Experiences
Norwegian fjords: the most beautiful fjords and fjord cruises
The Nærøyfjord where the mountains almost touch, the Sognefjord reaching 200 kilometres inland and the Hjørundfjord beneath the Sunnmøre Alps. The fjords, the cruises and the hotels by the water.
The morning is still. The fjord lies like a mirror between the mountains, a sheep bleats somewhere up the slope, and a waterfall makes white noise in the distance. When the boat leaves the quay, its wake splits the silence in two. No other country has fjords like Norway, and no one quite gets over the first encounter.
Here are the most beautiful Norwegian fjords, the best ways to see them and the hotels where you can wake up with the fjord outside your window. We also have separate guides to the Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen and Pulpit Rock and the Lysefjord.
The links to the hotels and experiences are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The most beautiful fjords in Norway
The Nærøyfjord: one of the narrowest fjords in the world, on the UNESCO World Heritage List with the Geirangerfjord. Best seen by boat between Flåm and Gudvangen.
The Sognefjord: Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, with arms such as the Aurlandsfjord, the Fjærlandsfjord and the Lustrafjord.
The Hardangerfjord: fruit blossom in spring, waterfalls and Trolltunga above Odda.
The Hjørundfjord: surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, with peaks plunging straight into the water. Less known and wilder.
The Geirangerfjord and the Lysefjord: the most famous, with the Seven Sisters and Pulpit Rock.
Fjord cruises: how to see the fjords from the water
The easiest option is a fjord cruise from Bergen, where the day trip through the Osterfjord to Mostraumen takes about three hours. Longer trips go to the Sognefjord and Flåm. From Flåm, quiet electric boats sail through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. For several days at sea, Hurtigruten is a classic choice.
Book the experience: See fjord cruises from Bergen
Read more about Hurtigruten along the coast.
Raftsundet
Hurtigruten through Raftsundet.
Hurtigruten and coastal cruises
Hurtigruten sails the entire coast from Bergen to Kirkenes. Many choose a shorter stretch, such as Bergen to Ålesund and the Geirangerfjord in summer, or Tromsø and further north for the northern lights in winter.
Where to stay by the fjords
The grand old fjord hotels were built for travellers who arrived by boat more than a century ago. Many still stand, with views you will not forget.
Stalheim Hotel
The view over the Nærøy valley from Stalheim.
Stalheim Hotel
Stalheim sits high above the Nærøy valley, with one of Norway’s most famous views straight from the lounge. It is a short drive down to Gudvangen and the boat through the Nærøyfjord, and breakfast is included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Stalheim Hotel
Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
Kviknes is one of the classic fjord hotels on the Sognefjord, in Swiss chalet style with a roof terrace facing the water. Balestrand is a small village with an artistic history and boat connections to Flåm and Bergen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kviknes Hotel
Hotel Brosundet
Hotel Brosundet sits right on the canal in Ålesund.
Hotel Brosundet, Ålesund
Hotel Brosundet occupies an old warehouse on the canal in central Ålesund, the town rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. Both the Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord are a short trip away, and breakfast is included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Brosundet
Bergen Børs Hotel
Bergen is the gateway to the fjords, and Bergen Børs sits in the heart of town, a stone’s throw from Bryggen and the boats. A great base for day trips on the fjord.
Book your stay: See rooms at Bergen Børs Hotel
When is the best time to see the Norwegian fjords?
May and June: the waterfalls are at their biggest, fruit blossom in Hardanger and snow on the peaks.
July and August: the warmest months, all mountain roads open and the most boat departures.
September and October: autumn colours, fewer people and often calm weather.
Winter: quiet fjords and snowy mountains. Fewer departures, but a calm of its own.
Norwegian fjords FAQ
What is the most beautiful fjord in Norway?
The Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are the most famous, and both are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many think the Hjørundfjord is the most beautiful, because it sees fewer visitors.
What is the longest fjord in Norway?
The Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, about 200 kilometres long.
Where can you take a fjord cruise in Norway?
Day cruises leave from Bergen, Flåm, Geiranger, Ålesund and Stavanger. For longer journeys, Hurtigruten is a classic choice.
When is the best time to visit the Norwegian fjords?
From May to September all roads and boats are running. June has the biggest waterfalls, and September brings autumn colours and fewer people.
Where should I stay to see the fjords?
Stalheim Hotel by the Nærøyfjord, Kviknes in Balestrand and Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund are great choices. In Bergen, stay central at Bergen Børs Hotel.