10 Absolutely MAGICAL Fjords in Norway with Epic Views

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Norway’s fjords are straight-up epic. Imagine exploring ancient glaciers sliced through mountains leaving behind deep, serene waterways that look like something out of a dream. There are over 1,000 fjords in Norway, each with its own vibe and set of adventures. Below, I’ll share the most beautiful and scenic that I’ve personally been to!

Why are the Norwegian fjords a big deal? They’re not just stunning…they make you feel alive, with some cliffs rising as high as 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). Whether you’re cruising on the water, driving the scenic routes, hiking up the peaks, or chilling in cute villages, these are the fjords of Norway you need to know about in 2025.

My Top Tips on Visiting the Norwegian Fjords

Before jumping into the best fjords to visit in Norway, I wanted to share some tips and lessons I picked up from planning and experiencing this epic destination. The Norwegian fjords are vast and remote, so getting around can be half the adventure. I found that renting a car was the best way to explore at my own pace…especially when chasing scenic viewpoints and lesser-known trails. That said, Norway’s public transportation is top-notch, with well-coordinated trains, buses, and ferries that make it possible to visit even without a car, especially if you’re sticking to the major fjords.

Timing your visit is key. I went in early summer, and it was perfect with long daylight hours, plenty of open attractions, and manageable crowds. The sweet spot really is between May and September. If you’re looking for the classic fjord scenery with snow-dusted peaks and lush green valleys, June and July are ideal.

If you’re flying in, Bergen and Ålesund make for excellent bases. Bergen is a natural gateway to Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, while Ålesund gives you easy access to Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord. I’d recommend pairing your fjord trips with other nearby attractions to make the most of your time. For instance, cruising through Sognefjord and then hopping on the Flåm Railway was one of the most scenic travel days I’ve ever had. Likewise, combining Geirangerfjord with a drive along Trollstigen made for an unforgettable road trip.

One thing I quickly learned: the ferries aren’t just a means of transport…they’re part of the magic. The ride from Gudvangen to Flåm felt like gliding through a fairytale. Book those scenic ferry rides in advance, especially in the summer months, as they can fill up fast.

Top Fjords to visit in Norway

If you’re dreaming of fjords that look like they’re from a fairy tale, Norway’s calling your name. From the iconic Geirangerfjord to the serene beauty of Sognefjord, we’re here to guide you through the 10 best fjords in Norway.

1. Geirangerfjord

The first time I laid eyes on Geirangerfjord, I actually laughed out loud…it was just that jaw-dropping. Sheer cliffs, waterfalls tumbling down like silk ribbons, and water so glassy it mirrored the sky. Kayaking here felt like paddling through a dream. I hiked up to Dalsnibba, and man, standing up there, it felt like the whole world stretched beneath my feet.

If you’re into a little thrill, check out the Via Ferrata. It’s challenging, but the views make it so worth it. And don’t skip the cliffside farms. Some are abandoned, but they tell the story of a rugged, resilient way of life. I recommend coming in spring or early fall, as there are fewer tourists, and the colors are unreal.

Wondering how to get there? Book the early morning ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger to avoid crowds and catch the waterfalls at their most dramatic when morning light hits the mist.

2. Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord is hands-down one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. It’s impossibly narrow, and the cliffs rise so steeply you feel like you’re slipping through a crack in the earth. I kayaked through here one foggy morning, and it was absolutely silent, except for the occasional waterfall or the call of a bird.

The hikes around here are great too. You can start with something mellow along the water or go big and hike up for panoramic views. It’s part of a UNESCO site for a reason.

Nærøyfjord is only 250 meters wide at its narrowest point, making it feel incredibly intimate. You can literally hear conversations echoing off the opposite cliff walls! If you need to unplug and reset, this is the fjord in Norway you want to visit.

3. Sognefjord: The King of Fjords

This fjord is massive. Sognefjord stretches over 200 kilometers from the coast and reaches depths of more than 1,300 meters, making it the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. I drove along Sognefjord for hours and still felt like I hadn’t scratched the surface. From glacier hikes at Jostedalsbreen to the adorable fjord-side villages like Balestrand, there’s something here for everyone. The landscape changes constantly…one minute you’re cruising past rolling hills, the next you’re dwarfed by towering cliffs.

Don’t miss the Urnes Stave Church. It’s one of the oldest in Norway and has serious Viking energy. Take the express boat from Bergen to Flåm in just 5.5 hours…it’s the fastest way to experience multiple fjord arms in one journey while locals commute alongside tourists. I also loved how easy it was to find quiet spots here. Despite being the longest and deepest fjord, it somehow stays low-key. Though it’s definitely one of Norway’s prettiest places, that’s for sure!

