A Majestic World Heritage Site Shaped by Glaciers! The Fjords of Western Norway

The West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (hereafter referred to as the "West Norwegian Fjords") were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Both Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are located in western Norway and are among the country's top tourist destinations. Their breathtaking landscapes played a key role in their World Heritage designation. This time, we will introduce the highlights of the West Norwegian Fjords, a place of unparalleled natural beauty.

What Are the West Norwegian Fjords?

The West Norwegian Fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a stunning fjord region along the western coast of Norway. When the site was registered in 2005, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord were specifically recognized for their exceptional natural beauty.

The word "fjord" comes from Norwegian and means "inlet." Fjords are deep, narrow inlets formed by glacial erosion over thousands of years. While Norway's western coastline is home to many fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are among the most famous, earning their place on the World Heritage list.

Visitors can experience the breathtaking scenery of these fjords by boat or train, making for an unforgettable journey through Norway’s dramatic landscapes.

How to Access the West Norwegian Fjords

To visit Geirangerfjord in Geiranger and Nærøyfjord in Nærøy, both part of the UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjords, the journey begins with a flight from Narita to Oslo.

For Geirangerfjord, take a flight from Oslo to Ålesund, then travel by bus to Hellesylt. From Hellesylt, a ferry departs for Geirangerfjord, offering a scenic way to explore the fjord.

For Nærøyfjord, take the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal. From Myrdal, board the Flåm Railway, which offers a spectacular journey through the Norwegian landscape, leading to the fjord.

Highlight ①: Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, with two of the most well-known being the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the Suitor Waterfall.

These two waterfalls face each other across the fjord. The Seven Sisters Waterfall has a drop of 250 meters, with seven narrow streams cascading down the mountainside. Directly opposite, the Suitor Waterfall has a 170-meter drop. According to legend, the name comes from a story in which a suitor proposed to each of the seven sisters, only to be rejected by all of them.

Beyond these, there are several other waterfalls with unique names, each offering a spectacular view. When visiting the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, take the time to admire the powerful beauty of these stunning waterfalls, a sight unlike any other.

Highlight ②: Dalsnibba Viewpoint

Mount Dalsnibba, located at the entrance to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, stands at an altitude of 1,500 meters and is home to the breathtaking Dalsnibba Viewpoint.

From this vantage point, visitors can take in a truly spectacular panoramic view of Geirangerfjord. The scenery is so stunning that it often leaves visitors speechless. With the site's growing popularity due to its World Heritage status, tourist facilities such as souvenir shops, cafés, and restrooms have been added, making access even more convenient.

Dalsnibba Viewpoint remains a pristine natural area, making it an ideal addition to a Geirangerfjord cruise. However, be aware that the road to the viewpoint is inaccessible during snowy periods, so plan your visit accordingly.

Highlight ③: Nærøyfjord

The other fjord included in the UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjords is Nærøyfjord, known for its narrow width and towering cliffs that rise dramatically on both sides. At its narrowest point, the fjord is only about 250 meters wide, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

Another highlight of the area is the powerful Kjosfossen Waterfall. When traveling on the Flåm Railway, the train makes a brief stop for about five minutes at Kjosfossen, allowing passengers to capture stunning photos of the cascading waters.

With its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery, Nærøyfjord is a must-visit destination when exploring Norway.

Important Travel Tips

The West Norwegian Fjords, being close to the Arctic, experience very short daylight hours in winter. In midwinter, sunrise occurs around 9:00 AM, while sunset is around 3:00 PM, giving only about six hours of daylight. For the best experience, visiting the fjords during the summer is highly recommended, as the extended daylight hours allow for more sightseeing and breathtaking views.

◎ Summary

The UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjords are home to two breathtaking fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Enjoy the majestic landscapes shaped by glaciers and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

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A Majestic World Heritage Site Shaped by Glaciers! The Fjords of Western Norway