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The best fjords of Norway: photos, reviews. What to see in a week? Majestic Norwegian fjords Fjord definition

Every fjord, no matter where in the world it is located, is beautiful in its own way. But we can highlight the most breathtaking landscapes that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Golden autumn in Hørundfjord

Hørundfjord is located among mountain peaks and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world. In the autumn months, when you can admire the real golden autumn, people swim to the shores cruise ships, who are making a voyage called “The Most Beautiful in the World.”

It is at this time that the bay is especially beautiful. Hørundfjord is, first and foremost, a classic of the Norwegian landscape. In addition, it left its mark on history as the place where German Emperor Wilhelm II landed while visiting Norway.

The silent fjord of Milford Sound

One of the most beautiful is located in. Its banks are so steep that any human settlements in this place are simply impossible. For this reason, no human has ever set foot in the bay, and it is here that you can enjoy the true pristine beauty of nature. The ringing silence is sometimes broken only by the sounds of waterfalls reaching 300 meters in height.

In the Milford Sound fjord, sea waters mix with lake waters, which creates a unique ecosystem inhabited by unusual fauna. Studying underwater world bay, you can see unique black corals. The magical beauty of this place is given by the changing weather lighting: the rays of the sun quickly replace the clouds, the falling rain turns into a bright rainbow. Milford Sound is listed by UNESCO as a natural wonder of the world.

Giant Scandinavian fjord Scoresby

The longest and deepest fjord in the world is located in Greenland. It is named after the Scottish whalers who discovered it in 1822. The Scandinavian giant has a gloomy atmosphere created by gray rough rocks. But at the same time, they are set off by snow-white glaciers and icebergs, which form bizarre arches and towers.

Crystal clear ice breaks off from the main glacier and sets off on a long voyage. All this creates an incredibly mesmerizing view. The fjord has a rich fauna, the waters abound with fish, and huge colonies of birds stop on the shores of the bay every year.

Ice-free Kola Bay

The most famous fjord in is undoubtedly the Kola Bay. Steep cliffs form descents to the water, similar to steps or peculiar terraces. The fjord has a special feature - the water in the bay almost never freezes even at low temperatures.

Over the past 100 years, the bay has frozen only five times. This is explained by the presence of a warm underwater current. The bay forms several bends, around which many islands are scattered. The Kola Fjord is all broken up by bays and bays, one of which houses an ice-free military port.

The bright colors of the Misty Fjords

The bays of the Misty Fjords are so narrow that you can only sail through them by motor boats or admire them from the air. In a remote corner of southeastern Alaska, there are eternal fogs, which, however, does not interfere with admiring this untouched corner of nature.

Mysterious, silent bays seem to be painted in watercolors in the rich green color of rain forests with white strokes in the form of fog. The Tongass National Forest covers the misty fjords with a thick carpet. Crystal clear lakes and waterfalls give the landscape an extremely breathtaking view.

Hospitable Lysefjord

Lysefjord is one of the most attractive places for tourists due to its accessibility. Unlike most similar natural objects, it has on its territory settlements, where you can stop and get the necessary information about routes.

Lysefjord has a huge number of interesting objects. In the bay there is a 400-meter waterfall, under whose jets ships swim. The 640 meter long suspension bridge is also a local landmark. From certain points of the fjord you can admire flocks of seals. In addition, thousands of tourists every year climb the fjord with equipment to stand on the huge Kjoragbolt boulder, stuck between two rocks.

The amazing country of Norway... Northern, mountainous, cold... Even its name, which comes from the Old Scandinavian word Norðrvegr - “the way to the north,” emanates coldness. But tourists invariably prefer it warm seaside resorts and exotic Asian countries, because it has something that can be seen in rare corners of the world - unique fjords.

The fjords are a photo symbol, a calling card of the country, something without which the sights of Norway are unthinkable. They are bays cut deep into the mainland (from the Norwegian “fjord” - bay) in giant mountain corridors with a piercing blue expanse of clear waters. The crystal clear waters reflect sheer cliffs from which waterfalls plunge into the abyss, and along the banks of the fjords there are Norwegian villages where time seems to have stood still during the time of the Vikings.

Fjords are tectonic formations formed as a result of glacier movement 10-12 thousand years ago. It was then that the first fjords of Norway were formed. The map of Norway is a map of fjords that cut up almost its entire coastline. The most famous Norwegian fjords are located in the southwestern part of the country.

Norway is home to two of the world's three longest fjords, and Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord have been listed World Heritage UNESCO. They were named by National Geographic magazine as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in the world.

Tours to Norway, whose fjords attract thousands of tourists, always begin in the city of Bergen, called the “Gateway to the Kingdom of the Fjords.” Bergen is considered the most beautiful city Norway, it is famous for its musical history and abundance of fish restaurants. As a rule, tourists stay in Bergen for several days.

