The fjords of Bergen

Bergen, one of the largest cities in Norway, is famous for its spectacular fjords with unspoiled landscapes, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

 

The Norwegian fjords are one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in the world and a preferred destination for nature and landscape wonders lovers. The fjords, narrow sea arms that extend deep into the mainland formed through different glacial eras, are surrounded by imposing mountains and, near Bergen, there are several fjords starting from the sea that can be seen from the city's port which is a fjord called Byfjorden.

 

 

Starting from Bergen, you can explore some of the most famous fjords in Norway. The city is located between the Sognefjord to the north and the Hardangerfjord to the south, both can be visited in a day or two throughout the year. The best way to visit them is definitely by boat from Bergen, for an adventurous cruise through the fjords.

 

 

The Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, is 205 km long and has a maximum depth of 1308 meters. This fjord offers a breathtaking view of high mountains, waterfalls, small fishing villages, and fruit orchards farms. To fully enjoy the scenery, you can choose a cruise along the fjord starting from Bergen with the ship to Flåm, which takes 5.5 hours along the Sognefjord stopping at the Stegastein viewpoint or at the panoramic Flåm railway, one of the steepest in the world.

 

 

Other fjords, which are part of the Sognefjord, are absolutely worth visiting and among them is the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with panoramic views of imposing mountains, green valleys, and crystal-clear waters. The end of the fjord is home to the village of Gudvangen.

 

Instead, in the Aurlandsfjord there is the beautiful village of Flåm right at the end of the fjord. Many of the daily tours from Bergen to Sognefjord include the cruise from Gudvangen and Flåm, ideal to see both the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord.

 

 

Not to be missed is also the Fjærlandsfjord, a starting point to admire the Jostedalsbreen glacier or visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland. And before leaving the Sognefjord area, you can also make a stop at the Urnes wooden church, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

 

 

Southeast of Bergen, there is instead the Hardangerfjord, 178 km long from the coast, which is the third-longest fjord in the world. This fjord passes through several islands including Bømlo, Stord, and Tysnes and is famous for its natural beauties and the Hardangervidda National Park. Here you can observe wild orchids, valleys, high mountains, forests, the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall in the village of Eidfjord, the Folgefonna glacier, picturesque fishing villages, and farms that grow apples and produce cider, such as Hardanger's.

 

 

A cruise along the fjord leads to the discovery of the Vøringsfossen waterfall, one of the most famous in Norway. To reach the Hardangerfjord from Bergen, it takes just over an hour by car or, for a nature excursion, it is better to opt for one of the many fjord cruises.

 

 

 

The Norwegian fjords of Bergen are an essential stop that completes the city tour, making the vacation fascinating. If time is limited, you can choose a 3-hour mini cruise departing from the fish market in the center of Bergen, heading to the Mostraumen fjord.