Trip to Norway: Bergen and Fiords

City of Bergen, located in western Norway is definitely a starting point for many fjord tours. Here will you read about many attractions that wait for a traveller the land of fjords, all of them in a short distance from Bergen.

On this page the city of Bergen and the whole region is presented, drawing your attention to places that are definitely worth visiting and illustrated by many photographs of breathtaking Norwegian landscapes and with an addition of useful information and travel tips, a few words about history and local customs.

Sunset in Bergen (c) kariannesverden.blogspot.com

This city, former capital of Norway, is 1000 years old and is in my opinion one of the most charming cities in this country. Bergen lies between seven mountains (in the same way as Rome lies on seven hills) and among other things is known for rain (you can even buy a jar with "bergensk" rain as a souvenir! ). This is due to its location between stormy Northern Sea and Norwegian high mountains. Nevertheless Bergen is a charming city, beautifully located and very appealing.

Bergen's Fish Market, Norway

Summer season (from May to September) is relatively dry and sunny. At this time the city is most beautiful and charming. There is a lot of cafeterias and pubs downtown, crowded with students, locals and tourists. Among other things worth visiting here is Hanseatic wharf called Bryggen which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On Bryggen you can can find a variety of restaurants, pubs and souvenir shops offering a great collection of troll figurines also handmade by NyForm. Bergen is also a starting point to the fjords - long "sea valleys" cutting deeply into the mainland and captivating by their depth, narrowness and steep mountains towering above.

Bryggen in Bergen (c) wildlens

Aurlandsfjord, part of Sognefjord (c) www.bergenfjords.com

Sognefjord, located north of Bergen, is the largest fjord in Norway, stretching 205km inland and reaching over 1.3km (!) of depth, while the cliffs surrounding fjord have over 1km of hight. North of the fjord lies the biggest glacier of Norway (and of Europe), the Jostedalsbreen glacier.

Among many fjord's branches, two can be distinguished: Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. The last one listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cruise Ship at Gudvangen, Naeroyfjorden, Unesco World Heritage Site, Western Fiordlands, Norway

Both branches are part of the Norway in Nutshell tourist trip, which indeed shows Norway at its best. The trip starts in Voss (which can be easily reached from Bergen or Oslo by train), leads through narrow, winding mountain roads (by bus), a long ferry tour along the two fjords, ultimately ending with 20km scenic tour by a steam train (called Flåmsbana).

Naeroyfjorden at Gudvangen village (c) wikipedia

Lofthus and Hardangerfjord in Spring(c) www.visitnorway.no

South of Bergen lies one of the most beautiful fjords of Norway, 800m deep Hardangerfjord. Hardangerfjord is second longest Norwegian fjord (and third longest in the world) having 179km of total length and reaching Hardangervidda plateau in its eastern end. Whole Hardanger region is known for its orchards, from here come most of the Norwegian apples. A good example of this is village of Lofthus.

Folgefonna glacier (c) www.hardangerfolk.no

Southern branch of the fjord, ends in town of Odda, which is one of the starting points for tours towards Folgefonna glacier, lying west of this branch. Folgefonna is third biggest glacier in Norway (the other ones lies quite close). The glacier is a summer ski center, offers also thrillig experience of guided tours on its white and blue icy surface.

Guided tour on Folgefonna glacier (c) www.hardangerfjord.com

Norheimsund and Hardangerfjord (c) wikipedia

Cabins at Kvamskogen in winter

Hordaland is great place for skiers, no matter is you prefer cross-country skiing, alpine skiing or telemark skiing. For instance you can take a ski tour at Kvamskogen hills (there are two smaller alpine centers there as well). Kvamskogen lies only 50km from the coast and Bergen city.

Or travel 50km more inlands to Voss, where two other medium sized alpine resorts are located: one in Bavallen valley and second one in Myrkdalen valley.

Skitouring at Kvamskogen (c) www.bt.no

Laatefossen waterfall (c) Dagladet

Norway is not only a land of fjords, but also a land of waterfalls. Above you can see huge and loud Laatefossen waterfall, located some 5km south of Odda.

Another worth mentioning waterfall is Voringfossen. You can watch its 100m impressive fall when you take the road 7 towards mountain plateau of Hardangervidda and farther to Oslo. Before you reach the waterfall (from above), you will climb the breathtaking, winding and steep (8-10%) road leading from Eidfjord through Mabodalen valley.

Voringfossen waterfall near Eidfjord (c) www.bergenfjords.com

Steindalsfossen waterfall near Norheimsund (c) eirikso.com

A place you've been to and loved, place you want to visit, place which appeal to you in some way... just pick your favourite and vote. If you wish, you can also add a comment on your choice.

Share your opinion about this lens, Bergen and the surrounding region, Norway in general. What did you like the most? What should I add here? Or just say "hello" to everyone :)