Amazing country. It is impossible to look at its not majestic nature without aspiration. In winter, it is restrained and severe, and in the short northern summer it blooms with pure and juicy emerald colors. Norwegian fjords can be considered a national treasure of the country. These are picturesque sea bays, crashing into a rocky coast and extending deep into the mainland for tens of kilometers. They are visited by millions of tourists every year. The best angle is from the water.
During a boat trip, a breathtaking view of the steep slopes from which waterfalls rush down opens up. At first, the traveler is surrounded by green hills and mountains, but gradually snow-covered peaks appear on the horizon. In a word, the spectacle is unforgettable.
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Which fjords are worth visiting?
There are thousands of fjords in Norway, the entire western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula is dotted with them. But mostly they visit a dozen of the most famous and most accessible, among which everyone knows Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord. Of course, the infrastructure around the bays is well developed. They are easily accessible by transport from the nearest cities. There are comfortable hotels and restaurants in the fishing villages on the shores. If a tourist wants to see all this beauty from the water, then ferries, pleasure boats and even cruise ships are at his service. On land, observation decks are equipped, where highways lead.
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Tours and excursions in the fjords
Organized tours of the fjords of Norway in most cases start from Oslo. The agencies have different programs, but most often they involve inspecting the bays both from water and from land. The cost of travel for 6-7 days - from 1000 EUR per person (excluding the road to Oslo, plane tickets are paid for on their own). This amount also includes breakfast. If you go by ferry from St. Petersburg, it will turn out cheaper - from 300 EUR per person. But this is a fee only for accommodation in 2-3 local cabins, transfers between cities / towns by bus and basic excursion services.
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Independent visit
Solo travelers will have to use public transport. Almost always this involves several transplants. For example, to see the Preikestolen rock and get to Lysefjord, you must first arrive in Stavanger from Bergen by bus, then take a ferry to Tau, where you can transfer to a bus going to the foot of the mountain. Many people prefer to rent a car - the roads in Norway are incredibly scenic. There are even so-called "national tourist roads" along the shores of the bays, but some of them are paid. For example, the passage of the Lysebotn - Lauvvik (Lyusefjord) section of 40 km costs 650 NOK. Just along these highways there are observation platforms, equipped places for recreation, information centers.
Popular Norwegian fjords
The nature of the Norwegian fjords is amazing and unique. A wonderful primordial world filled with unexpected discoveries opens up before travelers. Only here is it possible to simultaneously admire the bright greenery of the valleys, snow-covered mountain peaks, blue sea waters, artistic waterfalls and picturesque rocky shores.
The legendary Norwegian fjords are located on the northwest coast of the country. Millions of years ago, powerful movements of the earth's crust led to the formation of deep cracks in the territory of the Eurasian lithospheric plate in the region of the North Atlantic and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Many faults were below sea level and were soon flooded with water. During the last ice age, the long, narrow and deep fjords that formed were further processed by the tongues of glaciers sliding towards the sea. Slowly cutting through the continental space, they created that unprecedented natural beauty, which even today causes sincere admiration and reverence.
Fjords are not only a symbol, but also the soul of Norway. Each fjord has its own landscape, shade of sea water, microclimate and, as the Norwegians say, a special character. It is best to start your acquaintance with the fjords of Norway with a visit to the city of Bergen. It's not in vain locals call this place "the gate to the kingdom of the fjords", and the city itself will charm visitors with its picturesque places, cultural attractions and a special cozy atmosphere, so inherent in small European cities. And don't be afraid to get bored! Fords of Norway is a great place for fishing, hunting, climbing, hiking and other activities active rest.
Nordfjord is one of the northernmost fjords of Western Norway, stretching from the largest continental European glacier Jøstedalsbreen to the Atlantic coast. The fjord is 110 km long and is internally divided into 4 main arms: Gloppefjorden, Faleidfjorden, Hyefjorden and Eidsfjorden.
Kjenndalsbreen glacier, Norway. © Natalia Eriksson Photography The Nordfjord region perfectly combines scenic landscapes, historical places and a decent selection of recreational activities. Here you will see how the tongues of the giant Briksdalsbreen and Kjenndalsbreen glaciers, descending to the Nordfjord, paint the surrounding lakes and rivers in a piercing turquoise color; how numerous waterfalls rush down from the rocky mountains. You will also have the opportunity to visit the deepest lake in Europe - Hornindalsvatnet, and on the island of Selje, near the Nordfjord, walk along the well-preserved ruins of a 12th-century monastery built by Benedictine monks.
