Sognefjord is the second largest fjord in the world, and also the most beautiful and dramatic one. From the glaciers on the top of the mountains, down the steep mountainsides to green farmland and deep fjords you have a wealth of impressions to explore.

The fjord stretches 205 km (127 miles) inland, reach down to a max depth of 1308 meters below sea level and the mountains surrounding the fjord goes up to 2000 meters. The inner end of The Sognefjord is covered by Jostedalsbreen, continental Europe's largest glacier.

Stave Churches

You will find several stave churches surrounding the fjord, reminders of the viking past. The stave churches are Norway's foremost contribution to the world’s cultural heritage, a fact confirmed by the inclusion of Urnes Stave Church on UNESCO's World Heritage List. These churches take their names from the distinctive building technique using vertical staves.

There are only 28 stave churches left in all of Norway. Five of the oldest are in the Sognefjord region, and all of them date back to the 12th century.

Nærøyfjord - arm of Sognefjord

he 17 km long Nærøyfjord is one of the most spectacular and impressive fjords in the world. The Nærøyfjord appears very narrow and constricted since it is surrounded by mountains reaching straight up to 1700 meters (5600 ft) on both sides, and the fjord is no more than 300 meters across at the most narrow point.

This world famous fjord has now been included on the World Natural Heritage List. One significant aspect of the Nærøyfjord is the near complete absence of modern technical encroachments, as well as the variety in the cultural landscape along the shoreline.

The Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway is an incredible train journey from the mountain station Myrdal on the Bergen Railway, through the steep and narrow Flåm valley, down to Flåm station at the head of the Aurlandfjord (arm of Hardangerfjord). This is one of the world’s steepest railway lines - 20 km long with a descent of 865 meters (2838 ft).

Ever since the opening of the line in 1940 the wild and majestetic nature has made the Flåm railway one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway.

Main Page Fjords

Hardangerfjord main page

Hardangerfjord History

Barony Rosendal Hardangerfjord