Nº 13
The Norwegian Fjords
Western Norway 62.10° N · 7.21° E
Deep, narrow arms of the sea carved by glaciers into western Norway, lined with sheer cliffs, waterfalls and tiny farms clinging to the slopes.
“Standing on the deck as the ferry turns into the narrowest part of the fjord, cliffs rising on both sides and waterfalls pouring straight down into the water.”
During the Ice Ages, glaciers pushed down from Norway’s mountains toward the sea and carved valleys so deep that when the ice melted, the ocean flooded in. The result is the Norwegian fjords: long, narrow arms of dark water running far inland, with cliffs rising more than a kilometre on either side and waterfalls tumbling from the heights.
It belongs on the list because it’s scenery on a scale that makes you go quiet. From a ferry, the mountains feel close enough to touch. From a viewpoint, the fjord winds away below like a silver ribbon. Tiny farms perch on ledges where it seems impossible anyone could live, and every bend reveals another waterfall.
And it’s a landscape you can experience in so many ways: a historic railway spiralling down to the water, a hairpin road climbing into the clouds, a hike to a rock platform hanging over a fjord. Summer evenings last until almost midnight. It’s expensive, it rains, and none of that matters when you’re standing there.
From someday to a real plan
- Days needed
- 5–8 days
- Best months
- Jun – Aug
- Budget
- US$200–450 per person per day
- Getting there
- Straightforward
- Crowds
- Busy
A 'Norway in a Nutshell' route can be done in 1–2 days from Bergen, but 5+ days lets you add Geiranger or a big hike like Preikestolen or Trolltunga.
Long days, the best chance of good weather, and every mountain road and ferry running. May and September are quieter shoulder months.
Norway is one of Europe's most expensive countries: accommodation, car rental, ferries, tolls and eating out all add up. Rail passes and supermarket picnics help. Orientation ranges — verify before booking.
Fly into Bergen (BGO) or Ålesund (AES) for the western fjords, or take the scenic Oslo–Bergen railway. A car gives the most freedom; trains, buses and ferries also connect the classics.
Geiranger and Flåm get very busy on cruise-ship days in summer. Stay overnight to enjoy them early and late, when day visitors have gone.
The year at a glance
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Winter fjords can be beautiful and quiet, but daylight is short, mountain passes like Trollstigen close, and many hikes need winter experience. Late spring brings full waterfalls from snowmelt; autumn brings colour and rain.
What you'll remember
- 01
Geirangerfjord
A UNESCO World Heritage fjord with waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and abandoned cliffside farms, best seen from the water or the Ørnesvingen viewpoint.
- 02
Nærøyfjord by ferry
One of the narrowest fjords in Europe, and part of the classic 'Norway in a Nutshell' route.
- 03
The Flåm Railway
A steep, spectacular train line climbing from the fjord to the mountain station at Myrdal past waterfalls and hairpin bends.
- 04
Preikestolen
Pulpit Rock: a flat cliff platform about 600 m above Lysefjord, reached on a popular half-day hike.
- 05
Trolltunga
A rock ledge jutting out over a lake, at the end of a long, demanding day hike of around 10–12 hours.
- 06
Trollstigen
A dramatic mountain road of hairpin bends between Geiranger and Åndalsnes, open only in summer.
How the trip fits together
- 1–2 days
Bergen
Colourful wharf houses of Bryggen, the fish market and Mount Fløyen.
- 1–2 days
Nærøyfjord & Flåm
The Norway in a Nutshell route by train, ferry and bus.
- 1–2 days
Sognefjord
Norway's longest and deepest fjord, stave churches and glacier arms.
- 2 days
Geiranger & Trollstigen
Fjord cruise, viewpoints and the summer mountain road.
Put it on your list if…
- Epic natural scenery is the whole point of your trip.
- You like combining scenic trains, ferries and road trips.
- Hiking to a famous viewpoint sounds like a highlight, not a chore.
Maybe skip it if…
- Your budget is tight and you don't want to camp or self-cater.
- Rain would ruin your plans — western Norway is wet even in summer.
- You only want to see Geiranger from a cruise ship on a busy day.
- Big hikes like Trolltunga are serious: check trail conditions, season and whether a guide is recommended before setting out.
- Mountain roads and passes have seasonal opening dates. Check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's current road status.
- Norway uses automatic road and ferry tolls; rental companies usually pass these on — ask how they're charged.
- Check entry requirements for Norway (Schengen area) for your passport on official sources.
