If someone mentions a holiday in Norway to you, what would be the first things that come to mind? Maybe it would be wide fjords, steep mountains, large glaciers, and calm green forests far away from the big and buzzling city. These impressions are what people often are left with after visiting the Sognefjord. While you can find mountains, fjords and glaciers separately in many places of Norway, we dare say there is no place where you have all of these features grouped together in one area like the Sognefjord.
The Sognefjord is nicknamed the King of Fjords because of its massive size. With over 206 km of length and a maximum depth of 1303m it is among the world’s largest fjords both by length and depth. From the waters of the fjord you are able to see Northern Europe’s highest mountain range, Jotunheimen, as well as mainland Europe’s largest glacier Jostedalsbreen, and some of Norway’s highest waterfalls with heights of several hundred meters.
In this article, it’s our goal to share with you our top reasons why the Sognefjord needs to be on your next holiday itinerary to Norway. We also want to show you why we think our town of Skjolden is the best base to have while experiencing the incredible area of Sognefjord.
Visit the national parks that surrounds Skjolden
There are three national parks in close proximity to Skjolden; Jotunheimen National Park, Breheimen National Park, and Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Jotunheimen National Park
With just a short 20-minute drive from Skjolden, you will find the remarkable Jotunheimen National Park. Jotunheimen means the home of giants, and while exploring the park it is easy to understand why. In fact, it is home to the 20 highest mountain peaks in all of Northern Europe, with the highest one being Galdhøgpiggen (2469 m). North Europe’s highest mountain pass road Fv. 55 passes through the park, making one jaw dropping road trip. The National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with an abundance of well marked trails that cater to all skill levels. You can embark on multi-day hikes and stay at one of the many serviced cabin lodges in the area. Jotunheimen national park is among Norwegians favorite hiking destinations, and there is a very good reason for it.
Breheimen National Park
Breheimen National park was created in 2009 with a goal of protecting its unique high altitude landscape and its fairly big population of wild reindeer. It’s a great area to explore while hiking its many marked trails, which offers a rich variety in fauna and flora. We enter Breheimen national park from Skjolden through the valley of Mørkrisdalen located on the south-facing border from Breheimen national park. Mørkrisdalen is covered in lush forests with waterfalls around and is a great place to join our Bike&Hike tours.
Jostedalsbreen National Park
Jostedalsbreen National park was created in 1991 and expanded in 1998. Mainland Europe’s largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen, covers around 40% of the national park and is the major attraction for visitors of the park. Being most likely the most visited national park in Norway, there are plenty of activities available, including kayaking in its glacier lakes, exploring on the ice itself, or spending time studying the unique geological and ecological features of the landscape. The glacial arm Nigardsbreen is considered the glacier’s most accessible starting point, making it a great place for the family to explore its wonders, and is only located an hour drive from Skjolden.
Explore the the unique Lustrafjord from the water
Discover the wonders of the Lustrafjord on a captivating day of exploration. This extraordinary fjord stands apart from others due to its unique feature – the glacier water from Jostedalsbreen creates a stunning turquoise color that is unlike any other part of the fjord. You will often find seals sunbathing on rocks by the water, and with a stroke of luck, you may catch a glimpse of our finned friends, the harbor porpoise. Join one of our RIB boat tours to fully experience the beauty of the Lustrafjord in a single day, or opt to explore independently with our Stand Up Paddle boards.
