The Most Beautiful Fjord in Norway, Ranked

Choose the fjord you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:18
When planning a trip to Norway, one can feel overwhelmed by the numerous fjords, each acclaimed for its spectacular beauty. By ranking these majestic natural wonders, we can aid travelers in prioritizing which fjords to visit based on collective opinions. This ranking helps simplify decision-making by highlighting top-rated fjords, as determined by the broader community. Every vote on our site contributes to the dynamic listing of the fjords, offering a continually updated guide that reflects the latest preferences of nature lovers and travelers alike. This system doesn't only guide new visitors but also engages the community in sharing their experiences and opinions, thus enriching the travel planning process for everyone.

What Is the Most Beautiful Fjord in Norway?

  1. 1
    61
    votes
    Geirangerfjord - considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, with stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.
    Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Norway. It is renowned for its stunning beauty, featuring steep mountains, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque villages along its shores. The fjord stretches for approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and reaches a depth of up to 260 meters (853 feet). Its clear blue-green waters, surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks, create a breathtaking landscape for visitors to admire.
    • Location: Southwestern Norway
    • Length: Approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles)
    • Depth: Up to 260 meters (853 feet)
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Water Color: Clear blue-green
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Nærøyfjord is a narrow and picturesque fjord surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls.
    The Nærøyfjord is a stunning fjord in Norway, renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 due to its unique topography and extraordinary landscapes. With magnificent cliffs rising up to 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) high and picturesque villages dotting its shores, the Nærøyfjord offers visitors a truly breathtaking experience.
    • Location: Western Norway
    • Length: 17 kilometers (10.6 miles)
    • Width: 250 meters (820 feet) at its narrowest point
    • Depth: max. 500 meters (1,640 feet)
    • Surrounding Mountains: Reaching heights between 1,000 and 1,800 meters (3,280 and 5,900 feet)
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Hardangerfjord - the second largest fjord in Norway, known for its abundant fruit orchards and stunning scenery.
    The Hardangerfjord is a stunning fjord located in western Norway. It is often considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway due to its dramatic scenery, vibrant colors, and picturesque surroundings. The fjord stretches over 179 kilometers, making it the third longest fjord in the world.
    • Length: 179 kilometers
    • Depth: maximum depth of 849 meters
    • Width: up to 5 kilometers
    • Surrounding mountains: towering mountains up to 1,600 meters
    • Waterfalls: numerous majestic waterfalls
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    Sognefjord - the longest fjord in Norway, known for its dramatic landscapes and deep blue waters.
    Sognefjord is the largest and most famous fjord in Norway. It is located in the western part of the country, stretching inland from the North Sea to the village of Skjolden in the municipality of Luster. With its stunning landscapes of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful villages, Sognefjord is often regarded as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world.
    • Length: 205 kilometers
    • Depth: 1,308 meters
    • Width: up to 4.5 kilometers
    • Maximum Depth below sea level: 1,190 meters
    • Surrounding Mountains: Features towering peaks, including Jotunheimen National Park, with peaks reaching over 2,000 meters
  5. 5
    6
    votes
    Lysefjord is famous for the Pulpit Rock, a popular hiking destination with breathtaking views.
    Lysefjord is a breathtaking fjord located in southwestern Norway, known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks. It stretches for approximately 42 kilometers, offering visitors a mesmerizing combination of majestic cliffs, pristine waterfalls, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The fjord is surrounded by towering mountains that rise up to 1,000 meters above sea level, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. One of the most famous attractions in Lysefjord is the Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit Rock, which is a massive cliff towering 604 meters above the fjord, providing panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular. Another notable feature is the Kjeragbolten, a large boulder wedged in a crevice of the Kjerag mountain, giving hikers a thrilling experience. The fjord is a popular destination for hiking, boat tours, and camping, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts from all around the world.
    • Location: Southwestern Norway
    • Length: Approximately 42 kilometers
    • Landmarks: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Kjeragbolten
    • Cliff Height: Up to 1,000 meters above sea level
    • Waterfalls: Pristine and numerous
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Trollfjord is a narrow and dramatic fjord surrounded by steep cliffs and home to various wildlife.
    Trollfjord is a magnificent fjord located in the Lofoten archipelago, in Nordland county, Norway. It is known for its stunning landscape and dramatic cliffs that rise vertically from the dark, reflective waters of the fjord. The fjord stretches for approximately 2 kilometers and narrows down to a width of only 100 meters at some points, adding to its sense of grandeur and mystery.
    • Location: Lofoten archipelago, Nordland county, Norway
    • Length: Approximately 2 kilometers
    • Width: Narrows down to 100 meters at some points
    • Cliffs: Impressive cliffs rising vertically from the water
    • Reflection: Dark, reflective waters
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Hjørundfjord is a hidden gem with stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
    Hjørundfjord is a breathtakingly beautiful fjord located in western Norway. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine blue waters. The fjord stretches over a length of approximately 35 kilometers, offering visitors a mesmerizing view at every turn.
    • Length: 35 kilometers
    • Location: Western Norway
    • Landscapes: Dramatic
    • Mountains: Tower above the fjord
    • Waters: Pristine blue
  8. 8
    2
    votes
    Åkrafjorden is a lesser-known fjord with wild and rugged landscapes, including the impressive Langfoss waterfall.
    Åkrafjorden is a breathtaking fjord located in the municipality of Kvinnherad in western Norway. It stretches approximately 32 kilometers inland from the coastal village of Åkra, cutting through steep cliffs and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
    • Length: 32 kilometers
    • Location: Kvinnherad, Norway
    • Surrounding Area: Steep cliffs and picturesque landscapes
    • Access Points: Åkra, Langfossen Waterfall, Rullestad
    • Water Depth: Up to 700 meters
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Nordfjord is a beautiful and varied fjord with glaciers, mountains, and picturesque villages.
    Nordfjord is a stunning fjord located on the western coast of Norway. It stretches about 106 kilometers (66 miles) from the open sea in Stad to the village of Loen. With its picturesque landscapes, deep blue waters, and towering mountains, Nordfjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.
    • Length: Approximately 106 kilometers (66 miles)
    • Width: Varies between 0.5 to 10 kilometers (0.3 to 6.2 miles)
    • Max Depth: 500 meters (1,640 feet)
    • Towns/Villages: Stryn, Olden, Loen, Eid, and others
    • Mountains: Slogen, Skåla, Hornindalsrokken, and Jakta
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    Romsdalsfjord - surrounded by the majestic Romsdal Alps, this fjord offers stunning vistas and outdoor activities.
    Romsdalsfjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. It is located in the county of Møre og Romsdal and stretches for approximately 88 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean to the town of Åndalsnes. The fjord is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the famous Trolltindan and Romsdalshorn. The landscape is characterized by steep cliffs, lush green valleys, and cascading waterfalls, creating a breathtaking and picturesque scenery. The Romsdalsfjord offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreational activities.
    • Length: 88 kilometers
    • Location: Møre og Romsdal, Norway
    • Surrounding Mountains: Trolltindan, Romsdalshorn
    • Landforms: Steep cliffs, green valleys, waterfalls
    • Scenery: Breathtaking and picturesque

