Norwegian Fjords

A world-class fjord region in western Norway made up of the four great fjords, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord, with Bergen as its gateway.

The Norwegian fjords generally refer to the fjord country on Norway's west coast (Vestlandet) between Stavanger and Ålesund, centered on four great fjords: Sognefjord, the longest and deepest (including the Nærøyfjord, a World Heritage Site); Geirangerfjord (a World Heritage Site), famous for the Seven Sisters waterfall; Hardangerfjord, with its orchards and glaciers; and Lysefjord, home to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag. Bergen is the most commonly used gateway city, while Ålesund and Stavanger are bases at the northern and southern ends respectively. The classic way to see it is “Norway in a Nutshell”: from Oslo or Bergen, take the Flåm Railway down to the fjord, then a ferry through the Nærøyfjord, which can be done in a day or two. For a deeper trip, 7–10 days by car is recommended, linking Geiranger, the Trollstigen, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, with a day set aside to hike Preikestolen or Trolltunga (10–12 hours round trip, requiring fitness and an early start). Getting around relies mainly on driving and ferries, and the Hurtigruten coastal ships also call at Bergen and Ålesund. The best season is May–Sep; in winter the mountain roads are closed and daylight is short, but the Bergen and Flåm railways run as usual. Prices are high, ferries require extra time, and popular summer accommodation must be booked months in advance.

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