The Fjords

In 2009, the renowned National Geographic Traveler Magazine voted the Fjords of Western Norway the best preserved attraction on UNESCO's World Heritage List. That's quite an honour - but there are many others! The Chicago Tribune, for instance, has our fjords listed on its "21 Wonders of the World". The Geirangerfjord attracts travellers to its pristine beauty, Nærøyfjord is the narrowest in the world, while the Sognefjord stretches halfway to the Swedish border. Hardangerfjord is famous for its flowering fruit trees, and the Lysefjord winds past the sheer 600-metre Pulpit Rock.

Nature
The fjords you see were carved by a massive sheet of ice up to three kilometres thick that covered Northern Europe in a succession of ice ages. As you peer up at the towering mountains surrounding the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world, you can appreciate the immense power of those forces of nature. As you cross the fjord, you travel in the wake of fishing boats and merchant ships. Most of the landscape has changed little since Viking longboats set sail for distant shores. From the air, you see how unspoiled Fjord Norway really is. Most is still wilderness.

Waterfalls cascade down the dark mountainsides, roaring as you approach. Did you know that many of the highest waterfalls in the world are in Norway? Whether you're inland or travelling along the fjord, chances are there is a dramatic waterfall nearby. Even in the midst of summer you may see snow-capped mountains. In fact, there are places where you can ski on the warmest summer day. Or perhaps you want to join a guide and walk the glacier? One more amazing thing to write home about!

Cities and Areas
Along the sheltered fjords you see farms and villages built long ago where the soil was most fertile. Up and down the coast there are towns worth exploring

Ålesund has around 40,000 inhabitants. It is the largest town in Sunnmøre, a region known for fishing, maritime technology and furniture production. Here you find the unique Geirangerfjord included on UNESCO's world heritage list. At the entrance to the fjord lies the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund, named Norway's most beautiful city.

Bergen is the capital of the fjords - you find seven mountains and Hanseatic Wharf and Bryggen. Bergen has given a warm welcome to its visitors for more than 900 years. Bryggen has become a symbol of cultural heritage and has gained a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The old Hanseatic wharf is architecturally unique and is perhaps one of the most familiar image in all of Norway.

Hardanger has been an important European tourist destination since the nineteenth century, and is perfect for outdoor adventures or just relaxation. The Hardangerfjord is 179 kilometres long and its maximum depth is 860 metres.The mountainous eastern part of the Hardangervidda is the largest highland plateau in Northern Europe.

Stavanger A delightful mixture of nature, culture, urbanism, a country feel, simplicity however complexity - these are key words to describe a region rich on experiences and friendliness. Norway's oldest cathedral, Stavanger domkirke, is situated in the city centre, right next to lake Breiavatnet.