Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are considered two of the most beautiful fjords in Norway – and in my humble opinion, visiting them is one of the best things you can do for yourself while you’re in Norway.
Both are arms of the Sognefjord (Norway’s longest and deepest fjord) and sit close to Bergen, which makes them a great option if you’re short on time but still want to experience something truly special.
And what’s even better is that they’re practically neighbours – you can visit them both in one trip – but each has its own character.
Let me show you why I think a visit to Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord is a must while you’re in Norway.
How Do You Get to Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord?
Getting there is surprisingly easy. Both fjords are located just northeast of Bergen – about an hour and a half by car or bus, depending on your route. That’s one of the reasons they’re such a good option if you’re not planning to travel too far from the city. You can either rent a car and drive yourself or book one of the many day tours that include transport and a cruise.
We booked a tour that started in Bergen and included a bus ride and a fjord cruise – and it turned out to be one of the best tours we’ve ever booked. Keep reading to see why.
Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord: The Most Beautiful Fjords in Norway, Each in Their Own Way
Even though they’re right next to each other, Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord each have their own personality.
Nærøyfjord is the more dramatic one. It’s one of the narrowest fjords in the world – just 250 metres wide at its narrowest point – and the mountains around it rise over 1700 metres straight up. The contrast between the steep cliffs and the still water is both beautiful and impressive – it’s the kind of view that stays with you.
Did you know?
Nærøyfjord helped inspire the look of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen. Once you’ve been there, it’s not hard to see why.
Since 2005, Nærøyfjord has been, together with Geirangerfjord, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site West Norwegian Fjords. The two are considered some of the most beautiful fjords not only in Norway, but in the world.
Aurlandsfjord is wider and feels a bit more open, but it’s just as beautiful as Nærøyfjord. It’s about 29 kilometres long and generally less than 2 kilometres wide, and the mountains here stretch even higher – up to around 1800 metres. The water is deep and still, and the views change constantly as you move along the fjord.
Norwegian language tip: What’s with the -en at the end?
You might notice that fjords like Sognefjord are also sometimes written as Sognefjorden, or Nærøyfjord as Nærøyfjorden, and so on.
That little -en at the end is just the Norwegian definite article – basically, it means “the.” It’s used for masculine nouns, like fjord.
So:
- Sognefjorden = the Sognefjord
- Nærøyfjorden = the Nærøyfjord
- Aurlandsfjorden = the Aurlandsfjord
- Geirangerfjorden = the Geirangerfjord
You’ll often see both versions used. It’s just part of how the language works – and a fun little detail if you’re learning Norwegian or paying attention to place names!
The Tour I’d Do Again
We did a classic “Norway in a Nutshell”-style route – and I have to say, it’s the perfect way to see both fjords in one go, without having to plan every detail yourself.
We booked this tour → Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm And Stegastein – Viewpoint Cruise, and it was simply amazing. It included transport from and back to Bergen, and 4 stops that kind of ruined regular views for me. Highly recommended if you want an easy, and yet extremely beautiful day trip.
First Stop: Norway’s Extreme Sports Capital and the “Fountain of Youth”
Our day started with a scenic bus ride from Bergen to Voss, a small town known as Norway’s extreme sports capital. If you’re into adventure, this is the place – skydiving, whitewater rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, skiing, ziplining, you name it. Even if you’re just passing through, the surroundings are beautiful and it’s worth the stop.
We also made a quick stop at Tindevossen, a 110-metres-high waterfall that is sometimes called “a fountain of youth.”
Second Stop: The Gateway to the Most Beautiful Fjords in Norway
From there, we continued to Gudvangen, the starting point of our fjord cruise. It’s a small village at the end of Nærøyfjord that gives you a first glimpse of what’s coming (spoiler alert: beautiful views ahead).
In Between Stops: 2 Hours of Unreal Views
Then came the best part: an about 2-hour-long fjord cruise through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. The boat was very comfortable, modern, and fancy, and the scenery was just unreal. I honestly don’t have the words to describe how beautiful and impressive it all was: towering mountains, tiny mountain villages, and views that felt out of this world.
Here are some pictures so you can see for yourself. ⬇️
Third Stop: Where the World’s Most Beautiful Train Journey Begins
We ended our cruise in Flåm, a charming little village at the end of Aurlandsfjord. It’s the starting point of the famous Flåm Railway – one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Even if you don’t hop on the train, it’s a great place to grab something to eat or just sit and take in the views.
Fourth Stop: 30 Metres Out – and 650 Metres Above the Fjord
Before heading back to Bergen, we made one last stop – the Stegastein viewpoint, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Norway. The platform is 30 metres long, jutting out over the fjord and standing 650 metres above the water. The wide, panoramic view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains is just unreal.
Here are some pictures so you can see what I mean: ⬇️
Then we headed back to Bergen – and if Bergen wasn’t such a beautiful place itself, I would’ve been really sad to leave those fjord views behind.
Still Have Time? Here’s What Else You Shouldn’t Miss
If you have more time, there’s a lot more to see and do around the fjords – especially if you enjoy nature, small villages, or a bit of adventure.
Paddle Through the Most Beautiful Fjords in Norway
You can go kayaking through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, which feels completely different from the cruise. It’s slower, quieter, and gives you a chance to really take in the surroundings – and feel just how small you are next to those mountains. There’s also stand-up paddling and even hydrobikes, if you’re up for trying something a little different.
Step Back a Thousand Years
If you want to spend more time in Gudvangen, you can visit the Viking town of Njardarheimr – an open-air museum where you can walk around traditional Viking-style buildings, chat with Viking enthusiasts, and get a feel for what daily life was like a thousand years ago. It’s a fun and educational stop, especially if you’re into history or traveling with kids.
Get on the World’s Most Beautiful Train
Flåm (where we got off the cruise, at the end of Aurlandsfjord, remember?) is also a nice place to linger. You can ride the full Flåm Railway – one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and also one of the steepest standard gauge train lines. The ride from Flåm to Myrdal takes you past waterfalls, deep ravines, and little mountain farms that look like they’re clinging to the hillsides. You can also stop by the Flåm Railway Museum, or just enjoy a coffee by the fjord.
Explore Small Villages and (Maybe) Meet Some Goats
If you’re curious about other villages, you’ve got options.
Aurlandsvangen is a quiet, pretty spot with a lovely fjord setting.
Undredal is even smaller – and famous for two things: its population of goats (which actually outnumber the people – about 100 people to 500 goats) and its traditional brown goat cheese (geitost).
Bakka is another tiny village worth seeing, with a white church that looks out over the fjord and feels like something out of a postcard.
Hit The Trails
And if you’re into hiking, there are plenty of trails nearby. Some are short and easy, others are steep and demanding, so just make sure to check the difficulty before you go. Take into account your fitness level, your gear, and the weather – especially in the mountains, it can change fast.
Would I Do It Again? In a Second.
I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places – but this trip really stuck with me. Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are not just two of the most beautiful fjords in Norway – they’re some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, period.
There’s just something about those steep cliffs, still water, and little villages tucked in between. It’s the kind of place that really stays with you – peaceful but dramatic at the same time.
If you’re planning a trip to Norway and wondering if it’s worth it – trust me, it is. I’d pack my bags again in a second.
