The Norwegian Fjords are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best pristine tourist destinations in the world. They make a lasting impression on everyone who visits them. The fjords are a symbol of Norway and mean a lot to the indigenous people.
There are more than 100 bays in Norway. They start from the Oslo Fjord in the southeast and continue to East Finnmark near the northeast coast. The most famous bays in Norway are in the western and coastal areas. In the west are the Geiranger Fjord and the Narei Fjord. Both sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the north of the country is the Troll Fjord, in the narrowest place its width is only 100 meters.
What is a fjord?
Fjords formed when the Ice Age receded on Earth. Sea water flooded the valleys and created the unforgettable geography that we now see. Thanks to the warm current along the coast of Norway, the climate in the fjord region is very mild, and the water never freezes. Hundreds of cruise ships come to Norway every year to enjoy these natural wonders. The small villages surrounding the Norwegian fjords also offer many sights to see.
Nurfjord - sixth largest
Nordfjord is located in western Norway. Incredible landscapes, many historical places and a variety of entertainment await tourists from all over the world. Regardless of the season, you can cruise around the fjord itself to enjoy its impressive beauty, go fishing, rafting or canoeing. In winter, guests can ski on the mountain slopes and glaciers. Around the fjord there are many waterfalls, the ruins of a monastery of the XII century. In the region of Sogn og Furan, the highest point of the Scandinavian mountains is located - Gallhepiggen.
Hardanger Fjord - Blooming Garden
Hardanger Fjord is the third longest in the world. This is a very popular tourist destination because of the surrounding gardens. Many travelers prefer to come here in May to see how fruit trees bloom.
In addition to swimming in the fjord, tourists can explore the surrounding region on hiking and cycling routes. After all, it is in the Hardanger Fjord that Norway’s most impressive waterfall is located - Veringsfossen, the massive Folgefonna and Trolltung glacier - Troll Tongue (a stone ledge on Mount Skieggedal).
Luce Fjord - Sea of Attractions
The Lysefjord, despite its small size, attracts more than 300 thousand visitors annually. What makes this bay so special? This Prekestulen - a huge cliff overhanging the fjord. It is also called Pulpit Rock.
Standing at this place, you can get an adrenaline rush, as it rises 604 meters above the fjord.
Mount Kierag is another popular destination. There are interesting places for taking pictures, climbing and bungee jumping. The region also offers several other attractions, such as the Solbak cave paintings, dating back to 500 BC.
Sogne Fjord - train journey
Sogne Fjord, Norway's largest bay, also offers a wealth of adventure. Popular attractions include the old church in Urnes, the Viking village of Gudvangen, the magical white caves of Gudvangen and the Aurlanddalen valley, which is often called the great canyon of Norway because of its beauty and abundance of wildlife. Tourists can ride the coolest railway in the world. The Flåm Railway passes through snow-capped mountains around cascading waterfalls.
Geiranger fjord - waterfalls and legends
The Geiranger Fjord in Norway is the most visited Norwegian Gulf with its amazing landscapes and deep blue waters. The famous Seven Sisters Waterfall consists of seven separate streams that sink directly into the water of the fjord.
Nearby are the Falls Friaren (Groom) and Brudesloret (Bridal Veil). The name of the waterfalls comes from a beautiful legend that tells of a warrior who could not choose a bride from seven sisters, because he was struck by the beauty of the girls. So he turned into a waterfall, like other participants in this sad story.
There are many more interesting opportunities on the fjord: winter skiing, excellent fishing, canoeing and river rafting, as well as interesting hiking trails that reveal the beauty of Norway.
Magdalen fjord - harsh Arctic
The Magdalenfjord is famous for its geographically unique location: west of Svalbard, on the Svalbard archipelago, away from mainland Norway. This Arctic Gulf is known for cool fresh air and a complete lack of civilization. The Magdalen Fjord is 8 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. Excursions here are one of the most popular types of swimming around the western coast of Svalbard.
Yorund Fjord - High Mountains
The Yorund fjord cuts through the mountains 35 kilometers in depth. Small mountain villages and high cliffs attract tourists from many countries. The fjord is surrounded by steep mountains, whose peaks rise 1700 meters above sea level. Due to its location, some villages can only be reached by swimming.
How to get to Norway
Tours to Norway on the fjords are offered by many tour operators, but you can come to this wonderful country on your own.
- By plane. There are more than 50 airports in Norway that accept both domestic and international flights. In Russia, direct flights to Oslo are carried out from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- By train. From Moscow, you can get to Helsinki by train, then by ferry move to Stockholm, and from it by train to Oslo.
- By car. Via St. Petersburg to Finland to Helsinki, then by ferry to Stockholm.
- By bus. Buses from Russia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark go to Norway.
It is easiest to get to the fjords of Norway from St. Petersburg, because it is closer in distance to Norway.
A cruise ship
Cruise season - summer, spring and autumn. Tours to Norway to the fjords are very popular among Russian tourists, because here you can see the stunning beauty of nature, and huge waterfalls, as well as enjoy the cleanest air.
It is very convenient to cruise by ferry. Large and comfortable liners leave for Norway every week. Buying a ticket to Norway for the fjords from St. Petersburg, tourists will definitely see these unique natural phenomena.
The undoubted advantage of the cruise from St. Petersburg is that it is much easier to get to it than to fly abroad. On board the cruise ship there will certainly be a Russian-speaking manager who will tell about all the proposed excursions.
Popular tours to Scandinavia from St. Petersburg
- Bus and ferry. The duration of such a tour is from 5 to 12 days, and the price starts from 300 euros per person.
- Cruise on the ferry "Princess Anastasia" from St. Petersburg - from 300 euros per person.
- Air tours are the most convenient way, but also the most expensive. It is about 600 euros per person.
The photos of the Norwegian fjords presented in the article cannot convey all the beauty, majesty and entertainment of the Scandinavian nature. You must come here and get acquainted with all the bays in person, see the symbols of Norwegian traditions and immerse yourself in the ancient history of the Vikings.