3 Ways to See the Norwegian Fjords When You Travel

When one hears about Norway, the beautiful northern lights come to mind. For a country that sees the sun even at midnight for at least half of the year, it’s a rare sight to see the sky streaked in awe-inspiring shades of blue, green, and purple. While you let the beautiful aurora illuminate your night, take the scenic routes during the day to pass by each of the beautiful UNESCO-protected fjords.

Drive Along the Coast

The country of Norway is a strip of land along the Norwegian Sea and flanked by Sweden and Finland on the other side. As one of the most affluent countries in the world, travel and transportation is incredibly safe and comfortable. Many travelers choose to rent a car for a week, drive along the coastal roads, and stop by towns to find the inner routes that lead to fjords—all without the pressure of a schedule. A short drive from Bergen will lead you to the city of Flam, a popular destination for travelers wanting to see more fjords.

Start the Journey with a Train

Norwegian trains are some of the best in the world, not only for the comforts it can provide, but for the unmatched beauty that passengers will see as they look out their windows. You may even get to see the Hardangervidda plateau when you take the train to Bergen or see both Gudbrandsdalen Valley and Dovrefjell mountain range when you travel from Oslo to Trondheim. Head to the sleepy town of Narvik and you’ll find Ofotfjord, a fjord quite different from the others because of the snow covering the landscape even in midsummer.

Hop on a Green Ferry

Cruises to Norway that pass through beautiful fjords are a popular attraction for groups and solo travelers alike. The government encourages greener cruising vessels to protect its fjords and its surrounding environment. The Norwegian Government set the ball rolling for a sustainable form of tourism two years ago. Just this year, Norway unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry system. Ferries can take you to the less-traveled parts of the country. Not only will you feel good for contributing to more eco-friendly tourism, you’ll feel just as the old world’s first explorers did when you see lesser known places in Norway.

Several ferry trips will take visitors to the southern parts of Norway. During summer, the peak season when tourists flock to the Geirangerfjord, you can take the route less traveled. Go where the Saltfjord and Skjerstadfjord meet to see the tumultuous whirlpool called Saltstraumen. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something you’ll be glad to have seen in real life. Visit the Sjunkhatten National Park for a hike, and follow the river until you reach a high peak where you can look down at the Sjunkfjord. While no public ferry will take you to Sjunkfjord, you can get a boat to ride down this fjord as if it was your own private world.