The nature of the Stryn region and the Nordfjord offers outdoor enthusiasts excellent conditions for hiking, rafting, canoeing, fishing, cycling and glacier climbing. In the period from November to April, a good snow cover sets in here, making it possible to enjoy all the delights winter views sports.
© Lasse Fløde Photography
Hardangerfjord is the second longest fjord in Norway and the third longest in the world. The 113-kilometer fjord is located in the southwestern part of the country and boasts a maximum depth of 891 meters. It originates near the city of Bergen (Bergen), in the North Sea near the island of Stour and extends to the largest mountain plateau in Norway called Hardangervidda.
Hardangerfjord is often referred to as the Garden of Norway due to its colorful fruit trees, the scent of which wafts for miles around during flowering. Most travelers try to visit given place in spring, in order to fully enjoy the beauty of the flowering of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees.
The famous rock Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue). © Terje Nesthus/Flickr Norwegians are very proud of the fjord, considering it one of the most significant tourist attractions in their country. pristine nature, serene calm and silence of the Hardangerfjord attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Surrounded by high rocky mountains, sometimes reaching one and a half kilometers, and bewitching waterfalls, the Hardangerfjord has become a source of inspiration for many artists. For example, the fjord is immortalized on the canvas "Honeymoon in Hardanger" by the Norwegian masters Hans Gude and Adolf Tidemand.
There are many attractions near Hardangerfjord, in particular, the Vøringsfossen waterfall with a total height of 182 meters, the third largest Norwegian glacier Folgefonn (Folgefonn) with a length of 60 km and a stunning stone ledge on Mount Skjeggedal (Trolltunga). Last miracle nature is a breakaway part of the rock, towering over Lake Ringedalsvatn (Ringedalsvatnet) at an altitude of 350 meters. All daredevils who have overcome the petrified tongue of the Troll are guaranteed a fantastic view of the surroundings, a charge of unprecedented vivacity and luxurious photographs.
Vøringsfossen waterfall, Norway. © Kiwibu/Flickr 
In the southern part of the fjord region near Stavanger (Stavanger) and Haugesund (Haugesund) splashes a small, but infinitely beloved by travelers Lysefjord. Despite its modest size (the fjord is 42 km long and the depth ranges from 13 to 422 meters), Lysefjord is one of the most popular tourist sites in Norway due to its educational value and spectacular appeal.
Pulpit Rock ("Pulpit Rock"), Norway. © Alexander Mikulich Photography Here is the famous cliff Preikestolen (Preikestolen), in English also called Pulpit Rock ("Pulpit Rock") or Preacher's Pulpit ("Pulpit"). The top of a giant rock, hanging at a height of 604 meters above the Lysefjord, is notable for its surprisingly smooth surface and almost perfect square shape. It is believed that in ancient times the "Rock-pulpit" served as a place for pagan rituals. Preikestolen is still a magnet for curious tourists who are eager to get a share of adrenaline. Just remember, the path to the cliff is quite difficult, in some places there are steep paths. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to fully enjoy the view of the rock from the side of the fjord by taking a pleasant boat or ferry ride.
No less famous landmark of Norway is the Kjerag rock, which has long been chosen by climbers and base jumpers. Thrill-seekers will surely remember the photo shoot on the Kjeragbolten rock, hovering in a crevice of two sheer cliffs above a 1080-meter-high abyss. The Norwegian pea stone is considered one of the most dangerous stones in the world. And for good reason, because even a small gust of wind is able to throw off a curious daredevil who perched on him into a cliff.
© Rob Pelon Photography
Pea stone Kjeragbolten, Norway. © Maksim Chokan/Google Plus
The largest fjord in Europe, the Sognefjord, is the second largest in the world, second only to Greenland's Scoresby. This is the most-most Norwegian fjord: it is the longest - its length is 204 km, the deepest - the maximum water column reaches 1308 meters, the most popular - in 2005 its part, Nærøyfjord, was included in the list of UNESCO sites. The "King of the Fjords", as the Norwegians themselves like to call it, is located 170 km from the city of Bergen. Penetrating the central part of the country, the Sognefjord is the center of attraction for hundreds of thousands of tourists a year.
Nature is the main attraction of Sognefjord, able to enchant everyone with its lush valleys, deep gorges, massive mountain ranges, roaring waterfalls, glaciers and quiet lakes full of trout. Here you can see the highest waterfalls in the country, in particular the majestic and highest natural waterfall in Norway Vettisfossen (Vettisfossen) with a height of 275 meters, which is near the city of Ordal. And a leisurely walk through the Viking village of Gudvangen, located in a narrow gorge and surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest, will forever leave a trembling mark on your soul.
