The Norwegian fjords: a land of superlatives
Norway’s fjords showcase our homeland at its most dramatic. Narrow valleys, soaring peaks and deep waters, all forged by ice and time. There’s nothing else quite like it.
The Norwegian fjords are more than just landscapes. Carved by ancient glaciers and filled with the sea, these deep, dramatic inlets are the heart and soul of the Norwegian coast.
To sail through them is to step into a world where nature’s power is on full display: towering mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and waters that reflect the ever-changing Nordic light.
The fjords run deep in our identity. For centuries, they’ve shaped how we live, travel and tell stories. Steep cliffs and swirling mists gave rise to legends of trolls and hidden spirits. Remote farms and fishing villages, clinging to the mountainsides, speak to a life lived in close rhythm with nature.
Nobody knows our fjords as well as we do. We’ve been sailing these waters since 1893, through all seasons, battling wind, rain and snow.
But we're still captivated by them each time we sail – and we’re sure you will be too.
Watch: Our 5 must-see Norwegian fjords
See for yourself why our fjords are known as nature’s masterpieces. Join us on a visual journey through five of our favourite fjords – and start dreaming of your own adventure.
What is a fjord?
Fjords are ancient masterpieces shaped by nature itself. As the glaciers of the Ice Age slowly retreated, they carved out immense U-shaped valleys through the bedrock.
When the ice finally receded, seawater surged into these valleys, flooding them to create the dramatic landscapes we admire today – soaring cliffs and deep, reflective waters. Our ancestors also found the fjords beautiful (and bountiful), shown via the many villages and settlements dotted along their shores.
Imagine a dramatic ocean inlet carved deep into the heart of the landscape, where steep, towering mountains rise impressively on three sides. The fourth side, known as the mouth, opens out to the sea, creating a gateway between rugged wilderness and open waters.
Fjords vary remarkably, ranging from wide, gentle expanses to those with passages so narrow that you feel you could touch the mountainside with your fingertips as your ship sails in.
Where are the Norwegian fjords?
Norway has the second-longest coastline in the world – and that’s in part thanks to the fact that we have the highest concentration of fjords in the world.
Our coastline is home to over 1,700 fjords. Most are found in Western Norway, between Stavanger and Trondheim, with some of the most famous near Bergen and Ålesund.
But fjords are everywhere along the length of our coast. Oslofjord in the south connects our capital to the sea, while Isfjord in Svalbard reaches deep into the Arctic.
When is the best time to visit the Norwegian fjords?
The fjords change dramatically with the seasons. Each has its highlights, whether it’s the beautiful power of spring waterfalls, the long summer days, or the chance to see the Northern Lights dance overhead.
Spring
In spring, the waterfalls are at their strongest as snow melts, and apple orchards cover some fjords, such as Hardangerfjord, in blossom. See it for yourself on our Inner Fjords Explorer cruise, with sailings in April and May.
Summer
Summer is the best time for hiking, cycling and kayaking in the fjords. Above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun bathes the waters with 24-hour light. Sail into some of our most iconic fjords, including Hjørundfjord and Trollfjord, on The Svalbard Line in summer.
Autumn
Autumn brings fewer tourists and golden landscapes, as well as harvest time in the fjords. Admire the scenery and taste autumn produce on our Inner Fjords Explorer itinerary, a deeper discovery of the Western Fjords region.
Winter
Winter in the fjords means snow-capped peaks, frozen waterfalls and Northern Lights skies. Sail with us on The Arctic Line, The Arctic Circle Explorer or The North Cape Line to experience the fjords in winter.
The best way to see the Norwegian fjords
The best way to explore the fjords? By water. A fjord cruise with Hurtigruten takes you deep into these natural wonders, revealing landscapes only visible from the sea.
Whichever Hurtigruten voyage you choose, seeing one (and often more) of Norway’s most iconic fjords is guaranteed. For Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord (the country’s two longest fjords), choose The Inner Fjords Explorer cruise. Join us year-round on The Coastal Express, to sail into the impossibly narrow Trollfjord (weather permitting). Or sail to our northernmost fjord, Isfjord in the Svalbard archipelago, on The Svalbard Line.
If you want to explore further inland, our Norway in a Nutshell tour combines a fjord cruise on Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord, as well as a journey on the famous Flåm Railway.
Our favourite Norwegian fjords
Each fjord has its own character. Some are quiet and remote, others dramatic and full of life. Wherever you go, you’ll see that our fjords aren’t just part of the scenery. They’re living landscapes, each with their own history, wildlife and people.
Geirangerfjord
Possibly the most famous Norwegian fjord, Geirangerfjord is known for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters, and the picturesque village of Geiranger at its heart. We sail to this UNESCO World Heritage Site on The Coastal Express from June to August.
Trollfjord
This almost impossibly narrow inlet in northern Norway is accessible only by ship – and we visit year-round. With its steep rock walls, resident sea eagles and a legendary history, it’s one of the coast’s most dramatic passages.
Hjørundfjord
Hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps, Hjørundfjord is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track fjord. Its steep mountains, quiet waters and remote villages make it perfect for those seeking solitude in nature. We sail here in April-May and September-October, when the colours are at their most vibrant.
Lysefjord
A hotspot for adventurous hikers, climbers and cruise ship visitors, Lysefjord is home to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten – two of Norway’s most thrilling hikes with panoramic views over the deep blue waters below. Discover Lysefjord in spring or autumn on our Inner Fjords Explorer cruise.
Sognefjord
The “King of the Fjords” is our longest and deepest. Visit its UNESCO-listed arm, Nærøyfjord, experience local village life, or ride the spectacular Flåm Railway through the mountains.
Nordfjord
A diverse glaciated landscape where coastline meets glaciers and alpine peaks. Explore as part of your Hurtigruten cruise, hike to Briksdal Glacier, or take in the panoramic views from the Loen Skylift.
Trondheimsfjord
A wide and historically rich body of water, home to Norway’s former Viking capital, Trondheim. Visit the iconic Nidaros Cathedral and explore centuries of history along its calm, rolling shores.
Step ashore and explore
The fjords aren’t just for looking at – they’re for stepping into. Come closer with our shore excursions. Hike up mountains for breathtaking views. Paddle through quiet waters, where cliffs rise like giants around you. Cycle along winding roads, past farms and villages where life moves at its own steady pace. Or meet the people who call this place home, and hear their stories over a shared meal.
excursions
Hjørundfjord, Geiranger, and Ålesund
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Fjord Adventure by RIB
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Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord
Plan your fjord adventure
Norway’s fjords are waiting. And we sail to them all year round. Whichever itinerary you choose, the fjords are ready to welcome you.
For an 8-day itinerary around the Western Fjords: The Inner Fjords Explorer
To see snow-dusted fjords: The North Cape Line or The Arctic Line
For fjords above the Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle Explorer
To see Norway’s most remote fjords: The Svalbard Line
For year-round sailing to Trollfjord and more: The Coastal Express
