As someone who grew up in Aurland, a small village nestled along the beautiful Aurlandsfjord, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Norway’s fjords up close my entire life. From my childhood home, I watched tourists from all over the world marvel at the very scenery I considered my backyard. Now, based in Bergen (aka the “gateway to the fjords”), I’m excited to share my insider knowledge about the best ways to see Norway’s fjords.
Whether you’re planning to explore by car, on foot, from a cruise ship, or through a guided tour, I’ll show you how to make the most of your fjord adventure.
Hopefully this post will be helpful for those just starting to plan their Norway trip, and will give you an idea of all the different modes and ways to see the fjords!
If you want to make sure you have a perfect trip to Norway, I’ve created several easy-to-follow Norway itineraries ranging from 2 days to 7+ days – both self-drive ones and public transportation ones! Check them all out here.

What are Norway’s fjords?
First things first, just in case. Hopefully this will keep you from asking one of these silly questions other tourists have asked me.
Norway’s fjords are among the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world – in my non-biased opinion as someone writing a blog called Fjords and Beaches. These long, narrow inlets were carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, leaving behind towering cliffs, deep blue waters, and cascading waterfalls.
Fjords are more than just beautiful – they’re a symbol of Norway’s natural and cultural heritage. The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, are actually UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They offer a sense of serenity and grandeur that’s hard to describe until you experience it yourself.
Where to Find the Norwegian Fjords
If you’re wondering where to start your fjord adventure, here are the regions that host the most stunning fjords:
#1 Western Norway, also known as Fjord Norway
This is the most iconic fjord region, home to some of the most famous fjords in Norway:
- The Geirangerfjord: Known for its dramatic cliffs and famous waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Suitor.
- The Sognefjord: The longest fjord in Norway, stretching 204 km inland.
- The Nærøyfjord: A narrow arm of the Sognefjord, perfect for intimate experiences with nature.
#2 Southern fjords
As I mentioned in my guidebook, Moon Norway, opinions vary on whether the area around Stavanger is part of western or southern Norway. However, since I am of the opinion that it is the south, I’m putting it here under a new header.
The area below Bergen is home to a famous fjord, with a very famous hike:
- The Lysefjord: Famous for Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten, two iconic Norwegian hikes.
#3 Northern Norway
Last, but not least, northern Norway is home to more than just Northern Lights and winter activities (as my friend Silvia keeps reminding me). Head further north to discover Arctic fjords such as:
- The Lyngenfjord: Surrounded by the Lyngen Alps, offering a combination of fjord and mountain landscapes.
- Trollfjord: A stunning, narrow fjord known for its steep walls and wildlife.
No matter which region you visit, each fjord has its own unique character, making Norway a dream destination for nature lovers.

The Best Ways to See Norway’s Fjords
Now that you know where to find the fjords, let’s dive into the best ways to explore them!
Road Trips
Driving through Norway’s fjord regions is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to explore. As you wind along scenic roads, you’ll pass fjord-side villages, rolling hills, and towering mountains.
Recommended Routes:
- The Atlantic Ocean Road: Known for its dramatic bridges connecting small islands and offering incredible ocean views.
- Trollstigen (The Troll’s Path): A winding mountain road with hairpin bends and epic views of waterfalls and valleys.
- Bergen to the fjords: Seeing the fjords from Bergen is a convenient way to reach the fjord region in just a few hours. It can be done in a day, or you can spend a few days by the fjords whilst you’re at it (I recommend that you do).
Insider Tip: While traveling through Aurland, make sure to stop at the Stegastein Viewpoint for panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord – it’s one of my favorite spots to take in the fjord’s beauty.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most immersive ways to experience the fjords. Norway’s trails are incredibly diverse, from easy strolls to challenging climbs with dramatic payoffs.
Top Hikes:
- Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): Overlooking Lysefjord, this hike offers stunning cliffside views.
- Trolltunga: For the more adventurous, this challenging hike rewards you with one of Norway’s most famous photo ops.
- Rimstigen: A lesser-known gem above the Nærøyfjord, perfect for escaping the crowds. It’s very steep, but so rewarding (the photo below was taken in the first 30 minutes of the hike).
- Westeråsfjellet: An easy hike from Westerås farm in Geiranger, giving you panoramic views of the Geirangerfjord.
Tip: Start your hike early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the landscape in peace.

Day tours from the cities
If you’re short on time, day tours are a fantastic way to see Norway’s fjords. From cities like Bergen or Oslo, you can hop on a tour and dive into the fjord experience.
Popular Day Tours:
- From Bergen: Take a fjord cruise to Nærøyfjord or combine it with the Flåm Railway for a full day of adventure.
- From Oslo: Join a train and ferry combo to explore the Sognefjord in a single day.
Day tours are ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free way to experience the fjords without committing to a longer trip. Both options above can be considered part of the Norway in a Nutshell route.
There are both guided options and private tours available – from either cities. Below you can browse some of the highest-rated ones, all including a fjord cruise on the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord.
(I always recommend booking these in advance, especially in the summer. Basically, if you know the day you want to see the fjords, there’s no point not guaranteeing your spot.)
The above tours are all full-day (or multi-day) tours from either Bergen, Tromsø or Oslo. However, there are shorter options too, taking you out on the Oslofjord (or to Mostraumen from Bergen) for a couple of hours. The fjord tours below are ideal if you don’t want to venture too far from the cities.
Cruising
For many travellers, cruise holidays are one of the best ways to see Norway’s fjords, offering a relaxing yet immersive experience. Whether you choose a multi-day voyage on Hurtigruten or a luxury cruise ship, you’ll have a front-row seat to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
My top tip is to choose a cruise that actually takes you into the fjords, such as the Sognefjord or all the way in to the Geirangerfjord. Some cruise lines only stop in Oslo or Stavanger, meaning they just sail around the coast. This is, of course, a fantastic experience if you love cruising – but not if you want to see the Norwegian fjords.
So make sure you look at the map and route before you book.
Also, make sure you pack layers, regardless of the time of year you are travelling. Packing for a Norwegian fjord cruise is all about versatility, as the weather can change quickly.

When to Visit Norway’s Fjords
Timing your trip is key to getting the experience you want. Here’s what each season offers:
- Summer (May–August): Long days, warm weather, and busy ports. Perfect for cruises and road trips.
- Fall (September–October): Quieter, with beautiful autumn colors and dramatic weather.
- Winter (November–March): Magical snow-covered fjords, plus a chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Spring (April–May): Waterfalls are at their most powerful, and wildflowers start to bloom.
If covered this in more detail in this guide.
Why the Norwegian Fjords Should be on your Bucket List
Growing up and living in Norway, I’ve seen firsthand how these natural wonders captivate visitors from all over the world. Let me tell you this: No matter how you choose to explore them, Norway’s fjords will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
There’s something magical about Norway’s fjords. Whether you’re driving along dramatic mountain roads, hiking to a jaw-dropping viewpoint, or gliding through serene waters on a cruise, the fjords offer a unique combination of tranquility and adventure.