Guide to Exploring the Norwegian Fjords: Where and when to visit

Often described as the gateway to the Norwegian fjords, Bergen is one of the best cities in Norway for fjord travel, with excellent rail, road and sea connections.

If you plan to stay in the city for a day or two, it might be worth investing in a Bergen Card, which entitles you to free admission to museums and tourist attractions. You can purchase a card from the tourist information centre, railway station or boat terminal.

The city of Bergen is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and your first port of call should be Hanseatic Wharf. The wharf is scattered with museums that offer insights into Bergens fascinating past. Distinctive colourful wooden buildings with steeply pointed roofs create a scene that looks like it has leapt straight out of a postcard.

Whilst in Bergen, pay a visit to the world famous fish market with its huge variety of fish. Sample raw oysters and snack on freshly boiled shrimps. The market also has an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a selection of local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Close to the fish market is the Floibanen Funicular Railway, which shoots up to the top of Floyen Mountain, where visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjords. From the top, walkers can enjoy guided walks across the mountain.

At the innermost part of Aurlandsfjord, the small town of Flam is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, green valleys and steep mountains. In fact the name itself means “little place between steep mountains”. Located on a branch of the Sognefjord, Flam sits within one of the best fjord regions in Norway, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in the country.

The town is home to the Flam Railway, a world famous railway that is over 65 years old. It is one of the steepest railway lines in the world, taking passengers high up into the surrounding mountains. The Flamsbana museum offers an intriguing insight into the history of the railway.

The area around Flam is a nature lovers' paradise - cycling, hiking and fishing are all popular activities. For those preferring a slower pace, short fjord cruises and lakeside walks are also popular. Take a step back in time on a guided tour of the ancient settlement of Otternes Bygdetun where you can experience old crafts and cooking practices. Otternes Bygdetun has 27 buildings still standing, which date back to the 1600s.

Stavanger is home to Norways oldest cathedral. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral was damaged by fire in 1272, when it received a new chapel built in the Gothic style. From the tourist information centre in Stavanger, you can join a guided tour of the city that takes in the cathedral and other historical sites of Stavanger.

Outside of the city, there are some stunning wilderness areas to explore. Follow a two hour hiking trail to Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit Rock. This flat outcrop offers uninterrupted views of Lysefjord, one of the most famous and dramatic of all the Norwegian Fjords. It’s a good idea to go early in the morning to beat the crowds. The route is better suited to sure-footed walkers as there is no guard rail and it can be quite steep in parts. 

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are many boat trips on Lysefjord that offer a more relaxed way to enjoy the scenery. Stavanger also has some beautiful sandy beaches and Solastranden is one of the longest sandy beaches in Norway - a great place to relax after a long day of walking.

Lonely Planet has highlighted Geiranger as the best travel destination in Scandinavia, and Geirangerfjord has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Anyone visiting the Norwegian Fjords should have Geiranger on their itinerary in order to experience one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.

The region is blessed with an array of waterfalls that tumble into Geirangerfjord, including the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil and the Suitor. Hire a small boat for the day to explore the beautiful cliffs and waterways.

Only around 250 people live in Geiranger permanently, and old farmhouses can be seen dotted about the green hills. There are a few large hotels in the area, some with balconies overlooking the spectacular Geirangerfjord.

Marked hiking trails include regular viewpoints, and there is even a path that takes walkers behind the Storseterfossen waterfall.

With a 182m free fall of water, Voringsfossen Waterfall is the most famous waterfall in the Norwegian Fjords. Voringsfossen plunges into the Mabodalen, offering first class sightseeing opportunities. It is located in the Hardangerfjord region, one of Norway’s most scenic fjord areas.

There are scenic paths and viewing routes in the Hardangerfjord region leading to the waterfall. Viewing platforms make it easy to admire the falls safely. Hardangervidda Nature Centre at the bottom of the Mabodalen Valley is also worth a look while you are in the area. The centre showcases fjords, mountains and waterfalls and it explores the relationship between nature and human intervention.

Fjord travel in Norway often involves boat journeys, remote areas and changeable weather, so having appropriate travel insurance in place can offer valuable peace of mind – particularly for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

It should only take a few minutes to get a travel insurance quote and we can issue cover immediately. Simply tell us your destination, travel dates and declare your medical history.