Sognefjorden
Discover Sognefjorden
Sognefjorden is a fjord in the county of Sogn og Fjordane in Norway. The district surrounding the fjord is known as Sogn. Sognefjorden is the longest fjord in Europe and the second longest in the world. Nærøyfjord, a World Heritage Site, is one of the branches of Sognefjorden. Several of the few remaining stave churches, including UNESCO listed Urnes stave church, are found in Sognefjord district. Sognefjorden is a wide fjord system. Each branch (arm) of the Sognefjord is a great fjord on its own and with its own name. Steep mountains rise directly from the water leaving little space for roads and settlement, except in the deep valleys such as Lærdal valley and Flåm valley. These river valleys are surprisingly flat offering excellent ground for farming. This complex topography makes overland transport challenging but highly rewarding in terms of scenery and impressive engineering. The Sognefjord area covers some 11,000 km² (about the size of Montenegro) with some 30,000 inhabitants.
Taste of Sognefjorden...
In Indre Sogn, the climate is suitable for growing fruits and berries, and alongside Hardanger, it is one of the major areas of fruit production in Norway. A local company named Lerum, located in Kaupanger near Sogndal, makes jam and other fruit and berry products. The entire county has a strong culinary tradition. The tap water is safe to drink, and may be of very good quality. Olden is a bottled water brand made by the Jostedalsbreen glacier. There is a brewery in Flåm, called Ægir. Depending on the season, they brew up to eight different types of beer and ale. The county is one of the safest in Norway. Keep a safe distance from glaciers. Never hike on glaciers without a guide and proper equipment. Be careful around waterfalls. The fjord itself is extremely deep and very cold most of the year.
Climate
Because the fjords runs from the ocean to the deep interior, both landscape and climate changes along. The outer section, where mountains rise from the ocean, is one of the rainiest areas in Europe, but also one of the mildest areas in Norway. The easternmost or inner part of the fjord is one the driest areas in Western Norway. In particular Lærdal does not get much rain. The shores of the inner area enjoys relatively warm summers allowing extensive fruit and vegetable production. The favourable climate even made tobacco farming possible: Norwegian emigrants returning from America around 1900 brought seeds and knowledge that initiated a local tobacco industry that thrived for some 40 years. As in the rest of Norway, English is widely understood and spoken. Other European languages such as German and French may also be understood, although less commonly than English. Spoken language is generally Norwegian. Signs are in Norwegian and also in English in tourist hotspots.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are a number of ways to get to the Sognefjord and surrounding area. Two of Norway's main roads, the E16 (Oslo–Bergen) and E39 (Bergen–Trondheim), run along or across the fjord. By boat — An enjoyable way to get in is by boat from a nearby town. The most convenient would be one of the high speed catamaran services operated several times each day from Bergen. Hurtigruten calls at Florø (near the mouth of Sognefjord) and Bergen. By air — The nearest airports are in Sogndal (SOG) and Førde(FDE), although the nearest international airport is in Bergen (BGO). The eastern section of Sognefjord is about 260 km from Oslo airport Gardermoen, the same distance as from Bergen airport. By rail — Flåm, at the end of a branch of Sognefjord, is possible via an incredibly steep railway line. Flåmsbana, the Flåm railway line, connects to the Bergen line (Oslo–Bergen) at Myrdal. This is the only railway in the county....
Regions
Explore AreasSognefjorden is a wide fjord system. Each branch (arm) of the Sognefjord is a great fjord on its own and with its own name. Steep mountains rise directly from the water leaving little space for roads …...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are several local bus lines as well as long-distance coach lines. Timetables for public transport and car ferries are administrated by Kringom. There are local high-speed passenger boat services and car ferry services. Passenger services are known as boats (hurtigbåt), while car services are known as ferries (ferje). Keep in mind that some routes may have a limited schedule. Car rental firms are found in Sogndal (major ones including Avis, Hertz and Europcar), Flåm and Årdalstangen, as well as in Førde which is not on the Sognefjord. By passenger boat — The Flåm–Balestrand service is very scenic. Other services is the combined ship sailing between villages on the southern side of the fjord between Ortnevik and Vik. One can also cross the fjord from Ortnevik to Måren and Nordeide. High-speed catamarans (express passenger boats) can also be used within Sognefjord, to cross the main fjord (north–south) or to travel east–west.
Where to Stay
The county is one of the safest in Norway. Keep a safe distance from glaciers. Never hike on glaciers without a guide and proper equipment. Be careful around waterfalls. The fjord itself is extremely deep and very cold most of the year.
Language & Talk
As in the rest of Norway, English is widely understood and spoken. Other European languages such as German and French may also be understood, although less commonly than English. Spoken language is generally Norwegian. Signs are in Norwegian and also in English in tourist hotspots. The local dialect, Sognamål (lit. Sogn language) is used to a great extent in Indre Sogn. It is one of the more distinct in Norway. There are a number of ways to get to the Sognefjord and surrounding area. Two of Norway's main roads, the E16 (Oslo–Bergen) and E39 (Bergen–Trondheim), run along or across the fjord. By boat — An enjoyable way to get in is by boat from a nearby town. The most convenient would be one of the high speed catamaran services operated several times each day from Bergen.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
The county is one of the safest in Norway. Keep a safe distance from glaciers. Never hike on glaciers without a guide and proper equipment. Be careful around waterfalls. The fjord itself is extremely deep and very cold most of the year.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Sognefjorden
View to the fjord
Sognefjord in the morning
a house on the shore of a body of water
The Sognefjord
Sogne Fjord in Norway
Sogne Fjord in Norway
Sogne Fjord in Norway
Sogne Fjord in Norway
Sogne Fjord in Norway
Sogne Fjord in Norway
View to the fjord
Sognefjord in the morning
a house on the shore of a body of water