The Norwegian fjords are not one place, they are a coastline of deep blue water, knife-cut mountains, and quiet villages that feel both wild and welcoming. As someone who grew up with the fjords as weekend plans rather than bucket-list goals, I can tell you there are many good ways to see them, and a few that will leave you stuck in crowds or missing the best bits.
If you want the short answer, here it is. Base yourself in Bergen or Ålesund, travel between valleys by train and local ferries, and give yourself at least three full days, ideally seven. The most famous fjords for first-time visitors are Sognefjord with its narrow arm Nærøyfjord, Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjord by Stavanger. The prime visiting window is May to September, with June and early July offering long days and snow still on the peaks.
Ready to plan a trip that goes beyond a photo stop. Let’s dive into the Norwegian fjords, how to reach them, where to go, and how to see them well.
Best Time to Visit the Norwegian Fjords
Norway’s west coast has a maritime climate. Spring arrives late in the mountains and early on the islands, which makes timing important.
May to September is the main fjord season. In May the waterfalls are full and the orchards in Hardanger bloom. June and early July bring the longest days, often 18 to 20 hours of usable light. August is stable and great for hiking and kayaking. September turns the hillsides golden and crowds thin, though evenings get cool and some seasonal services reduce frequency.
You can visit outside summer, and winter fjords can be beautiful and quiet, but expect fewer boat departures, limited mountain road access, and early darkness. If your dream is hiking above the fjords, aim for late June through early September for the safest trails and least snow higher up.
Where to Start: Bergen, Ålesund, Stavanger, or Oslo
Bergen is the classic gateway to Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. It has frequent flights, a walkable center, and plenty of fjord tours and local ferries.
Ålesund sits north of the major fjords and is perfect for Geirangerfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps. The Art Nouveau town center is worth a slow stroll.
Stavanger puts you close to Lysefjord, where you find Preikestolen and Kjerag. If your goal is those cliff hikes, this is the right base.
Oslo works as a starting point if you want scenic trains, especially the Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway. Many travelers do Oslo to Bergen with a fjord detour in between.
Getting Around: Trains, Ferries, Buses, Car, and Coastal Voyages
You do not need a car to see the fjords, though a car gives you flexibility.
Trains and ferries. The Bergen Railway connects Oslo and Bergen across the Hardangervidda plateau, and it is a destination on its own. The Flåm Railway drops from high mountains to the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of Sognefjord. Local car ferries are part of the road system, and foot-passenger fjord boats connect small villages that have no road on the water side. In summer, departures are frequent.
Buses. Regional buses fill the gaps where trains do not run, especially around Sogn og Fjordane and Møre og Romsdal. They are reliable, though you should check timetables early if you plan tight connections.
Driving. A rental car lets you linger at viewpoints and chase blue-sky windows. Roads are good, but narrow in places with tunnels and hairpins. Expect car ferries on many routes, and build wait time into your day. Tolls are automatic, billed through your rental agency. Parking in small villages is limited near popular trailheads, so arrive early.
Coastal voyages. The Norwegian coastal ships sail daily between Bergen and Kirkenes, calling at Ålesund, Geiranger in summer on some sailings, and many smaller ports. This is a relaxed way to sample multiple fjords without repacking every night.
Day cruises and RIB boats. From Bergen, Flåm, Geiranger, and Stavanger, you can join sightseeing boats, classic fjord cruises, or fast RIB trips that nose under waterfalls. For photography, the slower boats are kinder.
The Fjords to Prioritize
Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord. The longest and deepest fjord in Norway, with tiny farms perched high above the water. The narrow Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO site, steep, dramatic, and easy to access from Flåm or Gudvangen. My local tip: take one direction by electric fjord boat and return by bus over the Stalheimskleiva area for mountain views.
Geirangerfjord. Another UNESCO classic with the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls. It is busy in July. If you want the famous view without the crowd, go up to Flydalsjuvet early morning or late evening when buses are gone and the light is soft.
Hardangerfjord. Softer landscapes, fruit orchards, and glacier views. In May the apple and cherry blossoms transform the valley. Drive the stretch between Odda and Utne, and stop at small farm shops, then visit the Vøringsfossen waterfall area.
Lysefjord. Close to Stavanger, home to Preikestolen and Kjerag. The fjord itself is narrower and craggy. A cruise is great, but if you hike Preikestolen, start at dawn to have the plateau with fewer people.
Nordfjord and Hjørundfjord. Less famous than the big names but equally striking. Hjørundfjord gives you a wilder, quieter feel, especially if you base in Øye or smaller villages.
Itineraries That Work
3 days, no car. Oslo to Myrdal by train, switch to the Flåm Railway, fjord cruise on Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, overnight in Flåm or Aurland. On day two, bus to Voss and train to Bergen. Day three, Hardangerfjord day trip or a hike near Bergen.
