There’s only one downside to visiting the Norwegian fjords, and that’s that everywhere else you visit afterwards is likely to look quite ordinary in comparison. While most of us have seen photos (like the one above) of the dramatic cliffs and sparkling blue water, it’s only by experiencing them in person that you can really appreciate how special these geological marvels really are.
Visitors come from all over the world to admire the landscapes of the fjords and they can choose a variety of way in which to see them. Here are just a few of the options you can choose for experiencing this region of Norway in the way that best suits you.
Driving
Without doubt the most flexible way to explore the fjords, having a car will allow you to travel at your own pace. A comprehensive network of decent roads and car ferries allows you to base yourself in one places and make several day trips to make the most of the natural wonders that surround you.
On a boat
While cruising through the Norwegian fjords is becoming a very popular way to explore the area, booking yourself on a cruise is not the only way to view the scenery from the water. There is an extensive network of local ferries that make their way up and down the coastline and these can provide a leisurely and more affordable way to explore the region.
By train
Although many of the fjords are far too remote to have been connected to the Norwegian railway network, you can still enjoy some of the most outstanding scenery from the inside of a railway carriage. The Flåm Railway, remarkable for its engineering accomplishment as much as for is views, takes visitors along the short 20 km stretch from Myrdal to Flåm, passing slowly enough to allow passengers to soak up the stunning landscape.
Hiking
It’s no surprise that in a natural playground such as this there is no shortage of hiking trails. Perhaps the most famous walk is the hike up to the over-hanging rock of Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), but pretty much wherever you are in the fjords, there’s a great walk nearby.
Cycling
While the steep hills of the Norwegian fjords may put off the less committed cyclist, there are plenty of good trails for both road cycling and mountain biking. In fact some of the mountain biking in the west of Norway ranks among Europe’s finest trails. The bike park at Hafjell is dedicated to downhill biking, which may sound like a lazy way to enjoy cycling without having to do the hard bits, but is anything but. Great fun for those looking for an adrenaline rush.
From the sky
Talking of adrenaline, surely there is no better way to experience the fjords than from the air? Tandem paragliding allows you to enjoy the stunning views of the ground below while having an expert controlling your flight.
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