Sognefjord Group - The Western Fjords, Norway
CLICK ANY IMAGE FOR SLIDESHOW
Location: Sogn Og Fjord
Overview:
The Sognefjord is really 50 fjords in one. Sognefjord itself is massive, slicing a gash halfway into the country. Most scenic in the far inner Sognefjord . . . phenomenal spurs go off the main fjord both North (Balestrand fjords, Lustrafjord) and South (Naeroyfjord, Aurlandfjord, Arnafjord). The vistas around the Sognefjord are world-class . . . and several of the premiere waterfalls and mountain drives are in this region. A ton to explore . . . and all worth it.
Highlights:
- Aurlandvegen and the view over Aurland and Flam
- Lustrafjord's vistas, waterfalls, and famous historic church
- Exploring scenic Naeroyfjord
- The vertcial Balestrand group of fjords
- Off-the-beath-track gems such as Arnafjord near Vik
Hiking in Sognefjord, Norway:
The Sognefjord regionis so vast that hiking opportunites are virtually endless. Great hikes here take you to the fjord's spectaculr vistas.
Presti - On the Aurlandvegen mountain road, a little further uphill from the main overlook complex. The full Presti hike itself is a steep uphill, though this is a mostly open area with several easier paths out to various outlooks over Aurlandfjord, and back toward Flam. Absolutely spectacular views!
Rimstigen - Great vies of the Naeroyfjord from up high. Head about 5km from Gudvagen up along the Western edge of the fjord. The trailhead is marked just after the small village of Bakka. The Rimstigen trail is a steep hike up the fjord side. It continues up for approximately 2 hours to the top of the fjord cliffs (very strenuous). Much closer in to the start, about 30 minutes, some fantastic vistas of the Naeroyfjord come into view. So you can go as far as you like, and it will pay .off
Sengjaberget - Starting directly from the center on Skjolden on Lustrafjord, the reason for this mostly easy hike is the special lookout over the Lustrafjord. It is a quick 30 minutes to the main overlook . . . though better views are afforded to those who can scramble further up the mountain to some higher up spots (be careful if you venture off-trial) Map snippet below, map can be obtained at the Fjordstove in the center of town.
Camping in Sognefjord, Norway:
Sognefjord region is big enough that camping is very dependent on local weather and your specific itinerary. Check the local tourist guides for the best information.
Driving in Sognefjord, Norway:
Inner Sognefjord is a driver's paradise. The loop from Balestand around the inner portions of the fjord to Gudvagen have some spectacular scenery. Foremost is the Aurlandvegen mountain road . . . one of the most scenic mountain drives in the world. The Aurlandvegen goes up and over the famous 20+km long Laerdal tunnel. This loop also takes you up to Turtagro and Jotunheimen on one of the original National Tourist routes, then on the Ardal mountian road as well. For a spur closer to VOss/Bergen, the Road to Vik is another great drive, with fantastic vistas over Vik to the Sognefjord, and off to Balestand in the distance across the fjord
Key Links and Publications About Sognefjord, Norway
- Aurland, Flam & Laerdal Guide -- alr.no
Interactive Map of The Sognefjord Group Fjords
Map snippet from hiking brochure at the Fjordstova in Skjolden