The Sognefjord is the longest fjord adventure in Norway. The fjord is 204 kilometers long and 1308 meters deep. The Nærøyfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Sognefjord consists of the many fjord arms. The Fjærlandsfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lærdalsfjord, Sogndalsfjord, Årdalsfjord and Lustrafjord are some of them in addition to the Sognefjord itself, which is the main fjord. The Sognefjord is located in the northern part of the county of Vestland, in the middle of Western Norway.

Season and Safety

Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are open only in summer and are closed in winter. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Season and opening time will vary. It depends on where it is and what activity, attraction, road and accommodation it is, it usually opens in the summer and closes in the autumn, depending on i.a. the amount of snow and the risk of avalanches in the area. Hikes mentioned in this website have different seasons. See links to the various hikes to read more about the hikes and season. Read more about season, important safety information and your own responsibility…

Important information about roads in western Norway: Many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. There might also be a chance that some of the roads are closed in short periods, especially during winter, due to weather and danger of rock- and snow avalanches and other dangerous conditions. Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway...

Many of the roads in western Norway are closed during winter! These roads usually opens early summer and close in autumn, depending on the amount of snow and the risk of landslides and avalanche in the surrounding mountains. This also applies to many of the National Tourist Routes and the Road Trips described in this website.

There are restrictions on the length of vehicles on many of the National Tourist Roads and on other roads in Norway. This also applies to many of the roads and road trips described on this website.

This website is not a guide or a travel planner, and the information on the pages should not be used accordingly. Marked and mentioned routes and maps are not accurate and will also often change for various reasons, always look for updated information.

Visit Sognefjord

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Sognefjord area.

Accommodation in the Sognefjord area

Overview of where you can spend the night in the area around the Sognefjord.

Some highlights from the Sognefjord – The King of the Fjords

FJORDS NORWAY - The Sognefjord seen from Mt Dueskard. Vangsnes and Balestrand in the far distance. — The Sognefjord seen from Mt Dueskard. Vangsnes and Balestrand in the far distance.

The Sognefjord, the king of the fjords, is the longest fjord adventure in Norway. The Sognefjord is 204 kilometers long and 1308 meters deep at its deepest.

Join a guided glacier walk on the Nigardsbreen glacier, see the beautiful stave churches. Join a fjord safari or a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Experience the view from Stegastein viewpoint above the Aurlandsfjord. Take a short hike to Mt Molden in Luster and you will see the fantastic view down to the Lustrafjord.

Balestrand is one of the first places the foreign tourists visited when they discovered Norway in the mid-19th century.

The Fjærlandsfjord, Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, the Årdalsfjord and the Lustrafjord are all branches of the Sognefjord. These side fjords are perhaps even more famous than the Sognefjord itself, which is located in the middle of Western Norway. The Sognefjord is so long that it almost divides Norway in two.

Below you will find information about the Sognefjord in addition to links to other branches of the Sognefjord. The links to the other branches will lead you to more information about the specific sidefjords.

How the Sognefjord was formed

We will now take a closer look at how the Sognefjord was formed. The Sognefjord, which is 204 kilometer long and 1308 meter deep at its deepest, is the second longest and second deepest fjord on earth. However, it is the longest without glaciers and where people live along the entire fjord.

Balestrand by the Sognefjord

In the middle of the Sognefjord, where the fjord is at its widest and the mountains starts to rise, you’ll find Balestrand, an idyllic village down by the fjord. Balestrand is one of the first places the foreign tourists visited when they discovered Norway in the mid-19th century.

FJORDS NORWAY - View from Orrabenken at 370 masl, a viewpoint by the trail between Balestrand and Mt Raudmelen. — View from Orrabenken at 370 masl towards Balestrand and the Sognefjord. Orrabenken is a viewpoint by the trail towards Mt Raudmelen.

Fjordsafari on the Sognefjord to Finnabotn in a RIB Boat

Balestrand Fjord Adventures offers fjord sightseeing in a RIB-boat. A tour to Finnabotn on the other side of the Sognefjord is an adventure you´ll never forget. Balestrand Fjord Adventures also offers private RIB-tours.

Finnabotnen – A Fjord Lodge in the untouched Finnafjord

Finnabotnen Fjord Lodge is located in Finnabotnen, deep inside the Finnafjord, which is an arm of the Sognefjord. There you can stay in wonderful surroundings. If the Sognefjord is mighty, the roadless Finnafjord is even more mighty. The mountains that surround the Finnafjord are precipitous, and the countless waterfalls are a great sight as they plunge down towards the fjord. Finnabotn is part of the Stølsheimen Protected Landscape area, which consists of a beautiful Western mountain- and fjord landscape.

