What is a Fjord?
- romaingillettema
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 25
What is a Fjord?
A Fjord is a valley surrounded by mountains with great marine depth. Fjords begin at the coastline and extend inland through the Norwegian landscape. They are most often found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in mountainous regions.They are bordered by mountains that may be lush green or snow-covered, depending on the season. Fjords host fauna and flora that differ from those in canyons, due to their very deep waters.
The definition of a fjord
A fjord is a former glacial valley carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. It is very deep, which makes it different from a canyon or a river, both in terms of its depth and how it was formed.
How are fjords formed?
The formation of fjords took place during the last ice age. Glaciers advanced inland, carving into the rock and creating very deep and long valleys. Over time, the glaciers melted, and this is how fjords were created. This is why, the further you go inland, the steeper the cliffs often become and the more irregular the landscape appears.
What fjords are famous in Norway?
The most famous fjords are those listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, located in the western part of the country near Bergen.
The Geirangerfjord is known for its spectacular waterfalls and steep cliffs, while the Nærøyfjord is famous for its narrow passages.Their natural and impressive landscapes attract many tourists.
The Sognefjord, which is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also very well-known and is nicknamed the “King of the Fjords” due to its great length.
Lysefjord
Lysefjord is located in southwestern Norway, near the well-known city of Stavanger, in the Ryfylke region. Its name means “light fjord,” given because of its steep cliffs made of light-colored granite, which reflect the sunlight on the water and create a clear, luminous effect.
This fjord is well worth a visit, with its unique and impressive cliffs and spectacular hikes that reconnect you with nature. To reach Lysefjord by road, you can take the 27-hairpin bend route known as Lysebotn’s “Troll Road”.
Preikestolen is a very popular hike, known for its iconic cliff that towers above the void. For those who want to see it but don’t have the physical condition to hike, I recommend taking a cruise. You won’t be able to climb up, but the view will still be spectacular.
Near the village of Flørli, you will find the longest wooden staircase in the world, with 4,444 steps leading to an amazing view over the fjord. There are many activities to enjoy near the fjord, such as climbing, kayaking, or boat safaris.
You can also explore several nearby villages. I recommend visiting Stavanger, the most famous city near the fjord, especially Gamle Stavanger, the old town, as well as the Petroleum Museum, since oil is an important resource for the Norwegian economy. From Stavanger, you can also take a boat to admire the fjord from the water. I also suggest visiting the village of Forsand to see Lake Nilsebuvatnet and nearby waterfalls.
It’s best to visit this fjord during the summer, as access in winter is difficult. Hikes can be dangerous, and you probably won’t be able to go unless you’re properly equipped and well prepared.
The Hardangerfjord
This fjord is located in Vestland County, south of Bergen, which is known as "the gateway to the fjords". It stretches 179 km in length, making it the second-longest fjord in Norway. It is connected to other fjords such as Eidfjord and Sørfjord, two other major fjords in the region.
Hardangerfjord is famous for its many waterfalls. Don’t miss Steinsdalsfossen, where you can even walk behind the waterfall, and Vøringsfossen, which is known for its impressive height of 182 meters. These are the most famous and spectacular ones.
This fjord is also home to many fruit orchards, particularly apple trees. You can stop in a small nearby village, such as Lofthus, and taste some apple juice or traditional cider. The village is well known for its extensive orchards.
There are many other activities to enjoy around the fjord, such as visiting the Folgefonna glacier, enjoying water sports, and hiking.
It is also famous for Trolltunga, a rocky cliff that rises over 1,100 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. To reach it, you need to complete a 20 km round-trip hike.
Among the towns to visit around the fjord are Odda, a peaceful town where many boat tours begin, and Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, which is also well worth a visit if you get the chance.
The best time to visit the fjord, especially if you want to admire the waterfalls at their maximum flow, is in April or May, when the ice has melted.
In summer, the days are long with pleasantly warm weather, and if you enjoy hiking, it will be perfect for you.
The Sognefjord
It is the deepest fjord in Norway and the second-longest in the world, earning it the nickname “the king of the fjords”.Near the Sognefjord is the town of Flåm, which is very popular for its famous historic railway. It is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. There are also several impressive waterfalls, such as Brekkefossen. For those who enjoy hiking, you can explore renowned trails like Aurlandsdalen and Utladalen.
It is possible to go on cruises, safaris, or kayak trips for the more adventurous, and enjoy paddleboarding in the summer. For quieter moments, many activities are available, such as visiting waterfalls, immersing yourself in Viking culture at Njardarheimr, and exploring the Norsk Bremuseum in the village of Fjærland. What makes this fjord so special is the diversity of activities it offers year-round.
In winter, the fjord also becomes an ideal destination for snow sports, thanks to the nearby snow-capped mountain range. You can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, or dog sledding.
The Aurlandsfjord
This is a fjord connected to the Sognefjord, the longest in Norway. Although it is less well known, the Aurlandsfjord is just as beautiful and spectacular. One of its unique features is the presence of peaks that rise over 1,400 meters in altitude.
Many activities are possible around the Aurlandsfjord. You can admire impressive waterfalls such as Kjosfossen, some of which remain snow-covered for much of the year. Cruises, kayaking, or fjord safaris are great ways to explore the fjord from the water. For a panoramic view, don't miss the Stegastein viewpoint, located along the scenic Aurlandsvegen road.
You can also visit the Laerdal Tunnel, one of the longest in the world, or the traditional village of Otternes. As you walk through the area, you’ll notice large farms built high in the mountains, a testament to traditional Norwegian rural life.
I recommend visiting during the summer months, from June to August. But if you are looking for a truly unique and less crowded experience, winter is the perfect time to go
Conclusion
Fjords were created thousands of years ago by a fascinating natural phenomenon. There are many fjords in Norway, each one unique and different from the others. Among the most interesting are Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. Taking a boat trip through the fjords and seeing a waterfall are two must-do activities. For those who are more sporty, hiking along the fjords offers an unforgettable experience amidst spectacular landscapes.
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