Stave Church (XII century) in Urnes, Norway. © Mihaela Dinca Photography In the vicinity of Sognefjord there are two national parks - Jostedalsbreen (Jostedalsbreen national park) and Jotunheimen National Park. Both parks are ideal for mountain climbing, rafting, canoeing and horseback riding. Fans of hiking and cycling will remember the so-called "Digger Road" (Rallarvegen), which is a route through the most breathtaking landscapes of the Sognefjord with its rich history and well-preserved customs.
Lovers of antiquity and connoisseurs of architecture should definitely visit the small town of Urnes, the highlight of which is the Stave Church. This most beautiful wooden church was erected in the XII century and is considered the oldest of such holy structures that have survived to this day.
And, of course, a trip to Songdefjord would not be complete without a visit to the unique Flåmsbana railway. One of the coolest and most extreme railways in the world, with its modest length of 20 km, it has a vertical drop of 864 meters. Built in the harsh conditions of the Norwegian landscape, the Flåm Railway can safely be called a real work of engineering art. An exciting train ride among high-altitude farms, picturesque waterfalls, rivers, snow-covered peaks awaits you.
© Erik Barfoed/Flickr
Flåmsbana Railway, Norway. © Bent Inge Ask/Flickr Geirangerfjord
Shrouded in legends, adorned with sheer cliffs and murmuring waterfalls, the Geirangerfjord proudly bears the title of the most picturesque Norwegian fjord. Due to its uniqueness and beauty, in 2005 it was included in the number of objects world heritage UNESCO as part of the Fjords of Western Norway. The Geirangerfjord is 15 km long and reaches a maximum depth of 600 meters. This fjord is located 100 km from the city of Ålesund and is surrounded by the most steep mountains Total west coast countries.
The main charm of the Geirangerfjord lies in the cascades of water breaking down from the sheer cliffs and giving rise to majestic waterfalls, the most famous of which are the Seven Sisters (De syv søstrene), the Bridegroom (Friaren) and the Bridal Veil (Brudesløret).
View of the Geirangerfjorden from Flüdalsüvet. © Ximonic Admire the artistic fjord from the side cruise ship. However, perhaps the most breathtaking views in front of travelers open from the observation deck Ornevegen (Ørneveien). The path ahead is not easy, because the so-called "Road of Eagles", leading to the observation platform, is a difficult section of mountain serpentine. Overcoming 11 sharp turns and rising from the coast to the most high point mountains - Korsmur, from a height of 620 meters above sea level, you will see the best panorama of the Geirangerfjord.
You can also enjoy the virgin nature, the purest mountain air and unforgettable views of this area from other viewing platforms. Dalsnibba, 1500 meters above sea level, the Flydalsjuvet rock, which has the intriguing name "threshold to heaven" and Mountain road Trollstigen, winding among steep slopes and flowing waterfalls, will give tourists an unprecedented delight.
Connoisseurs will certainly appreciate a visit to the local museum in Geiranger, which tells the story of the origin of the fjords and exhibits amazing artifacts well preserved from the Ice Age.
True gourmets are simply obliged to visit the Herdalssetra high-altitude farm near the village of Norddal, where in summer you can not only watch the preparation of cheese and caramel from goat's milk, but also taste these traditional Norwegian delicacies. Herdalssetra is one of the largest surviving alpine goat farms, whose owners are trying their best to maintain the farming tradition of 300 years ago.
Breathtaking mountain serpentine Trollstigen (Trollstigen), Norway. © Andrew Cawa Photography 
Evening charm of the Norwegian city of Ålesund. © Europe Trotter Photography What are the fjords of Norway
The word fjord can literally be translated as a bay. It is in Norway that their number is the largest. If we take into account only the main fjords without branches, then there are 97 of them. And the most amazing thing is that each fjord has its own unforgettable landscape and its own history. Some of them are several tens of meters long, while others extend for tens of kilometers.
The appearance of fjords in Norway is due to 2 reasons:
- As a result of tectonic movements of the earth's crust, the crust breaks and a fjord appears in its place.
- After the ice age, ice floes began to fall, collecting and dragging huge boulders with them. As a result, the structure of the earth's surface changed and the unique bays of Norway appeared.
To get acquainted with all the fjords, you need to travel around the country for several months, which is quite difficult. Therefore, you can see all the beauty of nature by visiting the most famous of the fjords. In order to find them, you need to hit the road leading from the cities of Bergen and Alesund.