Are you thinking about climbing? Rent mountaineering equipment in advance - this will allow you to use professional equipment at a decent saving or try the products you are interested in before purchasing them.

Main fjords of Norway

Each fjord has its own characteristics and recognizable landscape.

Norway is a country of fjords, famous for its beautiful nature and stunning landscapes. The fjords are clear proof of this. They are narrow, winding sea bays of glacial origin that cut into the mainland for many kilometers. There are fjords in European and North American countries, but the largest and most beautiful cluster of such formations can be observed in the western part of Scandinavia. Thanks to his geographical location Norway has a huge number of beautiful fjords, which attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Lovers find their refuge here extreme species sports and just those who want to take a break from the civilization of big cities. See further description and photo 10 the best fjords in Norway, which will come in handy if you ever come to this country.

The most beautiful fjords in Norway

1. Geirangerfjord

One of the most popular Norwegian fjords is Geirangerfjord in the Sunnmøre region. The beauty of its landscape will captivate tourists and travelers. In addition to enjoying the splendor of the local landscapes, vacationers are invited to go fishing, rafting, horseback riding or kayaking. There are also two small villages in the bay where cruise ships stop. Another splendor of the Geirangerfjord is its waterfalls, emerging from the forest thickets and rushing straight into the waters of the bay. Geirangerfjord has received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

2. Sognefjord

The record holder for the longest among the best fjords in Norway is the Sognefjord, which also occupies the second longest position in the world. It is located in the province of Sogn og Fjordane. Visitors to Norway are invited to appreciate the beauty of this place both from the bay and from the land. Serene boat trips will give you a palette of colorful emotions, and on land tourists will be able to visit one (or several) of the five local colorful villages. Those interested can visit local attractions - national park, museum and church.

3. Lysefjord

This beautiful fjord in Norway gained its popularity thanks to the picturesque cliffs - Preikestolen and Kjerag - which are the main attractions of this place. Tourists are offered several travel routes (both land and water), each of which will present vacationers with its own picturesque and mesmerizing perspectives. In addition, on the top of the Preikestolen rock is the House of the same name, which opens its doors to its visitors, and in the summer offers them accommodation and meals. Lots of tourists await in Lysefjord active species sports and recreation. The fjord is located in the Vestland region.

4. Oslofjord

To the number beautiful fjords Norway includes the Oslofjord. This sea bay is unique in that there are over a thousand small islands throughout its territory. On land, you will find several of Norway's most wonderful cities, each of which is famous for something of its own: for example, Halden - found its place in the country's anthem, Drammen - gave the world the great biathlete Bjoerndalen. Like any other self-respecting fjord, there is also a pier for cruise ships.

5. Hardangerfjord

Spring is the best time to visit Hardangerfjord, as at this time of year the fjord's already scenic beauty is enhanced by flowering trees. A little later, trees will begin to bend their branches everywhere, full of fruits: pears, apples, cherries (by the way, there are rumors that the most delicious cherries in all of Norway grow here). If we talk about the natural beauties of the Hardangerfjord, then they have practically no competition in all of Norway. The beautiful view of the mountains and glaciers fascinates tourists, the waterfalls captivate their views, and you will want to do fishing and boating here forever. Hardangerfjord is one of the best resorts countries. It is located in southwestern Norway.

6. Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord has the smallest width among the fjords of Norway (from 300 to 1000 meters). When you observe its landscape, you get the feeling that the water surface of the fjord is carefully squeezed between the mountain ranges that are trying to oppress it. The fjord got its name from the ancient Norwegian deity Njord, who was known as the patron of the sea. There are many small and medium-sized settlements on both sides of the fjord, which, coupled with the splendor of the landscape, creates a beautiful picturesque backdrop to Nærøyfjord.

7. Westfjord

Quite unusual in terms of definitions is the Norwegian Westfjord, because it is also characterized as an estuary or an open bay. On the territory of this fjord they have been fishing for cod since medieval times. And the killer whales that live in its waters have become a kind of “attraction” of the Westfjord, which many tourists come to see. It is better to relax here in the warm season, because in winter the fjord is often blown by cold frosty winds.

8. Porsangerfjord

The Porsangerfjord is in fourth position in terms of length among the fjords of Norway - its length exceeds 120 kilometers. The fjord originates near the small village of Lakselv, which has become very popular among tourists. Porsangerfjord offers vacationers to enjoy the beauty of its landscapes, catch a good fishing catch, and also visit the local Stabbursdalen National Park. The local nature is practically untouched by man and thereby charms its guests.

9. Trondheimsfjord

The Norwegian Trondheimsfjord has a unique climate and nature. It is named after the city of Trondheim, located on the shore of the estuary. This fjord is famous for the fact that there is virtually no snow here all year round. This is why a unique ecosystem has formed in the coastal waters - over 90 species of marine fish live in the Trondheimsfjord. Mostly those who prefer peace and quiet come here to relax. But it’s worth considering that a significant portion of the fjord’s land area is occupied by a large, wealthy commercial area.

