Norwegian Fjords

Introduction

Norway

© Hessell

Formed by the action of the glaciers during the last Ice Ages, the Norwegian Fjords are one of Europe's most scenically spectacular regions. Though there are fjords along much of the west coast of Norway, the area generally known as the Norwegian Fjords is that section of the west coast north of Stavanger and south of Alesund.

The most visited areas are the Hardangerfjord to the south and the Sognefjord which is the longest of the fjords stretching over 150 kilometres inland from the sea. Also popular are the Nordfjord which extends inland to Olden near the Briksdal Glacier and the Geirangerfjord in the North which is much visited by cruise ships.

Geography

The fjords themselves are long narrow inlets of deep water extending far inland from the sea between vast mountain walls often 1,200 metres or more in height down which plunge some of Europe's highest waterfalls.

Cities

The main town of the Fjords is the port of Bergen with its pretty painted houses along the shoreline known as the Bryggen. This is where most visitors arrive. Other centres include Sogndal and Balestrand which are centrally located by the Sognefjord.

Weather

The region - because of its position and the mountains - has an unsettled westerly climate though the fjords away from the open sea enjoy much more sheltered conditions than the coast. Rainfall is generally higher than in the rest of Norway but the winters are also milder.

Getting There

By Plane

You can fly into several international airport in the south of Norway, including Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger and travel onwards from there.

By Boat

A regular car ferry service operates from Newcastle in the United Kingdom to Bergen and Stavanger.

Getting Around

By Car

If arriving from the Oslo direction then highway 7 crosses the mountains to the Hardangerfjord and Bergen. The roads in Norway are generally excellent though there are tolls for some tunnels and bridges.

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