Explore all the waterfalls in the area
The area around Skjolden is a haven for magnificent waterfalls that come alive during the summer months. Thanks to heavy snowfalls in the mountains during winter, there are plenty of waterfalls to choose from. One remarkable waterfall to behold is Feigefossen, standing proud with an impressive total fall of 218 meters, securing its place amongst Norway’s largest waterfalls. With a hike of less than an hour, it is an ideal experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family. At the hike’s end, you can enjoy a traditional Norwegian waffle and locally pressed juice at Feigesagi café . If you’re not in the mood for a hike, the waterfall can also be enjoyed from the fjord. Join one of our Fjord RIB adventure + Waterfall Hike tours, combining a fantastic day on the water with the opportunity to hike to the waterfall, creating an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Another captivating waterfall to explore is Drivandefossen, located approximately 6 kilometers from Skjolden. On our unique half-day Bike&Hike tours, we combine cycling through Mørkridsdalen with an hour-long hike up the trail to Drivandefossen. Along the way, you’ll learn about the long rooted history and culture of this remarkable place, immersing yourself fully in the enchantment of the surroundings. For more information about our tours to the waterfalls, see https://www.adventuretours.no/rib-boat-adventures/fjord-rib-adventure-waterfall-hike/ and https://www.adventuretours.no/biking/bike-hike-to-drivande-waterfall/.
Have a culture rich day cycling through historical sites on the Romantic Road
Embark on a journey along the captivating Romantic Road, stretching 30 kilometers between Skjolden and Urnes. Its name echoes back to the National Romantic era when Norway gained its independence in the 1800s, with artists venturing across the nation, embodying the national identity through their paintings of quintessential Norwegian landscapes. Today, this well-maintained asphalt road offers a perfect cycling trip, meandering past notable historical landmarks. Explore Feigesagi, an enchanting 18th-century sawmill, and Munthehuset, a travelers home for esteemed artists of Norway during the 19th-century. Finally, encounter the captivating Urnes Stave Church, an architectural marvel from the 12th century, proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its important cultural history. Rent our bikes and e-bikes for a delightful day trip along this historically significant road, immersing yourself in the rich heritage and natural splendor that this route has to offer. For more information about the trip, visit https://www.adventuretours.no/bicycle-rental/ and https://www.romanticroad.no/en/.
Experience mainland Europe’s biggest glacier from Nigardsbreen
Jostedalsbreen glacier is considered the largest glacier in mainland Europe. It boasts an impressive size of 487 square kilometers, covering almost five times as much area than the city of Paris. Though the glacier has many arms to be approached from, none are as easily accessible as Nigardsbreen. Located just an hour’s drive from Skjolden, Nigardsbreen offers a range of tours to suit various preferences and abilities. Whether you seek the thrill of walking on ice, discovering the mesmerizing ice caves and glacier formations, or simply admiring the glacier from a distance, this activity is an absolute must-do. The glacier valley creates its own unique climate and ecosystem, which is why it is proudly included as part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park. There are two companies offering daily glacier tours, Breførarlaget and Icetroll.
Get a view of the Sognefjord from above at Molden
Regarded by many as the most captivating viewpoint in the area, Molden offers a hike that is both popular and rewarding. Located just a short 30-minute drive from Skjolden, this majestic mountain stands at an elevation of 1116 meters above sea level. When embarking on the Molden hike, you have two options to choose from. The first option involves hiking a total of 634 meters, taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes in total forth and back. Alternatively, if in need of a tougher hike, you can start from sea level to the summit which takes around 6-7 hours forth and back. If you prefer a guided tour to fully experience the wonders of Molden, send us a request at https://www.adventuretours.no/contact-us/. Prepare for a breathtaking hike that rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Come visit magical Sognefjord during winter
Sognefjord during winter is truly a wonderland. Due to higher rates of snowfall than average (that’s why mainland europe’s largest glacier is located here), you are almost guaranteed to have snow here during your holiday. Are you a backcountry ski enthusiast, or want to learn how the pros do it? Jostedal ski offers both guided ski tours, ski camps and equipment rentals to secure you unforgettable ski turns in valleys few have been to before you. For more information, visit https://www.jostedalski.com/.
If backcountry skiing is not for you, then Sognefjord boasts of great ski lifts with fresh snow and competitive prices. Known to be the holy grail for deep powder snow, and plentiful of prepared slopes, Sogn Skisenter and Sogndal Skisenter are two great options for your next ski-holiday: https://www.sognskisenter.no/english and https://www.sogndalskisenter.no/.
