Norway is famous for its fjords, which are winding sea inlets of stunning proportions that cut deep into the land. The Sognefjord (Norway) is the longest in the country and the second longest on the planet. It stretches for more than 200 km.
The fjord is bordered by steep rocky shores that rise up to 1,000 meters. The water depth in the bay exceeds 1,300 meters. This unique natural creation is located 350 kilometers from Oslo and 170 kilometers from Bergen. The Sognefjord was formed approximately 2.5 million years ago, when powerful glaciers began to converge, causing the destruction of the river system.
Looking at the Sognefjord on the map, you can see that it has many branches, some of which are also fjords. These include the famous Gula Fjord, Lusta Fjord, Sognesjøen, Nåro Fjord, and others.
What to visit in Sognefjord
When planning a trip to Sognefjord, we recommend including the following minimum activities in your cultural program:
- take part in a fjord cruise;
- ride the famous Flom Railway;
- visit the wooden church in Urnes, the oldest building in the country;
- visit the Stegasten observation deck, which offers an amazing panorama of the fjord;
- make an ascent to the glacier.
There are all conditions for a wonderful vacation for tourists: fishing, boating, rafting, and much more.
Cruises on the Sognefjord
The majestic Sognefjord is the centerpiece of all Norwegian fjords. There are many different cruise routes available for tourists, which will introduce you to the unique beauty of the fjord kingdom. The bays are surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. The valleys are home to picturesque villages with ancient wooden churches.
One of the most popular cruises in the Sognefjord starts in the town of Flåm and ends in the village of Gudvagen, covering the Narofjord and Aurlandsfjord. On the way, you will see the highest waterfalls in Norway.
Nærøyfjord stretches for 17 km, and in some places it is only 300 meters wide. When you sail through these areas on a cruise, it feels like you’re traveling through a cave. In warm weather, you can spot seals sunbathing.
- A one-way ferry cruise lasts about an hour and a half and costs at least 490 NOK.
- The ferry runs every day and makes two round trips.
- More detailed information about cruises and rules is available on the city’s website www.visitflam.com. Here you can also purchase a ticket for the selected program.
Traveling on the Flom Railway
The railway tracks are laid on one of the steepest roads that run on a regular track. A 20-kilometer trip along this road allows you to fully enjoy the magnificent beauty of Norway and provide a lot of positive emotions.
The journey along the breathtaking route, which starts in Sognefjord (0 meters above sea level) and ends in Myrdal (865 meters above sea level), takes approximately one hour, but it passes in a flash.
The winding route runs along the picturesque sights of Norway: waterfalls, steep cliffs, numerous tunnels, most of which were built by hand. The train goes through a serpentine with a one-meter rise every 18 meters of the road and turns right underground.
- Trains run on this route every day.
- There are 10 flights during the summer season and 4 during the winter season.
- A round-trip ticket costs 490-630 Norwegian kroner, depending on the season, and is twice as cheap for children (6-17 years old).
More detailed information about the city of Flom, its railway, and other attractions can be found in this article.
Jostedalsbreen Glacier
The region is home to part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in Europe. It covers an area of approximately 490 square kilometers and is 600 meters thick.
The ascent to the natural landmark begins in the Jostedal Valley, where a glacier bus runs from the town of Sogndal. Tickets are sold directly on the bus. There are various levels of glacier trekking available for tourists, ranging from simple family walks to challenging combined trekking that includes kayaking on the lake.
Recommendations for tourists
Even in summer, when the temperature in the valley is 30 degrees Celsius, it can be cold on the glacier (up to +6 degrees Celsius), and strong winds are possible. Therefore, it is essential to wear the following:
- with gloves;
- trekking boots (flip-flops, flats, sneakers, and sandals should be avoided);
- a backpack with food and water (your hands should be free: one will hold a rope from the bundle, and the other will hold an ice axe);
- sunglasses and sunscreen;
- pants (shorts and dresses are not allowed for climbing Jostedalsbreen);
- with the header;
- waterproof clothing (in case of rain).
Important! If you like to travel on your own, this option is not suitable for glacier trekking. You can only climb the glacier with a guide and a set of equipment.
Attractions in Sognefjord
In addition to the natural beauty, it is worth seeing the historical sites of Sognefjord. The most popular include the following.
Stegasten Observation Deck
If you drive two kilometers up the road from the town of Eurland, you will reach the Stegasten observation deck. It connects two different branches of the Sognefjord and is a unique creation by architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Vilhelmsen.
The observation deck is a bridge that goes to nowhere and breaks off over the abyss. This effect is created by an unusual design. The bridge (30 m long and 4 m wide), made of wood and steel, hangs over the precipice at an altitude of 650 m. The end of the bridge is framed by reinforced transparent glass, which creates the illusion of an unfinished structure. It offers a fantastic view, so you can take a bird’s-eye view of Sognefjord and its surroundings.
The attraction was opened in 2006, and since then, many tourists have been visiting it. The cost of a ticket from Aurland by tourist bus is quite high – 345 kroner in both directions (distance 8 km). Tickets are available for purchase on the website www.visitflam.com/ru. You can also arrive by car, as there is free parking available.
Heiberg Museum
This open-air museum consists of 30 houses-buildings of the XIX century. They brought us the culture and traditions of the local population. While visiting the old farms and breweries, you can enjoy freshly baked bread and beer prepared according to traditional recipes in your presence.
Wooden churches
Old wooden churches are examples of wooden architecture in Norway of the XII century. The most beautiful and well-preserved are Urnes, Hopperstad, Burgund, etc. Some temples were built more than 1000 years ago. They are distinguished by a unique architecture, and they have a mysterious atmosphere.
Adventurous leisure time
After excursions, you can have a great time here. In addition to cruises, there are plenty of activities for tourists.
Fishing
These places are rich in salmon. With the help of an instructor, you can learn the secrets of traditional fishing. You can fish from the shore or on a rented boat. Fishing gear can also be rented.
White water rafting
There are all the conditions for rafting in the vicinity of Voss. Both professionals and families with children can participate in rafting on mountain rivers. There are different difficulty categories for this purpose. You can take several training lessons and even participate in competitions.
.Horse rides
After visiting the equestrian center, you will see many interesting things and ride a horse.
In addition to these activities, you can also try surfing, sports rafting, skydiving, rock climbing, and abseiling (climbing down a rope over a waterfall).
You can rent a boat or kayak in any village on the Sognefjord.
- The boat costs around 350-450 NOK.
- A guided kayaking tour will cost around 700-800 NOK.
- A speedboat safari will cost around 800 NOK for 2 hours.
How to get to Sognefjord
Sognefjord (Norway) is located 350 km from Oslo. If you are traveling by car, you can use the E16 or Rv7 highway.
Every day, there is a bus from Oslo to Lerdal with a transfer in Fagernes. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours. Check the current schedule and prices on the website www.nor-way.no.
You can take a train to Myrdal, and from there it is a short distance to the village of Flom. The fastest way is by plane to Sognland (travel time 50 minutes). From there, you can travel independently or as part of an organized tour.
