Photograph sheer valleys from hardy mountain trains, traverse mighty blue glaciers or visit ancient stave churches around Norway’s longest fjord.
Spend a few days exploring the dramatic scenery of Sogne Fjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. From the foot of the Jotunheimen Mountains to the North Sea 125 miles (200 kilometres) to the west, this fjord features some of Norway’s most attractive glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and villages.
See Sogne Fjord’s natural beauty by railway, car, boat or foot. Enjoy impressive views from a comfortable train carriage on the Flåm Railway tour. Spot the roaring 305-foot (93-metre) Kjosfossen Waterfall and learn about the railway’s construction at the Flåm Documentation Centre.
Drive along the scenic Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, which passes through the Jotunheimen National Park at a peak height of 4,700 feet (1,430 metres). Along the way, enjoy a scenic picnic in the Leasanden pine forest and spot the 8,100-foot (2470-metre) Galdhøpiggen peak.
In summer, hike scenic trails crisscrossing the Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks. Explore the blue ice caves of the Nigardsbreen Glacier and visit the 902-foot (275-metre) Vettisfossen Waterfall. Journey through the wild terrain of Aurlandsdalen Valley, also known as “Norway’s Grand Canyon.” In winter, snowshoe to the Stegastein lookout for a sweeping view of the Sogne Fjord.
Take a boat tour of the Sogne Fjord and its branch fjords to photograph majestic mountains and fish on tranquil waters. Kayak onto the open Lusterfjord waters or visit the Finnafjord, one of the Sogne Fjord’s smallest and steepest branches.
Be sure to stop at Sogne Fjord’s many cultural attractions, including the Kristianhus båt-og motormuseum, which exhibits over 200 ship motors. Learn about the landscape at the Norwegian Glacier Museum or see gorgeous antiques at the Golden House gallery. Admire the region’s historic stave churches, many of which date back to the 12th century.
Access Sogne Fjord easily by ferry, train or car from Bergen. Make a base at one of several towns along the fjord, including Balestrand, Flåm and Myrdal, where you can also book adventure tours. The best visiting months are during summer, between May and September.
