Norway's fjords at NORDEUROPA 2023

Norway – The land of spectacular fjords

Norway is home to idyllic landscapes, fascinating cities, glaciers and waterfalls, as well as breathtaking fjords that have become a landmark for the country's unique nature. There are few places in the world like the deep blue fjords of Norway, which are marked by wild mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Although there are fjords all over the world, Norway has many ice-free and above all spectacular fjords, whose home is the west of Norway.

What is a fjord? 

Once, huge glaciers formed these underwater valleys, where today salty bays hug the mountains. A fjord is a long, narrow arm of the sea with steep mountainsides or cliffs on either side. A few thousand years ago, a reversal of ice conditions occurred on Norway's largest fjord, the Sognefjord. The result is the impressive fjord landscape that you can admire today. 

According to visitnorway.de, the word "fjord" is derived from the Old Norse "fjorðr" and means to walk, pass or cross. It is one of the few Norwegian words that have found their way into several European languages. The word fjord, which originally meant "ford", has the same origin as the German words "Furt" and "fahren" or the English "ferry".

Western Norway - Fjordland

The region known as "Fjordland" is located in the west of Norway. Breathtaking fjords wind through the surrounding mountains in this region. Over time, ice and water have carved deep into the land masses, creating a network of different valleys. Today, this wild and untamed landscape attracts tourists from all over the world.

Norway has over 1,700 fjords, many of which extend inland from the west coast. The region is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord.

© Fjord Norway

Suppliers of Norwegian fjord destinations at NORDEUROPA 2023

This year, the NORDEUROPA online sales event features a particularly large number of suppliers from Norway, representing the various fjord destinations. Here we would like to present a selection of them:

Visit Sognefjord

The Sognefjord - the "king of fjords" - is not only the longest inhabited fjord in the world, but is also home to the largest glacier on mainland Europe and the highest peaks in Scandinavia! Visit Sognefjord offers three national scenic routes and more than 15 picturesque fjord villages where you can experience real fjord life and culture. Sustainable attractions such as the Flåm Railway and various museums, year-round activities such as RIB safari, kayaking, hiking, cycling and skiing, and easy access to Bergen and Oslo are also guaranteed. 

Fjord Norway

With Fjord Norway, tour operators can get in touch with the official tourism office for the western part of Norway at NORDEUROPA 2023. The company's mission is to position the Fjord Norway region as the most attractive destination for a nature-based, adventure-filled holiday. Fjord Norway's vision is to be the most professional and competent travel company in Europe. Working with Fjord Norway makes it easier to plan trips to and in Fjord Norway. This is because the organisation knows the area and can provide information about various offers, routes and important activities in the world's leading fjord region – even off the beaten track.

Visit Hardangerfjord

Visit Hardangerfjord represents Hardanger, one of the most beautiful areas in Norway and home to the third-longest fjord in the world, the southernmost glacier in Norway, the most spectacular waterfalls and thousands of fruit trees. Visit Hardangerfjord offers a variety of hikes; from easy hikes to very challenging ones, as well as many activities such as RIB boat trips, kayaking, blue ice hikes on the glacier and a summer ski area. The region is especially famous for its "eplesider", the excellent apple wine. Farmers also offer local food and vegetables.

Visit Bergen/Bergen Tourist Board

The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bergen is the heart of the fjords. The city offers spectacular experiences, a rich culture and is perfect for any kind of holiday. Tour operators can be sure to offer their guests an unforgettable programme. The Visit Bergen team is happy to assist with planning to help clients have a successful trip. They help plan itineraries in the Bergen region, with appropriate accommodation, activity operators, guides and unique experiences.

Region Stavanger

Region Stavanger offers impressive fjord experiences and beautiful long beaches, vibrant urban and cultural life, fjord and mountain landscapes and magnificent islands. A region of contrasts that offers an active holiday with hikes to world-famous destinations such as Preikestolen, Kjerag and Trollpikken, kayaking, cycling, surfing and kiting on the beaches of Jæren. 

Visit Nordfjord

Visit Nordfjord AS is located in Fjord Norway and is the official regional tourist board. The Nordfjord region lies between the largest glacier on the European mainland and Norway's wildest stretch of coastline at Stad. This 150 km long area from west to east, from sea to glacier, offers a variety of magnificent and easily accessible scenic, cultural and culinary experiences. The Nordfjord region combines all the highlights in one fjord.

In addition to the featured destinations, NORDEUROPA 2023 also features numerous suppliers who provide and represent accommodation and activities. More information about NORDEUROPA 2023.

© Benjamin Davies | Unsplash