Unique in its size. Sognefjord honorably takes the second place in the list of the largest fjords in the world. It is as long as 204 km, and the maximum depth is 1308 meters. The fjord is located near the city of Bergen.
The landscape of the fjord is very rich: this and majestic mountains with snow caps, and endless meadows, and breathtaking waterfalls. Tourists can visit the Sognefjord as cruise ship as well as by walking or cycling.
Compared to the endless Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord seems quite small. After all, its length is all 20 km. But even despite its small size, it is still considered the most visited fjord by tourists.
Already in 2006 Geirangerfjord was included in the UNESCO list. Tourists can not only enjoy the picturesque place, but also go fishing, rafting and kayaking.
There is also a real threshold to heaven on this fjord, where the most best view. Cause delight among tourists and the waterfalls of the fjord.
And this fjord is considered the narrowest in Norway. The rocks surrounding it seem to hug the waters of the bay. According to legend, the fjord is named after the god Njord, who fell in love with this bay for its picturesque landscapes. God liked the fjord sea much more than the endless seas and oceans and he began to protect it.
Nærøyfjord is located 150 km from Bergen. Upon reaching it, you can walk along royal path, see a stunning panorama from the Stegastein observation deck and visit a real Viking village - Gudvangen.
The meaning of the word "fjord" in Scandinavia is more general than in the rest of the world - for example, in the eastern part of Norway, the term is also used for narrow freshwater lakes or even rivers.
However, usually a fjord is considered to be a rocky sea bay of a sinuous shape, penetrating deep into the land for many kilometers. Most fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea level. The height of the rocks, which are the shores of such a bay, reaches several hundred meters, and the length exceeds the width by many times. Usually, many branches form a kind of tree structure from the main fjord.
Some regions of Chile, New Zealand, the USA, Russia, Canada and other countries can boast of the presence of such wonders of nature. But the most interesting fjords are located in Scandinavia, and the most picturesque in Norway.
norwegian fjords
Located in Greenland, Scoresby, whose length is 350 km, and the height of the rocky coast reaches almost 1.5 km, is considered the longest in Europe.
The second and third places are rightfully occupied by the Norwegian Sogneford and Hardangerfjord. The length of the first one is 204 km, with a maximum width of 6 km and a coast height of just over 1.3 km. The dimensions of the second are more modest - the length is 183 km, the width is 10 km, and the height is 750 m.
In total, there are more than a thousand fjords in Norway. Some of them are extremely narrow (in some places no more than 250m), for example, the Geiranger Fjord or Nerøy Fjord, while others, on the contrary, are wide like bays - Boknafjord or Thornheims Fjord. Often the fjords are so deep and wide (especially in western Norway) that they can only be crossed by ferry. Historically, these bays were the only possible main routes, since overland travel through such terrain is difficult, if not simply unrealistic. Until today, the fjords remain a serious obstacle to the construction of railways and highways.
Climate
In winter, the fjords usually do not freeze, thanks to the relatively warm ocean. Summer temperatures also depend on the distance of the ocean - on the outer parts they are quite moderate, while in the inside the summer is relatively long and warm. Such a climate makes it possible to grow fruits and berries on an industrial scale inside the fjords, on fields protected from the winds. Most of the fruit and berry products grow on the slopes of the Hardangerfjord.
The most beautiful fjords
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, located in southwestern Norway, are 120 km apart and form part of the western Norwegian fjord, which stretches from Stavanger in the south to Åndalsnes 500 km in the northeast. Two fjords, which are on the list of the longest and deepest in the world, are included in the list of the most picturesque. Numerous waterfalls, forested shores, lakes and glaciers create an unusually beautiful landscape. In 2005, the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to the Sogne-, Hardanger-, Geiranger- and Nerøy-fjords, the following are popular among tourists:
- Lysefjord, thanks to the picturesque cliffs of Preikestolen and Kjerag;
- Oslo Fjord, on the territory of which there are hundreds of small islands;
- Vestfjord, in the waters of which killer whales live, and many others.
Coral reefs
At the beginning of the 21st century, along the bottom of some Norwegian fjords, coral reefs were discovered and partially explored, located at a depth of 40 to 150 m. It is believed that it is thanks to their presence that the Norwegian coastline is such a good place for fishing. There are many forms of life on the reefs: plankton, corals, anemones, fish, several types of sharks and others. Most are specially adapted to life under high water pressure and in total darkness.
Norway is considered one of the most interesting countries in Europe precisely because of the beauty of its landscapes, which are given unusualness by fjords that intricately cut almost the entire coast.