10. Storfjord

A special place among all the fjords of Norway is given to Storfjord. Translated, its name means “big fjord”. It is famous for the fact that, with its length of 110 kilometers, it also manages to split in two, forming two other fjords - Geirangerfjord and Tafjordfjord. But with all this, Storfjord remains “behind the scenes” of tourist life - it is little known and therefore not popular among vacationers, and information about it is not presented in almost any tourist brochure or postcard.

With rocky shores. The length of the fjord is several (most often tens) times greater than its width. The shores of the fjord are in most cases formed by cliffs up to 1000 meters high.

Most often, fjords have tectonic origin and arose when there was a sharp and sudden change in the direction of movement of tectonic plates from counter to opposite. As a result of this, at the edges of the plates, already compressed by the preliminary oncoming movement, numerous cracks and faults are formed, which are filled sea water. In this case, the fjord can have significant depth, up to 800 meters. In some cases, the emergence of fjords is the result of glaciers processing (during the Quaternary glaciation) river valleys and tectonic depressions, followed by their flooding with water.

The four most famous fjord regions in the world are located on western coasts Norway, Chile, the South Island of New Zealand and North America from Puget Sound (Washington) to Alaska. Fjords are also found on the shores of Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Labrador Peninsula, Maine (USA) and on some Arctic islands.

Thanks to their beauty and picturesqueness - cliffs rising straight out of the water, mountains covered with dense vegetation, snowy peaks - the fjords enjoy deserved interest among tourists all over the world.

Hardangerfjord, Norway

Some fjords

Name	Location	Length (km)	Width (km)	Depth (m)
Sognefjord	Norway	219	6	1308
Hardangerfjord	Norway	183	10	750
Trondheimsfjord	Norway	137	24	600
Nordfjord	Norway	113	5	565
Kola Bay	Russia	57	7	300
Milford	New Zealand	19	3	390
Portland Channel	Alaska (USA)	145	3	385
Loch Morar	Scotland (UK)	19	3	310
Saguenay	Quebec (Canada)	120	5	30

Geirangerfjord

Geiranger is one of the most visited fjords in Norway, and this popularity is absolutely deserved and justified. It is only 15 km long, located 100 km from the city of Ålesund, is under UNESCO protection, and it is Geiranger that you most often see in photos and in tourist brochures.

If you have very little time for a vacation in Norway, you can visit only this one - there will be enough entertainment there for several days. We lived at the Hotel Union Geiranger, 4* - this one family hotel For some reason the royals love it. Price per room from 190€. Cool spa area and views of the mountains and fjord.

What to do in Geiranger:

— Hiking along Geiranger to the high mountain farms of Skageflo and Knivsflo. We had lunch at a Westeros farm where llamas and goats live. The food is delicious, the animals are clean, the views are breathtaking.

— Cruise on a ship or boat. We went on a boat ride and it was something! I already wrote more about it, there are a lot of photos, videos and prices on the link.

— Kayaking — in good weather It's nice to kayak along the cliffs and waterfalls of Geiranger.

- Fishing. The water contains cod, pollock, and salmon. You can fish all year round, just purchase a license first.

Salmon production on Geiranger

— mountain road Trollstigen, aka “Troll Ladder”. The serpentine winding through the mountains at an angle of 9 degrees is one of the famous attractions of Norway. The length of the route is more than 100 km.

— Eagle Road- This is the steepest section of Trollstigen. A mountain serpentine with 11 very sharp turns and leading from the shores of Geiranger to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 620 m above sea level. This section of the route got its name in honor of large quantities eagles living in that region.

Fords of Norway in the photo:

Viewpoints of Geirangerfjord

Ornesvingen
Having climbed to the top of the mountain along the Eagle Road, we find ourselves on observation deck Ornesvingen. There is indescribable beauty there and many Chinese in yellow clothes. If you're lucky with the weather, you can see the Seven Sisters waterfall. We leave the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire alone and move on.

By the way, if you don’t want to overpay for housing in the fjord region, you can rent an apartment or house in Norway - it will be cheaper than living in a hotel, especially if you are traveling with family or company.

Dalsnibba and Fludalsjuve
Observation platforms at an altitude of 1500 m. View of Geiranger, clean air, slight chill and a lot of stones - everything I love.

I'm in this photo :) @Photographer Niyaz Aksanov

The surroundings of Geiranger, photos of the fjords of Norway:

Nordfjord

The pearl of the Norwegian fjord system. On the shores of the Nordfjord there is a wonderful place where the king of Norway fishes, as well as a beautiful turquoise lake Lovatnet, along which we rode bicycles. We lived at the Hotel Loenfjord, 3* - this is perhaps my favorite hotel I have ever lived in. It stands where the mountain river flows into the fjord. The food there is incredibly delicious, rooms from 200€.