5 days, with a car. Arrive Bergen, drive to Norheimsund and along Hardangerfjord, overnight in Eidfjord. Next day cross to Aurlandsfjord via the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road in summer, stop at Stegastein Viewpoint, sleep in Aurland. Day three, Nærøyfjord boat plus short valley hikes. Day four drive north to Skei or Loen in Nordfjord. Day five return to Bergen via coastal roads.
7 to 10 days, deeper cut. Bergen to Sognefjord, two nights in Aurland, up to Sogndal, loop to Fjærland for glacier museum and calm water, then over to Ålesund, day trip to Geirangerfjord, and round back via the Trollstigen road if open. Build in a rest day by the water. You will thank yourself.
Classic Experiences You Should Consider
Ride the Flåm Railway. It is famous for a reason, with hairpin tunnels and waterfalls close enough to mist your face. Sit on the right side going down for the best valley views.
Take a fjord boat at least once. Seeing the cliffs from water level is the essence of a fjord trip. If you get motion sick, pick a larger, slower vessel and sit outside with a fixed focus point.
Hike above the water. Even a one-hour climb to a local viewpoint changes everything. Ask your host for a nearby marked trail that suits your fitness, and pack layers. Weather changes quickly.
Kayak in calm morning water. Inlets like Aurlandsfjord are glassy at 7 or 8 in the morning. Guided trips are safest if you are new to fjord conditions.
Scenic drives. Roads like Ørnesvingen, Gaularfjellet, and the Snow Road between Aurland and Lærdal mix high plateaus with sudden panoramas. Always pull into marked lay-bys for photos, never stop in the lane.
Where to Stay
In summer, fjord villages book early. Reserve your first and last nights well ahead, especially in Flåm, Geiranger, and Loen. Mix it up if you can.
Family-run guesthouses and fjord cabins put you closer to the quiet evenings you came for. Historic hotels are lovely for a splurge and often have lake views and good restaurants. In smaller places, there may be only one grocery store, so check opening hours and stock up before you arrive.
What It Costs and How to Book Smart
Norway is not cheap, but you can plan around the peaks.
- Transport. Long-distance trains are cheaper if you buy in advance. Regional buses and ferries have fixed prices. Car rental pricing jumps in July and August, so early booking helps.
- Food. Self-cater breakfasts and pack snacks from supermarkets. Most villages have picnic tables with views better than any restaurant.
- Activities. A single fjord cruise is worth the money. For the rest, free hiking trails and public viewpoints will fill your days.
- Timing. Traveling in late May or early September saves money and trims crowds while keeping good weather odds.
What to Pack for the Fjords
Layers are non-negotiable. Bring a light insulated jacket, a windproof waterproof shell, hiking shoes with grip, hat and gloves even in June for high viewpoints, and a dry bag for boat days. Cotton kills comfort, so use quick-dry shirts and socks. A reusable water bottle is perfect since tap water is excellent everywhere.
Weather, Safety, and Trail Sense
The fjords can deliver four seasons in a single day. Check forecasts in the morning, and check again mid-afternoon if you plan an evening hike. On marked trails, red T symbols guide you, but fog can make navigation tricky. If a trail description mentions exposure, take it seriously. Choose a route that matches your experience, and tell someone your plan if you go off the main paths.
Water levels in rivers rise fast in warm spells and after rain. Keep a healthy distance from waterfall edges and wet rock. On boat decks, watch for slippery surfaces. If you drive, keep your speed down in tunnels and remember that locals know the corners better than you do.
Traveling Sustainably in Fjord Country
Norway invests heavily in greener fjord travel. Many sightseeing boats are electric or hybrid, and public transport reaches more places each year. You can help by using trains where possible, choosing electric rental cars if available, and staying longer in fewer places rather than hopping every night. Pack out all litter, keep to marked paths, and support small local businesses in the villages you visit.
Accessibility Notes
Fjord boats and many viewpoints are accessible, though not all historic paths are. Major viewpoints like Stegastein have accessible platforms, and larger boats have accessible bathrooms. If accessibility is essential for your party, plan your key sights first, then build logistics around the services that fit your needs.
Local Etiquette and Useful Know-How
Norwegians value quiet enjoyment of nature. Say hello on trails, give way on narrow sections, and park only in marked places even if the view tempts you to stop. Alcohol is regulated, and you buy beer in supermarkets before evening, wine and spirits in the state store. Tipping is appreciated but modest, roughly rounding up or 5 to 10 percent in restaurants if service was good.
One last local tip. The fjords are at their most magical early and late. If you set your alarm for sunrise or sit outside after dinner, you will meet the stillness that makes people fall in love with this coast. The water turns mirror-smooth, the mountains catch rose light, and it will feel like the fjord is yours for a while.