The Norwegian Fjords are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best unspoiled tourist destinations in the world. They make an indelible 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. To the west are the Geiranger Fjord and the Nærøy Fjord. Both sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the north of the country is the Trollfjord, at its narrowest point it is only 100 meters wide.
What is a fjord?
Fjords were formed when the ice age receded on Earth. Seawater flooded the valleys and created the unforgettable geography 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 admire these natural wonders. The small villages surrounding the Norwegian fjords also offer a lot to see.attractions.
Nurfjord is the sixth largest
Nurfjord is located in the west of Norway. Incredible scenery, many historical sites and a variety of entertainment await tourists from all over the world. Regardless of the season, you can cruise 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 Fjordane is the highest point of the Scandinavian Mountains - Galldhöpiggen.
Hardangerfjord - blooming garden
The Hardangerfjord is the third longest in the world. It is a very popular tourist destination due to the gardens surrounding it. Many travelers prefer to come here in May to see the fruit trees in bloom.
Besides sailing the fjord, tourists can explore the surrounding region on hiking and biking trails. After all, it is in the Hardangerfjord that the most impressive waterfall in Norway is located - Vöringsfossen, the massive Folgefonna and Trolltunga glacier - Trolltongue (a stone ledge on Mount Skjeggedal).
Lyusefjord - a sea of attractions
Lycefjord, despite its small size, attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year. What makes this bay so special? This is Preikestolen - a huge cliff hanging over the fjord. Also called Pulpit Rock.
Standing in this place, you can get the tideadrenaline rush as it rises 604 meters above the fjord.
Mount Kjerag is another popular destination. There are interesting places for photography, rock climbing and bungee jumping. The region also offers a few more attractions to visit, such as the cave paintings at Solbak, which date back to 500 BC.
Sognefjord - rail travel
Sognefjord, Norway's largest bay, also offers plenty of adventure. Popular attractions include the ancient church at Urnes, the Viking village at Gudvangen, the magical white caves of Gudvangen, and Aurlanddalen, often referred to as the great canyon of Norway due to its beauty and abundance of wildlife. Tourists can ride the steepest railway in the world. The Flåm Railway runs through snow-capped mountains around cascading waterfalls.
Geirangerfjord - waterfalls and legends
Geirangerfjord in Norway is the most visited Norwegian bay with its amazing scenery and deep blue waters. The famous Seven Sisters waterfall consists of seven separate streams that descend directly into the water of the fjord.
Friaren (Groom) waterfall and Brudesloret (Bridal veil) are nearby. The name of the waterfalls comes from a beautiful legend that tells about a warrior who could not choose a bride from seven sisters because he was amazed by the beauty of the girls. So he turned into a waterfall, like the other participants in this sad story.
There are many more things to do in the fjord: winter skiing, great fishing, canoeing and river rafting, and interesting hiking trails to discover the beauty of Norway.
Magdalenfjord - harsh Arctic
Magdalenfjord is famous for its geographically unique location: west of Svalbard, on the Svalbard archipelago, far from mainland Norway. This arctic bay is known for cool fresh air and a complete lack of civilization. The Magdalenfjord is 8 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. Excursions here are one of the popular types of sailing around the west coast of Svalbard.
Jorundfjord - high mountains
Jorundfjord cuts through mountains 35 kilometers deep. Small mountain villages and high cliffs attract tourists from many countries. The fjord is surrounded by steep mountains, the peaks of which rise to 1,700 meters above sea level. Due to their location, some villages can only be reached by swimming.
How to get to Norway
Tours to Norway to the fjords are offered by many tour operators, or you can come to this wonderful country on your own.
- On the plane. There are more than 50 airports in Norway that serve both domestic and international flights. In Russia, direct flights to Oslo are operated from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- On the train. From Moscow you can take a train to Helsinki, then take a ferry toStockholm, and from there by train to Oslo.
- By car. Through St. Petersburg to Finland to Helsinki, then by ferry to Stockholm.
- On the bus. There are buses to Norway from Russia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
The easiest way to get to the fjords of Norway is from St. Petersburg, because it is closer in distance to Norway.
Cruise ship
The cruise season is 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, huge waterfalls, and enjoy the cleanest air.
Very convenient to take a ferry cruise. Large and comfortable liners leave for Norway every week. Buying a ticket to Norway to the fjords from St. Petersburg, tourists will definitely see these unique natural phenomena.
The undoubted advantage of a cruise from St. Petersburg is that it is much easier to get to it than to fly abroad. There will be an English-speaking manager on board the cruise ship who will tell you about all the excursions offered.
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 Princess Anastasia ferry from St. Petersburg - from 300 euros per person.
- Air tour is the most convenient way, but also the most expensive. Is about 600 euros per person.
The photos of the fjords of Norway presented in the article cannot convey all the beauty, majesty and spectacle of the Scandinaviannature. You should definitely come here and get to know all the bays personally, see the symbols of Norwegian traditions and immerse yourself in the ancient history of the Vikings.