The Gaularfjellet Mountain Road

The road over Gaularfjellet takes the traveller into the waterfalls from the mighty Sognefjord, which is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The 130 kilometer long drive is exciting and varied, and is closed during winter. The new viewpoint at Utsikten at the top of Gaularfjellet is one of many great viewpoints along this road. Gaularfjellet Mountain Road runs between Balestrand by the Sognefjord and Moskog and Sande in Sunnfjord and is part of Norway´s National Tourist Routes.

Hopperstad Stave Church and Vik in Sogn

Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik in Sogn has a similar construction as Borgund Stave Church in Lærdal. It was built around year 1130 AD and is one of our oldest Stave Churches.

Hove Stone Church, built around year 1170 AD, is one of the oldest Stone Churches in Norway and is also situated in Vik in Sogn. Both churches are open for visit during summer.

Fjærland and the Fjærlandsfjord – From Fjord to Glacier

Fjærland is a picturesque fjord village surrounded by fjord, mountains and glaciers. Early summer is a great time to visit Fjærland and the Sognefjord. There are still snow in the mountains, the valleys are green, and the apple trees are blossoming.

The Norwegian Booktown, Norwegian Glacier Museum, A Floating Sauna, Guided Kayak Trip on the Fjærlandsfjord, Guided Hike to the Glaciers and the Historic Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel are some of the things you can experience in beautiful Fjærland.

FJORDS NORWAY - Fjærland by the Fjærlandsfjord, part of the Sognefjord area. — Fjærland by the Fjærlandsfjord, part of the Sognefjord area.

Ferry trip on the Sognefjord between Kaupanger and Gudvangen

Kaupanger is one of two ports where the iconic ferry trip along the inner part of the Sognefjord departs and arrives. This is a two and a half hour long fjord cruise on the Sognefjord and the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, between Kaupanger and Gudvangen. You can take your car on this ferry trip.

Season: Summer, see link for more information about season and scedule.

FJORDS NORWAY - The Sognefjord — The Sognefjord and Lærdalsfjord seen from Haukåsen near Kaupanger. The ferry that runs between Kaupanger and Gudvangen is small compared to the gigantic Sognefjord.

Kaupanger Stave Church at Kaupanger by the Sognefjord

Kaupanger Stave Church has been in continous use since it was built around year 1140 AD. It is one of the largest Stave Churches in Norway, and is built with wood from the forest around Kaupanger.

The church is situated on the hillside above the Kaupanger Bay by the Sognefjord, which originally is an old Viking trading town. The name Kaupanger origins from the two norse words “Kaup” (to buy) and “angr” (bay).

Sogndal and the Sogndalsfjord – in the heart of the Sognefjord

Sogndal is located in the middle of all the side fjords of the Sognefjord. From Sogndal there is a short way to all the fjords in addition to being a great area for hiking along the fjord, kayaking, fjord cruises, mountain biking, climbing and bouldering and mountain hikes.

FJORDS NORWAY - Sogndal by the Sogndalsfjord — Sogndal by the Sogndalsfjord which is a branch of the Sognefjord.

The Viking Battle of Fimreite in year 1184 AD.

One of the main historic events in the Viking age, the battle of Fimreite, happened in the Sogndalsfjord. In year 1184 AD, King Sverre Sigurdsson with his 14 Viking Ships and King Magnus Erlingsson with his 26 Viking Ships met in the Sogndalsfjord outside Fimreite for the final battle about the Kingship of Norway.

The reason for the battle of Fimreite was because the people in Sogn had killed King Sverre’s governor. King Sverre sentenced the people of Sogn to pay a fine because of this, but they refused to pay. Both the villages of Kaupanger and Sogndal and everything they came across in the area were then burned down by King Sverre’s men. When King Magnus heard about this, he and his army sailed to Sogndalsfjorden and met King Sverre for battle. King Sverre won, and King Magnus and more than 2000 men were killed in the battle.

Fjord X offers fjord cruises from Sogndal to Fimreite in the summer months June to August where you will be told the story of the Battle of Fimreite.

FJORDS NORWAY - The Sogndalsfjord between Fimreite and Nornes, where the Battle of Fimreite took place in 1184 AD. — Sogndalsfjorden between Fimreite and Nornes, where the Battle of Fimreite took place in year 1184 AD. Fimreite to the left.

Fjord Cruises from Sogndal in the summer

Fjord X offers fjord cruises starting from Dampskipskaien in Sogndal in the summer months of June to August. You can choose between Historic Viking Cruise, Evening Cruise and Cider Cruise.

Historic Viking Cruise is a great fjord adventure that goes out the Sogndalsfjord from Sogndal to Fimreite and back to Sogndal. Experience the story of the Viking-battle of Fimreite in year 1184 AD. and the famous submarine-hunt in the Sognefjord during the cold war.

