Sognefjord "King of Fjords"
Sognefjord is Norway‘s largest and deepest fjord, stretching 205 kilometres (127 mi) inland from its mouth. Hence the nickname, the King of Fjords.
We spent 12 hours driving around the fjord and it was breathtaking every step of the way! As you can see from the map, it is massive!
Below you will see facts, figures, and information that you will find useful. Tours are also offered below.
Brief Overview
Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway and the second largest in the world. The fjords sheer cliffs run for 200km inland until it reaches the Jostedalsbreen glacier and the Jotunheimen National Park & Mountains. The area is excellent of hiking, watersports, cycling, and summer skiing. It is serviced by plenty of towns and villages which are mainly linked by boats and ferries.
The fjord is bordered by steep rocky shores rising to 1000 meters. The depth of the water in the bay exceeds 1300 m. This unique creation of nature is located 350 km from Oslo and 170 from Bergen. Sognefjord formed about 2.5 million years ago, when the process of convergence of powerful glaciers began, which caused the destruction of the river system.
Getting to the Sognefjord area
By Train
Flåm is the only train station along the Sognefjord, and well worth a trip in itself. The Flåm Railway was named the world’s most incredible train journey by Lonely Planet in 2014. The journey takes you from Flåm by the fjord to the top of the mountains and connects with the train between Oslo and Bergen at Myrdal. There are several daily departures all year round.
By Car
If you travel by car like we did to the Sognefjord area, the trip will take 2–3 hours from Bergen, 4–5 hours from Oslo, and 5–6 hours from Trondheim. Note that car ferries make it possible to cross the Sognefjord and various fjord arms.
By Bus
Comfortable express buses run daily all year round to the Sognefjord from many places in Norway. To find buses that will take you to the fjords, head to the local tourist information office for Bergen etc.
By Boat
Looking back this would probably have been the better option than driving by car!
Throughout the year, daily express boats connect Bergen with many small villages along the Sognefjord.
In the summer, there are also daily express boats between Bergen and Flåm, and sightseeing cruises take you between various destinations along the Sognefjord.
Get in-depth travel information on the Sognefjord area’s official website.
National Tourist Routes
National Tourist Route Aurlandsfjellet
You will see snow lying beside the road during most of the summer, which is why the road is often called the ‘Snow Road’. The route has attractions such as the artwork ‘Den’ (Bjørnehiet) and the spectacular Stegastein viewing platform, and it is famous for its breathtaking views. The road from Aurland to the Stegastein viewpoint is open all year.
National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet
The Gaularfjellet mountains lie to the north of Balestrand, and the road from Balestrand to Moskog (near Førde) and Eldalosen – Sande passes through them. On the Balestrand side, the road twists and turns through nine hairpin bends. There are many beautiful rivers and waterfalls along the route. On the top, the spectacular viewpoint “Utsikten” was opened in 2016.
National Tourist Route Sognefjellet
Route 55 across the Sognefjell mountain area between Luster and Lom is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe (highest point 1430 meters), and
it has been awarded the status of National Tourist Route because of the spectacular and wild mountain scenery it passes through in the Jotunheimen National Park.
Attractions around Sognefjord
In addition to natural beauties, it is worth seeing the historical sights of Sognefjord. The most popular are the following.
Observation Deck Stegastein
The observation deck is a bridge going nowhere and breaking off over the abyss. This effect is created due to the unusual design. The bridge (30 m long and 4 m wide), made of wood and steel, hangs over the abyss at a height of 650 m. The end of the bridge is framed by reinforced transparent glass, which creates the illusion of an unfinished structure. It offers a fantastic view, so you can capture a bird’s eye view of the Sognefjord and its surroundings.
Please visit our dedicated page here
Heyberg Museum
This open-air museum consists of 30 houses – buildings of the XIX century. They show the culture and traditions of the local population. When visiting old farms and breweries you will be offered to taste freshly baked bread and beer prepared according to traditional recipes.
Wooden churches
Ancient wooden churches are examples of wooden architecture of Norway of the 12th century. The most beautiful and well-preserved are Urnes, Hopperstad, Burgundy and others. Some temples were built more than 1000 years ago. They are distinguished by a peculiar architecture, and a mysterious atmosphere reigns in them.
Fishing
The Fjords are rich in salmon. With the help of an instructor, you will touch on the secrets of traditional fishing. You can fish on the beach or on a rented boat. Fishing equipment can also be rented.
Rafting
In the vicinity of Voss, all conditions for rafting are created. In rafting on mountain rivers can participate both professionals and families with children. For this, various categories of complexity are provided. You can go through several training lessons and even take part in competitions.
Horse rides
Visit the equestrian centre, you will see many interesting things and get to ride a horse.
In addition to the above, you can do surfing, sports rafting, parachuting, rock climbing, absyling (go down the rope over the waterfall).
You can rent a boat or kayak in any village on Sognefjord.
- An hour costs about 4000-500 NOK.
- You will have to pay up to NOK 800 for a guided kayaking tour.
- RIP safari on a high-speed rubber boat will cost about 650 NOK.
Just click the relevant links above to be taken to their dedicated pages to book or find out more information.
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
We loved the Fjords! Make sure its on your list!
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Songefjord. Feel free to leave comments below or to ask us any questions.
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