Langfoss Waterfall by Espen Mills for Fjord Norway

Bryggen by Casper Steinsland for Visit Bergen

Bergen & the Western Fjords

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A dramatic and stunning region, the Western Fjords are an endless natural playground. The city of Bergen is the gateway to this magnificent channel of waterways that wind their way through the landscape. Explore the vast Sognefjord then drift along to the impossibly beautiful Aurlandsfjord, knowing the UNESCO-certified fjord landscape provides an unparalleled experience of the Norwegian wilderness.

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Bergen & the Western Fjords

Espen Bakkuten for Visit Bergen

Bergen

Sweeping across a collection of islands, Bergen is the cultural centre of the region. The summit of Mount Floyen, one of the seven mountains that surround the city can be reached via the funicular railway and offers unbeatable views. Winding forest paths from the top lead to the bohemian quarter of Skostredet and on to the charming cobbled streets of the old medieval quarter and UNESCO-listed, Bryggen. The ancient quayside is a vibrant melting pot of boutiques, museums and restaurants with colourful facades, where you can indulge in traditional grilled reindeer at Bryggeloftet & Steune, the oldest restaurant in the city.

Kayak Voss for Fjord Norway

Voss

Nestled between two of the great fjords, Voss is the adventure capital of Norway. Home to the world's largest extreme sports festival, thrill seekers can enter a world of skydiving, white water rafting and off piste skiing. Hear the thunderous roar of the water while paddling down one of the best rivers for rafting in Europe, plunge headfirst out of a plane, navigate the twists and turns of the snowy terrain, and glide through the trees on daring zip lines. This is a destination guaranteed to get hearts pumping, while making memories that last a lifetime.

Aurlandsfjord by M. Dickson/Foap for Visit Norway

Sognefjord

The longest and deepest of the fjords, Sognefjord captivates visitors with its impressive scale and pristine beauty. Take a moment to soak in the crystal clear waters, snow-capped mountains, and flowing tributaries, such as the famed Aurlandsfjord, that branch from the main fjord and stretch endlessly onwards. If you can tear yourself away from the breathtaking scenery, explore the surrounding area and discover idyllic villages that hunker along the shoreline, each a testament to Norway’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Undredal, a picturesque community renowned for its goat’s cheese, and savour the celebrated brown variety with its sweet, caramel flavour.

Nordfjord by Mattias Fredriksson for Fjord Norway

Nordfjord

With rugged moorlands, towering peaks and dazzling vistas, Nordfjord is located between the largest mainland glacier in Europe and the Norwegian Western Cape. This is Norway’s wild, a place to feel the forces of nature, take on the elements and breathe clean air. Descend the hillside on a bone-crunching mountain bike ride, take to the slopes at Stryn or jump in the saddle and ride a golden Fjord horse. Nordfjord is crammed with local producers lovingly tending to farm and flock, so at the end of an exhilarating day outdoors, feast on a smorgasbord of local delicacies harnessed straight from the wilderness.

Hardangerfjord by Robin Strand for Fjord Norway

Hardangerfjord

The Southernmost fjord, the Hardanger’s course is long and narrow, flanked by majestic mountains that convey a sense of stark isolation. Here, traverse the frozen wilderness of the Folgefonna glacier and notice the ethereal quality of the light as it dances across the ice. Board a thrilling RIB boat safari and search for playful seals, and be sure to look out for the thousands of fruit trees found on verdant hillsides, that bloom and blossom with the seasons. Famous for its fragrant apples which yield mouthwatering cider, end the day with a glass of ‘liquid gold’.

Kayaking on Geirangerfjord by Oddgeir Visne for Visit Ålesund

Geirangerfjord

The dramatic horse-shoe shaped bay of the Geirangerfjord is renowned for its extraordinary waterfalls. Experience the thrill of kayaking up close to the ‘Seven Sisters’, seven streams that cascade 200m into the sparkling water below and then paddle across to the opposite side of the water to ‘The Suitor’, a lone waterfall, which according to folklore could not persuade any of the ‘sisters’ to court him. On land, stumble across ruins of old mountain pasture farms that cling to the steep mountainside. These delightful wooden and stone buildings long abandoned to the elements, evoke a different way of life and a window into the past.

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Map of Bergen & the Western Fjords

Highlights of Bergen & the Western Fjords

Trolltunga by Kaptenhal / Trolltunga Adventure

Trolltunga Hike on a sunny day with views over the fjord

TROLLTUNGA ROCK FORMATION

Towering 1180 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, Trolltunga is the most striking rock formation in Norway. Originally emerging from the icecap that once cloaked large sections of Scandinavia, its distinct form is an experienced hiker's haven. The pristine pathways take a day to climb, where mountain-lined meandering waters are at every turn. For the adventurous explorer, guided hikes with an overnight stay at the mountain camp is possible, perfect for capturing sunrise and sunset on top of the world.

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Flamsbana Vinter Fl18395 1920 Foto Sverre Hjornevik

THE FLÅM MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

Running from the Aurlandsfjord through Sognefjord and climbing 870 metres to the Myrdal mountain station, no visit to Western Norway is complete without a journey aboard The Flåm Railway. Starting at sea level, 20 tunnels punctuate the steady climb. Gliding past the historic Flåm village church and crystal blue waters, ascending higher in view of cascading waterfalls and hillside farmsteads, it's no wonder this journey has been dubbed one of the most beautiful in the world.

Why not experience the Flam railway during Winter? When the crowds move on and the snow starts to fall, you have a front row seat of the frozen landscape.

Therapy Pool with massage jets at Solstrand Hotel & Bad, Norway

THE SPA AT SOLSTRAND HOTEL & BAD

Cold water swimming, clay wraps and soothing saunas are as much a part of the Norwegian tradition as hiking. At Solstrand Hotel & Bad on the banks of Bjornafjorden, bodies are nourished with restorative treatments and soaks in warm pools, followed by a plunge into the bracing waters of the lake. This is how it has been done for 125 years at Solstrand, built by Norway’s first Prime Minister as a retreat from the hub bub of Bergen. Follow these footsteps, surrender to the rituals and let peace take root.

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Jan M Lillebø for Fløirestauranten

Sunset over Fløirestauranten, Bergen, Norway

DINNER WITH A VIEW at Fløirestauranten

Experience fine dining from the heights of Mount Floyen at the historic Floirestauranten. Designed by architect, Oscar Schou, so that its profile resembled a fairytale castle, the restaurant has remained an iconic part of the Bergen skyline for over a century. Easily accessible by funicular, there are a range of dining options spotlighting the delectable seasonal produce of the local area. Make a night of it by watching the sun set over Bergen while sipping a memorable cocktail, before heading inside for the full gastronomic experience; a ten-course sensory menu at Schou, new for Autumn 2024.

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Wonderful Places to Stay in Bergen & the Westernfjords

Elva Hotel

Norwegian design inspired by nature. This brand new and extraordinary hotel in the heart of fjord Norway will attract adventurers from every corner of the globe.

Voss, Norway

Solstrand Hotel & Bad

For 125 years Solstrand has provided a place to retreat to nature in the stunning landscape by Bjørnafjorden. Although the hotel has maintained its historical architecture, the facilities and décor of the public rooms and guest bedrooms have been updated and sympathetically modernised to provide the level of comfort and ambience expected from a 4/5 star hotel.

Solstrand, Norway

292 Aurland

Formerly a fishing lodge for visiting dignitary, 292 Aurland is now a delightful boutique hotel. Its location in the lush green Aurlandsdalen Valley provides the perfect retreat from everyday life.

Aurland, Norway