On the Cider Cruise you combine Cider Tasting on the local farm Haug Gard with a beautiful Fjord Cruise and bike ride along the Sognefjord.

The Evening Cruise is a nice and quiet fjord cruise from Sogndal and into the idyllic Barsnesfjord.

Fjord Cycling – Guided Cycling by the Sognefjord

Small, idyllic villages. Thundering Waterfalls. Experience Norwegian nature and culture by bike and join a self-guided and guided ready made round trip from Bergen, to and through the fjord landscape surrounding the Sognefjord. 256 kilometer of idyllic roads with little or no traffic and a guide that shows you where the gems are hidden. Video by Fjord Cycling

Borgund Stave Church and Vindhellavegen at Borgund in Lærdal

Borgund Stave Church was built around year 1181 AD. at Borgund in Lærdal. This is the most visited stave church in Norway, and with its charasteristic design it has often been used as a “model” when other stave churches has been restored or built. There is a visitor centre and café near by where you can buy tickets and get information about the church.

If you visit Borgund Stave Church, we also recommend you to visit Vindhellavegen, part of the old King´s Road between west and east of Norway. Vindhellavegen was completed around year 1793 AD. and is now part of a 100 kilometer long hiking route between Lærdal by the Sognefjord and Vang in Valdres. From Borgund Stave Church, there is only a short hike to Vindhellavegen.

Gamle (Old) Lærdalsøyri in Lærdal

Visit Lærdal and the beautiful old town of Gamle Lærdalsøyri. Experience Galleri Bryggja where the local painter and artist Kristen Olav Grøttebø show his beautiful paintings in the exhibition in his painting studio/workshop.

Also a visit to Fredag & Fretland is recommended. This is the local bakery and patisserie near by the old town in Gamle Lærdalsøyri.

TIP – If you are in Lærdal, we recommend you to try out AUGA, which is a sauna down by the Lærdalsfjord. Remember to book an appointment in advance.

The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – UNESCO World Heritage

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords that are also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Join a fjord safari or a fjord cruise. See the fantastic view from Stegastein viewpoint and taste the local goat cheese in Undredal. Visit the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen and experience the history and culture of the Viking Age.

Flåm Railway is the train journey from fjord to mountain, perhaps the most beautiful train journey in the world. Combine this train journey with cycling along Rallarvegen which goes from the high mountains via Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. Aurlandsdalen Valley is one of Norway’s most popular hikes.

The Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are both part of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord.

Indre Ofredal by the Årdalsfjord

The Årdalsfjord is the part of the Sognefjord that runs between the outer part of the Lustrafjord and the industrial town of Årdalstangen. The surrounding nature has facilitated amounts of cheap hydroelectric energy which in turn has facilitated industry. Årdalstangen and Øvre Årdal are the result of this.

The dramatic nature attracts guests who seek adventures all year round. Vettisfossen Waterfall, Utladalen Valley, the Jotunheimen Mountains and the Årdalsfjord and the surrounding dramatic mountains are great areas for activities.

Small idyllic fjord villages are located along the Årdalsfjord, squeezed between steep mountains, waterfalls, rivers and the fjord. The abandoned fjord village Indre Ofredal is one of these villages. After many years of decay, the association Ne fø´ Sjøen has now restored many of the houses at Indre Ofredal. They have a small cafeteria and offer accommodation in the old restored Boat House down by the fjord.

FJORDS NORWAY - Panoramic view of the Årdalsfjord, part of the Sognefjord. — Panoramic view of the Årdalsfjord, part of the Sognefjord. Indre Ofredal in the middle of the picture.

Luster and the Lustrafjord – The top of Norway

The Lustrafjord and Luster area is deemed to be one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It is where the fjords meet the top of Norway and the mountains and glaciers never end. There are many wonderful and exciting things to see and do there.

The oldest historical hotel, the Walaker Hotel, is located here. Visit the world heritage protected Urnes Stave Church and see the mighty Feigefossen waterfall that reveals itself in the spring. The hike to Mt Molden gives you a fantastic view both inwards and outwards the Lustrafjord.

Nigardsbreen glacier in Jostedal and Austerdalsbreen glacier at Veitastrond are two of the most beautiful and most easily accessible glaciers in Norway. Mørkridsdalen and Fortunsdalen are two classic areas for mountain hikes near Skjolden, which is located in the innermost part of the Lustrafjord.

Drive Sognefjellet National Tourist Route. Along the road is Turtagrø Hotel where you will get information and guide to Hurrungane which is one of Norway’s wildest mountain areas. Stay at Skjolden Hotel, a great hotel with short-travelled food and beer.

The Lustrafjord is a branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord.