As avid fans of natural wonders and geological marvels, fjords in Norway hold a special place in our hearts. One of our favorites is the Sognefjord. It’s the largest and most remarkable fjord in Norway and blows us away every time we float between the massive mountain walls.
This has long been an area of wonder, with a myriad of hidden areas and rich locations. If you want to experience the true essence of Norway, follow us through this article as we sail through the majestic Sognefjord.
The Sognefjord in Short
The Sognefjord is considered the “king of the fjords” in the country, which comes as no surprise when we learn that it is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. It is, in fact, one of the longest and deepest fjords on the planet and holds a myriad of smaller fjords. One of these, the Nærøyfjord, is considered to have such characteristics typical of a fjord that it earned itself a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Sognefjord in Western Norway spans over 204 kilometers from the mouth to the deepest branch, making it a part of 10 different municipalities. The deepest part of it is found close to the mouth of the fjord and reaches down a stunning 1,308 meters.
How Was the Sognefjord Formed?
Just like most fjords in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sognefjord was created as a result of glacial interaction with the surrounding mountains. As glaciers move back and forth, they carve out the rock underneath them, creating a U-shaped bowl that eventually fills up and becomes the fjords we see today.
This process takes thousands of years, and we only see the finished results when the glacier retreats and allows sea water and glacial runoff to fill up the fjord. The Sognefjord was revealed around 12,000 years ago when Mainland Norway’s largest glacier, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, retreated.
What to See and Do Around the Sognefjord
The Sognefjord is one of the best fjords in Norway, so it comes as no surprise that it’s connected to a large number of amazing things to see and do. Below are some of our top picks:
The 1100s Runestone
In the town of Sogndal in the Sogndalsfjord sits a runestone that is at least 900 years old. It says: “King Olaf shot between these stones”, which begs the question of where the other stone is and who King Olaf was. There have been many theories and stories about this ancient message, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Borgund Stave Church
If you have ever wanted to be in a massive wooden building that is created without a single nail, then the Borgund Stave Church is the place for you. This church was built sometime around the year 1200 and served as the area’s main church until 1868 when another, larger church was built in the area. The church is found in the village of Borgund, upriver from Laerdal.
Urnes Stave Church
The oldest of the stave churches in Norway Is found in the Ornes Village in the eastern part of the Sognefjord. Urnes Stave Church was built in the early 1100s and is the third iteration of churches built on the site. This is partly clear from some parts of the current church that are constructed from parts of the older churches, with lumber dating back to around the year 1000 and earlier, and partly from the on-site excavations.
This is one of the few old churches in Norway that shows the transition from the Old Norse belief system to Christianity, making it an important national heritage site. Urnes Stave Church has also been put on the UNESCO Heritage List, highlighting yet another internationally important site in the Sognefjord.
Viking Valley
From churches to Norwegian Vikings, the Sognefjord has it all. This is a Viking Village built in the same place that would hold an annual Viking Market, making it a permanent installment instead of an annual initiative.
The name of the village is Njardarheimr and it has over 2,000 square meters of Viking replica buildings. A must-visit to get the right feel of traversing the deep Norwegian Fjords.
Vettisfossen Waterfall
Not all things worth seeing in the area are man-made. The tallest free-falling waterfall in Europe can be found upstream from Ovre-Årdal in the easternmost part of the Sognefjord in Norway.
This will require a little trip from the end of the fjord, but well worth the effort when you reach the lookout point. Walking there from the village takes 2-3 hours, so pack well and make sure to bring sturdy hiking boots.
The Nærøyfjord
If you want to experience a fjord in all its might and beauty, the best place to visit is the world-renowned Nærøyfjord. This area is so beautiful that it is literally put on an international list of preservation.
Breheimsenteret Glacier Center
There are 2534 named glaciers on mainland Norway, so naturally, the country will boast a center for glaciers and climate change. The Norwegian Glacier Museum is one of the best things to visit in the area if you are traveling with children. This interactive museum lies at the end of the Fjaerlandsfjord and is the perfect destination for a family holiday.
Fjord Cruise
Last, but not least, hopping on a fjord cruise is never a bad idea. As can be expected, the largest fjord in Norway offers multiple fjord cruises throughout the area. If you haven’t already experienced it, we strongly suggest you take the chance to experience the fjords from the water.
There are no words that can describe the feeling you get as you slowly move through the massive mountain corridors in waters that are hundreds of meters deep.
Plan Your Trip to the Sognefjord
The longest and deepest fjord in Norway is anything but short of amazing things to see and do. If you haven’t made plans to visit one of the wonders of the world, we strongly suggest you do so now. The Sognefjord is a must-visit on your holiday to Norway if you want to experience the raw Norwegian Nature.
There are about as many ways to explore Norway as there are things to do in the Sognefjord. Our favorite way of seeing a country is from behind the wheel, on our own terms. Therefore, we strongly urge you to rent a motorhome in Norway and see the ins and outs of the stunning Sognefjord. It will be an adventure you’ll never forget!
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