Live Fun Travel – Traveling through Norway is incredible.  Whether you are in Arctic Norway chasing the Northern Lights or traveling through the countryside, Norway will not disappoint any type of traveler.

Norway is a fascinating country boasting some of Europe’s most stunning natural scenery. Often overlooked in favor of Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Spain, Norway has a lot to offer. From the breathtaking scenery of the world-famous fjords to many opportunities for hiking and peaceful nature getaways. If you haven’t been to Norway before, now is the perfect time to discover the homeland of the Vikings.  Here are our Top 5 Most Scenic Norwegian Fjords to Visit This Summer:

Where to Start Your Norwegian Adventure?

Norway is a country in Scandinavia bordering Sweden and Finland.  After Canada, Norway has the second-longest coastline in the world, with a length of nearly 111,000 km. The country’s geography is strongly influenced by glaciers. Many fjords, islands, islets, and bays can be found along Norway’s long coast. The interior of the country is mountainous, as is the border with Sweden.

Our advice is to begin your Norwegian adventure in Oslo, the country’s capital. Oslo itself sits on the northern end of a long fjord, named the Oslofjord which contains many islands.

Explore the Oslo Fjord Islands and Enjoy a Little Piece of Your Northern Paradise

You should visit Norway during the summer. Oslo is located in the south of Norway which means it enjoys a mild climate during summer. The best way to explore the Oslo Fjord is to rent a sailboat. Two of the main islands can be reached by ferry in only five minutes.

Hovedøya Island is an ideal place for swimming, picnics, or hiking. The small island hasn’t been touched by urbanization and you can enjoy in a peaceful nature getaway only a stone’s throw away from the busy capital across the calm waters of the fjord. The ruins of Hovedøya Abbey (Hovedøya Kloster) can be found right next to the marina.

The Abbey was once the richest monastery in all of Norway, and home to Cistercian monks until it was disbanded during the Reformation. A small beach on the southern side of the island can be a good place for swimming if you don’t mind the pebbles.

To the south of Hovedøya is Gressholmen. The islet hosts an airport, which has been the main airport serving Oslo until 1927. It’s a part of a natural reserve along with other islands and islets in the area. While there isn’t much to see around, it’s a great place to spend a quiet afternoon or have a picnic.

You might recognize the Geirangerfjord from the movie Frozen. It is probably the most visited Fjord in Norway.

Geirangerfjord: A Hidden Piece of Paradise

Norway’s best-known and most-visited fjord, Geirangerfjord is a picturesque haven that you may recognize from the famous movie ‘Frozen’. The fjord stretches 15km in the east-west direction, it’s one of the Norwegian fjords that reaches farthest inland and, like other fjords, is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and waterfalls that will take your breath away.

The small village of Geiranger sits at the tip of the famous fjord and presents a perfect starting spot for exploring the area. You’ll have an impression that you’ve stumbled into a fairytale, the scenery is fantastic. It’s one of the few remaining corners of the Earth where you can witness unspoiled nature. Exploring the fjord and nearby sights is a treat in itself. But if you don’t feel like sailing, there are several sights nearby that are worth seeing.

Not far from Geiranger, on the fjord’s eastern side, you can find the Seven Sister Falls (De Syv Søstrene).

Another waterfall nearby is called the Suitor. According to an old legend, the seven sisters run and dance down the mountain and the suitor courts them from the other side of the fjord. The Seven Sisters waterfall consists of seven separate streams, the highest of which descends from a height of 250 meters. It’s a wonderful place for taking photos or simply enjoying the scenery.

You will feel like you’ve wandered into a scene from Lord of the Rings.

Sognefjord: The King of All Fjords

The longest and deepest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord is 6 km wide and more than 1,308 meters deep. It branches into numerous smaller fjords reaching far inland.

The main attraction in the area is traditional Norwegian churches made of wood. They were built in medieval times and exhibit a distinct Norse architectural style that can’t be found anywhere else. Only 32 churches have survived through the centuries. You can visit one of them at the village of Kaupanger, located near the eastern extremity of the fjord.

The easiest way to reach Sognefjord is by car from Bergen. You’ll find plenty of adventures along the way!

Hardangerfjord: A Rough Northern Beauty

To the south of Sognefjord and near the city of Bergen is Hardangrefjord, the second-largest in Norway. This fjord is well known for the abundance of fish that inhabit its waters, as well as its extremely fertile ground used to cultivate various fruits.

There’s no shortage of sights nearby, just like elsewhere in Norway.

Our recommendation is to visit the charming little town of Odda. This cute town is located on the southernmost tips of one of the longest branches of Hardangerfjord. If you’re a fan of activities such as hiking, kayaking, or fishing, Odda is the best place to serve as your base.

The town lies in the shadow of the formidable Folgefonna glacier, the third-largest in Norway, which is well worth a hike. This glacier is a magnet for tourists due to its spectacular icefalls, scenic pastures, and untamed rivers and waterfalls. Even though it is located in a remote area, there’s excellent tourist infrastructure offering plenty of opportunities to spend quality time in nature.

Those among you who prefer adventure and exploration will have plenty of chances to see and experience something new.

Ranfjorden: A Majestic Stop on the Journey to the Arctic

This fjord lies in Nordland county, approximately 470 km north of Trondheim. Venturing so far to the north is an adventure in itself. If you don’t mind a longer drive, then it’s a great way to finish your Norwegian adventure. The town of Mo i Rana, which lies on the northeastern tip of the fjord is worth a visit. The town is situated only 80 km south of the Arctic Circle, so be sure to dress warmly, even if you come to visit during the height of summer.

To satisfy your inner adventurer, you can take a helicopter tour of Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. There aren’t that many sights in this area, which means you’ll largely be on your own in determining the places to see. That shouldn’t deter you from visiting, however, the fjord in itself presents a spectacle and the towns and villages scattered along its shores is where you can discover more about the local culture and the way of life in this remote corner of Norway.

Our Final Word

When thinking about your next adventure, consider Norway.  With spectacular landscapes and one of the prime Northern Lights viewing areas, Norway is a 4-season destination.

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