Norway is famous for its fjords, which are winding sea bays of tremendous proportions, cut deep into the land. Sognefjord (Norway) is the longest in the country and the second longest on the planet. It stretches over 200 km.
The fjord is bordered by steep rocky shores rising to 1000 meters. The depth of the water in the bay exceeds 1300 m. This unique creation of nature is located 350 km from Oslo and 170 from Bergen. Sognefjord formed about 2.5 million years ago, when the process of convergence of powerful glaciers began, which caused the destruction of the river system.
Looking at the Sognefjord on the map, you can see that many branches depart from it, some of which are also fjords. These are the famous Gula Fjord, Lustra Fjord, Sognesjüyen, Naro Fjord, etc.
What to visit at Sognefjord
Preparing for a trip to Sognefjord, we recommend that you include the following minimum events in the cultural program list:
- take part in a fjord cruise;
- drive along the famous Flåm railway;
- visit the wooden church in Urnes – the oldest building in the country;
- visit the observation deck Stegasten, from where an amazing panorama of the fjord opens;
- climb the glacier.
There are all conditions for a wonderful holiday of tourists: fishing, boating, rafting and much more.
Sognefjord Cruises
The majestic Sognefjord is central to all the Norwegian fjords. Many different cruise routes have been developed for tourists that will familiarize you with the unique beauty of the kingdom of the fjords. The bays are surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. In the valleys are picturesque villages with old wooden churches.
One of the most popular Sognefjord cruises starts in Flåm and ends in the village of Goodwagen, encompassing Narofjord and Aurlandsfjord. On the way you will see the highest waterfalls in Norway.
Narofjerd stretches for 17 km, and in some places the width is only 300 meters. Sailing these sections during the cruise, one gets the impression of traveling through the cave. In warm weather, you can see seals who like to bask in the sun.
- A one-way ferry cruise lasts about an hour and a half.
- Ticket price 40 NOK.
- A ticket for a car costs about 100 NOK.
- The ferry runs every day and makes two round-trip flights.
Traveling on the Flåm Railway
Railway tracks are laid along one of the steepest roads that run along a regular track. A trip along a 20-kilometer long road gives you the opportunity to enjoy Norway’s magnificent beauty and give you a lot of positive emotions.
Traveling on a dizzying route that begins in Sognefjord (0 meters above sea level) and ends in Myrdal (865 meters above sea level) takes about one hour, but flies in one go.
The winding route runs along the picturesque sights of Norway: waterfalls, steep cliffs, numerous tunnels, most of which were laid by hand. The train passes along the serpentine with a rise of one meter every 18 meters of the road and turns right underground.
- Trains on this route travel daily.
- In the summer season, 10 flights are provided, in the winter – 4.
- A round-trip ticket costs 480 NOK, for children (up to 15 years) – 240 NOK.
Justedalsbreen Glacier
The region is part of the Justedalsbreen Glacier, which is one of the largest in Europe. It covers an area of about 490 square meters. km and has a thickness of 600 m.
Ascent to a natural landmark begins in the Justedal Valley, where a glacier bus runs from the town of Sogndal. Tickets are sold right on the bus. For tourists, trekking on the glacier of different levels is provided: from a simple family walk to a complex combined trekking, including kayaking on the lake.
Even in summertime, at a temperature in the valley of 30 degrees Celsius, the glacier can be cold (up to +6 degrees Celsius) and strong winds are possible. Therefore, it is necessary to equip:
- gloves;
- trekking boots (slippers, ballet shoes, sneakers and sandals will have to be abandoned);
- a backpack with food and water (hands should be free: in one there will be a rope from a bundle, in the other – an ice ax);
- sunglasses and sunscreen;
- pants (shorts and dresses are forbidden to climb Justedalsbreen);
- a hat;
- waterproof clothing (in case of rain).
Important! If you like to travel on your own, then this option is not suitable for glacial trekking. Climbing the glacier is possible only with a guide and a set of equipment.
Attractions on Siogneford
In addition to natural beauties, it is worth seeing the historical sights of Sognefjord. The most popular are the following.
If you drive two kilometers from the city of Aurland, you can go to the Stegasten observation deck. It connects two different branches of Sognefjord and is a unique creation of architects Todd Saunders and Tommye Wilhelmsen.
The observation deck is a bridge going nowhere and breaking off over the abyss. This effect is created due to the unusual design. The bridge (30 m long and 4 m wide), made of wood and steel, hangs over the abyss at a height of 650 m. The end of the bridge is framed by reinforced transparent glass, which creates the illusion of an unfinished structure. It offers a fantastic view, so you can capture a bird’s eye view of the Sognefjord and its surroundings.
The opening of the attraction took place in 2006, and since then many tourists come here. The cost of a ticket from Aurland on a tourist bus is quite high – 500 CZK (distance 8 km). You can come by car – there is free parking.
This open-air museum consists of 30 houses – buildings of the XIX century. They conveyed to us the culture and traditions of the local population. When visiting old farms and breweries you will be offered to taste freshly baked bread and beer prepared according to traditional recipes in your presence.
Ancient wooden churches are examples of wooden architecture of Norway of the 12th century. The most beautiful and well-preserved are Urnes, Hopperstad, Burgundy and others. Some temples were built more than 1000 years ago. They are distinguished by a peculiar architecture, and a mysterious atmosphere reigns in them.
Boring leisure
Resting after excursions, you can have fun here. In addition to cruises for tourists, there is plenty of entertainment.
These places are rich in salmon. With the help of an instructor, you will touch on the secrets of traditional fishing. You can fish on the beach or on a rented boat. Fishing equipment can also be rented.
In the vicinity of Voss, all conditions for rafting are created. In rafting on mountain rivers can participate both professionals and families with children. For this, various categories of complexity are provided. You can go through several training lessons and even take part in competitions.
Having visited the equestrian center, you will see many interesting things and ride a horse.
In addition to the listed entertainments, you can do surfing, sports rafting, parachuting, rock climbing, absyling (go down the rope over the waterfall).
You can rent a boat or kayak in any village on Sognefjord.
- An hour costs about 300-400 NOK.
- You will have to pay up to NOK 700 for a guided kayaking tour.
- RIP safari on a high-speed rubber boat will cost about 600 NOK.
Prices on the page are for December 2017.
How to get to Sognefjord
Sognefjord (Norway) is located at a distance of 350 km from Oslo. If you travel by car, the E16 or Rv7 highway leads there.
Every day a bus runs from Oslo to Lerdal (it takes about six hours to get there).
You can take a train to Myrdol, and from there not far to the village of Flom. The fastest way – by plane to Sogndal (journey time 50 minutes). And then you can travel on your own or as part of an organized tour.
Aerial video on Sjognefjord.
