With its deep fjords, high mountains, glaciers and old-fashioned stave churches, Sogn and Fjordane is one of Norway's most unique counties, and offers nature experiences that are almost guaranteed to take your breath away.
Many consider the natural and cultural landscapes in Sogn and Fjordane as almost a symbol of Norway, and it was from the Sognefjord's fjord that many Norwegian Vikings set out toward the west a long time ago. Today, the county receives visitors from all over the world and is perhaps the most naturally beautiful region in all of Norway.
Seeing the Sognefjord's long waterfall and towering snow covered mountains will be a major experience for most people. The beautiful Nærøyfjord features on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is one of Norway’s most visited attractions, and spectacular fjord cruises are offered all year round.
Urnes Stave Church has stood at the Lustrafjord for over 900 years and is also listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The intricate cut-outs on both the inside and outside of the church demonstrate how the church dates back to when Christianity was new in Norway and the Viking traditions were still dominant.
If you follow the Sognefjord further into the county, then you will come to Jostedalsbreen, which is the largest glacier on the European continent. The glacier has over 28 outlet glaciers, of which the most well-known are the Briksdals Glacier and the Nigard Glacier.
On the Nigard Glacier, you can experience glacier cracks and ice holes at close proximity by taking part in glacier trekking. If you visit the accompanying Breheim Centre (Breheimsenteret), you can see interactive exhibitions about the glacier or sit down in the centre's restaurant and enjoy tasty, locally produced food.
There are many ways of getting to Sogn and Fjordane, but many choose to come via the Flåm Line, which is Norway's most visited tourist attraction. In 2014, this train trip was named as the world’s most beautiful train route, and it takes you past steep sloping mountain walls and wild waterfalls going from the Hardanger Plateau all the way down to the Sognefjord.
Sogn and Fjordane is a popular destination, and as a result it is easy to find good options for lodging, regardless of whether you want to stay in a hotel, a cabin or sleep in a tent at a campsite. Here you can really shape your own experience of Norway's most stunning natural surroundings.