4. Hardangerfjord: The Queen of the Fjords

Hardangerfjord felt more vibrant and lived-in. I went in late May when the fruit trees were blooming, and the whole region smelled like apple blossoms. I stayed near Lofthus and did some of the best hikes of my trip here…especially to Trolltunga. It’s a long, grueling trek, but I promise the reward is worth every step.

Beyond hiking, there’s local culture to soak up. The Hardanger fiddle is a big deal, and you can hear it played at local events or even see how it’s made. The Folgefonna glacier is nearby too, where I did a short glacier walk that felt like landing on another planet. I recommend visiting Lofthus between late April and early June when over 100,000 fruit trees bloom simultaneously, creating what locals call ‘nature’s cathedral’ of pink and white blossoms.

5. Lysefjord

Lysefjord was where I got my adrenaline fix. It’s home to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten, two of Norway’s most famous attractions. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of the most epic views I’ve seen in my life. You hike up, and suddenly there’s this giant cliff just jutting out over the fjord. Wild. Then there’s Kjeragbolten…that crazy boulder wedged between two cliffs. I didn’t step on it (heights!), but seeing it in person was unreal.

If you like kayaking, the water here is glassy and perfect for a paddle. I spotted seals and even an eagle! Lysefjord is pure drama, in the best way, and it’s easily one of Europe’s most scenic destinations. I recommend starting the Preikestolen hike before 8 AM to secure parking and avoid the 2,000+ daily visitors. The early morning light also creates perfect conditions for photography!

6. Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down. I stayed in Flåm, which has a touristy vibe but still somehow retains its charm. The Flåm Railway ride is hyped for a reason…it’s like sitting inside a moving postcard! Book the railway’s premium service for panoramic windows and guaranteed seats…regular tickets often sell out months in advance during summer.

My favorite part was driving up to the Stegastein viewpoint. The road winds up forever, and then suddenly you’re standing on this platform that hangs out over the fjord like a diving board. Unreal. If you want culture, visit the tiny farms nearby, I had fresh goat cheese and met a family that’s been there for generations.

7. Hjørundfjord

Hjørundfjord totally surprised me. It’s totally a hidden gem in Europe…it’s less talked about, which makes it even more special. I hiked in the Sunnmøre Alps, and those jagged peaks rising above the fjord blew my mind. The hikes here are more rugged, more wild—perfect if you want something a little raw.

I stayed in a historic hotel in a tiny village by the water. No crowds, just nature and stories from locals who’ve lived there their whole lives. The nearby Sunnmøre Alps offer some of Norway’s most technical hiking, with routes like Slogen providing 360-degree views that rival anything in the Dolomites. If you’re tired of the typical stops, this one’s for you.

8. Romsdalsfjord

Romsdalsfjord felt like a playground for hikers and climbers. I did the Romsdalseggen Ridge hike and it instantly became one of my top 3 hikes ever. The view of Trollveggen (Europe’s tallest vertical cliff) just hits different when you’re standing right across from it.

Time your visit for the annual Rauma Rock festival in late July…it’s the only place where you can experience world-class climbing culture against Europe’s most dramatic vertical backdrop. I also rode the Rauma Railway, which was pure magic – all forests, waterfalls, and peaks. If you time it right, you can hit the RaumaRock festival in summer. It’s a cool way to mix outdoor adventures with local culture.

9. Trollfjord

Trollfjord might be small, but it left a big impression. I visited during a boat trip through Lofoten, and when the captain turned into this tiny fjord with 1,000-foot cliffs on both sides, everyone went silent. The fjord is barely 100 meters wide and only 2 kilometers long, but its sheer cliffs create an acoustic phenomenon where even whispers carry across the water. It felt like entering another world, which is why I consider it one of the top things to do in Europe.

We saw sea eagles up close and learned stories about Norse legends connected to the area. There’s not much hiking here, but the vibe is what makes it special. If you’re in Lofoten, make this detour.

10. Nordfjord

Nordfjord is wild in the best way. One day I was kayaking in quiet fjord waters, and the next I was standing on Jostedalsbreen glacier. That kind of contrast is what makes Nordfjord stand out. The area around Loen is gorgeous, and I took the Loen Skylift up to the top of Mount Hoven for panoramic views.

If you’re into hiking, Mount Skåla is intense but insanely rewarding. The hike gains 1,800 meters of elevation and features Europe’s highest lake, Skålavatnet, sitting at 1,340 meters with water so clear you can see 15 meters down. And for a slice of culture, time your visit with the Nordfjord Folk Festival in Sandane. I caught it by chance, and it turned out to be one of the most authentic experiences of my trip.