Missing your favorite fjord?

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Ranking factors for beautiful fjord

  1. Scenery and Surroundings
    The overall aesthetic appeal and natural beauty of the fjord, including the colors of the water, surrounding mountains, and landscapes.
  2. Size and shape
    The size of the fjord, including its length, depth, and width, as well as the presence of unique features like waterfalls or rock formations that add to its beauty.
  3. Accessibility and tourist-friendliness
    How easy it is to access and explore the fjord, including the availability of transportation options and visitor amenities like viewpoints, hiking trails, and accommodations.
  4. Seasonal changes
    The beauty of the fjord during different seasons, such as the vibrant colors of autumn or the snowy landscapes of winter.
  5. Cultural and historical significance
    The historical, cultural, or geological importance of the fjord, including any significant events, legends, or features that add to its allure.
  6. Wildlife and biodiversity
    The presence of unique or rare plants, birds, and marine life that contribute to the beauty and ecological significance of the fjord.
  7. Cleanliness and pristine conditions
    The overall cleanliness of the fjord, including its water quality and the preservation of its natural environment.
  8. Recreational opportunities
    The availability of outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing that allow visitors to experience the fjord's beauty up-close.
  9. Local cultural experiences
    The opportunity to engage with local culture, such as traditional art, cuisine, and customs, that can enrich one's experience of visiting the fjord.
  10. Popularity and crowd levels
    The popularity of the fjord, taking into account both the number of visitors and the impact of tourists on the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful fjord in Norway. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Fjord is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1412 views
  • 172 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Fjord once every 24 hours. The rank of each Fjord is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful fjord in norway

Norway is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and its fjords are no exception. These long, narrow inlets of water carved by glaciers are a hallmark of the Norwegian coastline. In fact, Norway has more than a thousand fjords, each with its own unique beauty and character. The most famous of these is arguably the Geirangerfjord, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there are many other fjords that are just as breathtaking, such as the Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord. Choosing the most beautiful fjord in Norway is a tough task, as each has its own charm and allure.

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