride the famous Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway and cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord on Norway's most famous tour. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 2460 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
Discover Sognefjord by cruise & rail

Ride the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway, and cruise the full length of the Sognefjord. Start from Oslo or Bergen, and add extra days of your choice.

From 2745 NOK
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Grass-roof cabins on hillside overlook fjord, waterfall, peaks.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™
From: 2 days
Geirangerfjord cruise and scenic train journey

Cruise Geirangerfjord, journey Trollstigen Mountain Pass, Rauma Railway and Dovre Railway. Start from Oslo, Bergen or Ålesund.

From 3337 NOK
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Hikers standing on Preikestolen plateau during a scenic hike, overlooking the Lysefjord far beneath in Norway.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Lysefjord in a Nutshell™
From: 1 day
Preikestolen, Lysefjord and charming Stavanger

Hike to Preikestolen, cruise the dramatic Lysefjord and discover charming Stavanger. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 3660 NOK
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Turquoise fjord with cruise ships, forested mountains and snow.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Geirangerfjord and Norway in a Nutshell®
5 day tour of Geirangerfjord and scenic railways

The ultimate roudtrip including Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and scenic rail journeys. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 8459 NOK
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standing at the scenic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic 182-meter Vøringsfossen waterfall cascading into the valley
Early Bird Summer Rates
Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™
1-day tour
Hardangerfjord cruise and Vøringsfossen waterfall from Bergen

Discover Norway's most popular waterfall and cruise the scenic Hardangerfjord on a day trip from Bergen

From 1991 NOK
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Most popular fjord cruises in Norway

Discover Norway's iconic fjords - from UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord to hidden Hardangerfjord, dramatic Lysefjord, and vast Sognefjord. Enjoy steep mountainsides and cascading waterfalls, or explore Oslo's beautiful archipelago and Bergen's historic coastal waters.
Cozy glass-fronted waterfront restaurant glowing warmly at twilight, reflections shimmering on calm water surface.
Fjord cruise and dinner at Cornelius
Bergen • 5 hr
From 1695NOK
Available all year
Peaceful mountain lake reflects glacier and forest, dock at right.
Fjord & glacier tour from Bergen or Voss
Multiple locations • 13 hr 15 min
From 2930NOK
20 May - 30 September
Tourists on fjord cruise on the Oslofjord pass historic Akershus fortress at sunset.
Fjord cruise in Oslo
Oslo • 2 hr
From 479NOK
Available all year
Colorful fjord boat on calm water with mountain reflections.
Bestseller
Fjord cruise Bergen to Mostraumen
Bergen
From 890NOK
Available all year
Large catamaran with passengers sails past snowy peaks in cold waters.
Silent whale watching cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 8 hr 30 min
From 1790NOK
16 October - 31 January
Silver bowl of shrimp with lemon wedges, surrounded by bread, plates, condiments, and napkins on a boat deck.
Oslofjord Sunset Cruise with shrimp buffet
Oslo • 3 hr
From 802NOK
1 May - 4 October
Couple in headphones relaxes on boat as woman points at fjord cliffs.
Bestseller
1 hr 30 minutes fjord sightseeing in Geiranger
Geiranger • 1 hr 30 min
From 630NOK
1 June - 31 August
Boat "LEYO" sails past waterfalls in a fjord with passengers enjoying the view.
Bestseller
Fjord cruise Ålesund - Geiranger - Ålesund
Ålesund • 9 hr
From 2139NOK
1 April - 31 October
Tourists enjoy a fjord view with mirror-like water and snowy peaks.
Fjord & glacier tour from Balestrand
Balestrand • 4 hr 45 min
From 1525NOK
20 May - 30 September
Modern boat reflects snowy fjord cliffs in curved windows.
Trollfjord cruise in Lofoten
Svolvær • 3 hr 30 min
From 1490NOK
1 February - 31 October
Smiling couple in enjoying the fjord cruise on the Lysefjord in winter, fjord and mountains behind.
Lysefjord & Preikestolen fjord cruise
Stavanger • 3 hr 30 min
From 890NOK
Available all year
Elegant table setting with wine and food aboard cruise boat
Bestseller
Dinner cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo • 2 hr 30 min
From 1490NOK
Available all year
Tourists on the boat deck on the winter cruise on the Geirangerfjord surrounded by a beautiful world heritage landscape
Geirangerfjord winter cruise
Ålesund • 9 hr
From 2933NOK
1 November - 31 March
A couple stands on the ship's deck, watching the Northern Lights over the mountains, with city lights reflected in the water.
Electric Northern Lights cruise
Tromsø • 3 hr
From 1290NOK
5 January - 27 March
Ferry passes white pier at sunset with golden hues and soft light over distant skyline.
Electric fjord cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo
From 430NOK
Available all year
Fortress and historic buildings overlook water with city skyline in background under clouds.
Oslo grand tour with fjord cruise
Oslo • 7 hr
From 1450NOK
Available all year
Aerial view of green island with marinas, red roofs, boats, and city across fjord under blue sky.
In high demand
Island hopping in Oslo
Oslo • 4 hr 30 min
From 660NOK
6 March - 31 December
Woman in yellow beanie takes photo from boat deck with snowy mountains behind.
Arctic fjord cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 4 hr
From 2090NOK
1 February - 15 October
White hybrid-electric cruise boat sailing through Oslofjord waters with autumn-colored forested hills
Silent fjord cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo • 4 hr
From 490NOK
Available all year
Three boys cheering on a boat deck in a narrow fjord with green cliffs.
1 hour fjord sightseeing in Geiranger
Geiranger • 1 hr 15 min
From 610NOK
1 April - 17 October
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