(Outer) Sognefjord: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Norway is known for its fjords. The longest and deepest is the Sognefjord. It stretches for 204 kilometers from the coast above the city of Bergen deep into the interior. Discover the fascinating landscape around the outer Sognefjord.
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(Outer) Sognefjord - The most beautiful cities
Flam
Flam is the final stop of the famous Flam Railway, which takes you from Oslo to Bergen and is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. From Flam, you can discover some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Norway. For example, take a fjord cruise on the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord. Experience the unique fjord landscape from above with a ride on the Flam Zipline. Near Vatnahalsen, it leads 1,381 m over the Flam Valley, making it the longest zipline in Scandinavia. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can explore the Flam Valley on one of the hiking or biking trails.
Balestrand
Balestrand is a historic district of the municipality of Sognedal. From the village, nature trails and hiking paths lead to the side arms of the deep blue fjord and to rushing waterfalls. Enjoy the Norwegian wilderness through kayaking, cycling tours, or fishing. The Sognefjord Aquarium in the municipality provides interesting information about the Sognefjord. Also worth seeing is the St. Olaf Church, located directly on the fjord. It was built in 1897 as a copy of a stave church. While strolling through Balestrand, you will encounter many stately villas, all built around 1900. Families with children like to visit the enamel workshop in the neighboring Lunde.
Aurland
Aurland in Norway is located at the end of the world-famous, branched Sognefjord. It is the longest and deepest fjord in Europe and transitions into the Aurlands- and Nærøyfjord at Aurland, which together are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In the majestic scenery, you embark on adventures in nature. A boat trip on the fjord is an impressive experience for both young and old. The cliffs rise steeply from the shore, with sparkling waterfalls cascading down. Kayaking or a hike through the Aurlandsdalen is also popular. Along the way, fantastic views of peaks, mountain lakes, and glaciers unfold.
Vik
Anglers get their money's worth around Vik in the lakes of the Stølsheimen nature reserve or the Vikja River with its salmon stock. The Arnafjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, is popular for a day trip because of its many waterfalls. From the Kvitenjuk viewpoint, you can overlook Vik and the Sognefjord. But Vik itself also has a lot to offer. On a guided tour, you can get to know your holiday destination better. Surrounded by lush green meadows lies the Hopperstad Stave Church. Built in 1130, this house of worship is considered one of the oldest stave churches in the country. Just outside, you can marvel at burial mounds from the Viking Age.
Leikanger
Around the Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway, numerous waterfalls cascade into the depths. They are just as excellent hiking destinations in the Nordic landscape as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjorden. It is home to the Fresvikbreen glacier. In Leikanger, you should not miss visiting one of the traditional farms. Leikanger is famous for its fruit cultivation. In spring, the approximately 80,000 trees in the community bloom, bearing apples, pears, and plums. At one of the farms, you have the opportunity to taste regional products like apple cider or lefse. The pastry, reminiscent of tortillas, is often enjoyed with coffee.
Solvorn
Solvorn is known for its church, designed by the renowned Norwegian architect Waldemar Hansteen. Near the shore, there is another attraction: the Walaker Hotel, which is more than 300 years old and still has its original furnishings. From here, you can enjoy the view over the fjord. Not far from the hotel is the ferry dock, which goes to Ornes daily. The place is located on a hillside on the opposite shore of the Lustrafjord. You can rent a bicycle in Solvorn and take it on the ferry to explore Ornes and its surroundings.
Skjolden
From Skjolden, it is approximately 200 km to the sea. Be sure to plan a boat trip from the town's harbor on the Lustrafjord, which is a branch of the Sognefjord. The view of the Nigardsbreen glacier and the charming villages on the shore of the water is unique. Skjolden is an ideal starting point for hikes. One of the interesting tours leads to the Vanderfossen waterfall in the Mørkrid Valley. You can rent bicycles in the town and ride on the romantic road to Ornes. If you visit Skjolden in winter, don't miss a snowshoe hike.
Høyanger
Høyanger was one of the first municipalities in the country to harness the power of water. This is documented in the town's industrial museum. A staircase leads to the massive water pipes. You can experience hydropower differently at Høyangerbadet, a family-friendly indoor pool with water slides, a paddling pool, and a heated thermal pool. A hike to Fuglefjell offers you spectacular views over the blue-green Sognefjord. On boat trips, you can experience the famous sea arm from the water. In the cold season, you can engage in winter sports near Høyanger at the Siplo ski area, which boasts nearly 2 km of slopes and Norway's steepest descent.
(Outer) Sognefjord - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Flam speech
In the Norwegian Vestland, the Flåm Valley is made for adventures in nature. While hiking and cycling along the Flåmselvi River, you get intense impressions of the pristine beauty of the picturesque valley. On the historic railway workers' path Rallarvegen, one of Norway's most spectacular cycling routes, the 21 hairpin bends at Myrdalsberget provide pure thrills. Another exciting way to explore the narrow valley is a ride on the Flåm Railway. The train travels from the Aurlandsfjord up into the high mountains to the Myrdal station, which is situated at 867 meters. The steep route is among the most beautiful railway lines in the world and passes by foaming waters and dizzying mountain slopes.
Jostedalsbreen National Park
Between the Nordfjord in the north and the Sognefjord in the south, the Jostedalsbreen National Park guarantees unforgettable nature experiences. Its namesake glacier is a true ice giant with an area of almost 500 square kilometers. Guided hikes are offered from places like Fjærland and Jostedalen. Even family hikes are possible on the glacier tongue Niardsbreen. Between May and October, rafting and kayaking tours among icebergs also attract visitors to the Jostedalsbreen National Park. In winter, skiing and tours to blue ice caves are on the program. The Jostedalsbreen National Park Center near Oppstryn, the Breheimsenter visitor center in Jostedalen, and the ultra-modern Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland provide exciting exhibitions about the protected area.
Jotunheimen National Park
The Jotunheimen National Park covers an area of more than 3,500 square kilometers and is home to some of Norway's highest peaks. Majestic mountains and snowy glaciers provide the spectacular backdrop for hikes and adventures. Norway's highest peak is the 2,469-meter-high Galdhøpiggen with fantastic panoramic views. To the east, mountain lakes and wide valleys form. A highlight is the emerald green Lake Gjende. Especially after the snowmelt, the mountain lake sparkles in an intense green. Cozy walking paths wind through the deciduous forest of the Utladalen nature reserve. An exciting hike for the whole family leads through the Climate Park into an ice tunnel.
Nærøyfjord
The Nærøyfjord in Norway is the most beautiful branch of the Sognefjord in Western Norway and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. On a fjord cruise, you glide past steep mountains and discover wild waterfalls. At its narrowest point, the approximately 17-kilometer-long fjord is only 250 meters wide. The picturesque village of Gudvangen is a popular starting point for boat trips on the Nærøyfjord. Here you can experience Norwegian culture up close and discover traditional crafts. Hiking trails lead along the fjord into the mountains, which rise up to 1,761 meters. From above, you have a breathtaking view.
Geiranger Fjord
The Geirangerfjord is one of Norway's most spectacular fjords and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over 15 kilometers amidst the majestic mountain ranges of the Norwegian fjords. This fjord is famous for its breathtaking beauty, with steep, green slopes plunging into the crystal-clear water, and dramatic waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil. Visitors can explore the fjord on boat tours that lead deep into the untouched wilderness. The viewpoints Flydalsjuvet and Ørnesvingen offer impressive panoramic views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. The Geiranger village at the end of the fjord is a picturesque village with charming wooden houses and souvenir shops.
(Outer) Sognefjord - Climate
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.