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West Norway has many fjords, and two of them, the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 as the West Norwegian Fjords. UNESCO describes them as set 120 km from one another, so many itineraries pick one.
This guide compares the two on what reliable sources state: width, depth, height of the walls and the landmarks along each. It also answers the common questions about the Seven Sisters waterfall, the most spectacular fjord in Norway and the Sognefjord against the Hardangerfjord.
The quick answer
Both fjords are UNESCO World Heritage, inscribed together in 2005, and both are spectacular. The Nærøyfjord is the narrow, intimate one: about 250 m across at its tightest, about 12 m deep at the narrows and walled by peaks of about 1,761 m. The Geirangerfjord is home to the Seven Sisters waterfall. They are about 120 km apart. If you are based around Bergen, Flåm or the Sognefjord, the Nærøyfjord is the one within easy reach.
Which fjord is more scenic, the Nærøyfjord or the Geirangerfjord?
Both are UNESCO-listed and both are exceptional. The Nærøyfjord wins for closeness and drama at water level; the Geirangerfjord is known for its famous waterfalls.
Scenery is personal, so it helps to know what each fjord offers. UNESCO describes fjords in the property ranging from 250 m to 2.5 km in breadth, with rock walls rising up to 1,400 m from the sea and extending 500 m below sea level. The Nærøyfjord sits at the narrow end of that range: at Bakkasundet it is about 250 m wide, and near Bakka the summits on either side are only about 3 km apart.
That closeness is the point of a Nærøyfjord cruise. The walls feel near enough to touch, waterfalls drop straight into the water and farms cling to small ledges. For the boats that sail it, see the best Nærøyfjord cruise.
Why are both fjords on the UNESCO list?
They were inscribed together in 2005 as the West Norwegian Fjords, under criteria for exceptional natural beauty and geological history.
The UNESCO property is called West Norwegian Fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, and it was inscribed under criteria (vii) and (viii): natural beauty and the earth's history. The two fjords are treated as a pair of classic examples of the fjord landscape, not as rivals.
The Nærøyfjord itself is an arm of the Aurlandsfjord, which branches off the Sognefjord. It lies in Aurland Municipality in Vestland county and is about 17 km long. Its name in Norwegian is Nærøyfjorden. The fjord landscape is often said to have inspired Disney's Frozen of 2013.
Sail the full UNESCO fjord in two hours, past Bakka and the narrows, with an audio guide.
Book thisWhat makes the Nærøyfjord different?
Its narrowness. The fjord closes to about 250 m, is only about 12 m deep at the narrows and is walled by mountains of about 1,761 m.
Visitnorway gives the depth as only about 12 m at the narrow point and about 75 m in the interior, which is shallow by fjord standards. The mountains on either side rise to about 1,761 m above sea level. The effect from a boat is of a corridor rather than an open sea arm.
The fjord is also lived in. Dyrdal, Styvi, Bakka, Tufto and Holmo sit along its shores, and Holmo has a protected late Iron Age burial mound about 15 m across. Gudvangen, at the inner end where the Nærøydalselvi river enters the fjord, takes its name from the Old Norse for god and meadow. A postal road through Stalheim to Gudvangen ran from the 17th century, and boat traffic grew from 795 passengers in 1868 to about 20,000 in 1912.
Where is the 7 Sisters waterfall?
On the Geirangerfjord, near the village of Geiranger. It is not on the Nærøyfjord.
The Seven Sisters, De syv søstrene in Norwegian, falls into the Geirangerfjord near Geiranger. Because the two fjords share a UNESCO listing, it is often assumed to be nearby, but it is about 120 km away by the UNESCO measure.
The Nærøyfjord has its own waterfalls, and Kjelsfossen falls just southeast of Gudvangen. The RIB from Flåm makes waterfall stops part of its route, per its listing, and you can read more in the best way to see the Nærøyfjord.
A live-guided RIB ride to the Nærøyfjord's waterfalls and fjord farms, returning to Flåm in two hours.
Book thisWhat is the most spectacular fjord in Norway?
There is no official answer, but the two UNESCO fjords, the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are the usual contenders.
UNESCO chose these two as the representatives of the West Norwegian fjord landscape, which is as close to an official verdict as exists. Beyond them, the Sognefjord is the longest and deepest in Norway, and its branches, including the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are among the most visited.
For most travellers the deciding factor is reach. From Bergen, the Nærøyfjord fits into a guided day, as the Bergen tours guide explains. The Viking village tour combines it with the Flåm Railway.
Sognefjord or Hardangerfjord?
The Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, and the Nærøyfjord is one of its branches. The Hardangerfjord lies further south.
The Sognefjord runs about 205 km with a maximum depth of 1,308 m. Its arms include several well-known fjords, and the table lists the main ones. If seeing the Nærøyfjord is your goal, the Sognefjord is the system to head for.
The Hardangerfjord is a separate fjord to the south of the Sognefjord, known for its own landscape. The sources used for this site give no figures for it, so it is not compared in detail here.
| Fjord | Length | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sognefjord | About 205 km | Longest and deepest in Norway, up to 1,308 m deep |
| Aurlandsfjord | About 29 km | Arm of the Sognefjord, with Flåm at its head |
| Nærøyfjord | About 17 to 18 km | Arm of the Aurlandsfjord, UNESCO since 2005 |
| Lustrafjord | About 42 km | Arm of the Sognefjord |
| Fjærlandsfjord | About 27 km | Arm of the Sognefjord |
| Lærdalsfjord | About 9 km | Arm of the Sognefjord |
Can I see both fjords on one trip?
It is possible with time, since they are about 120 km apart, but most short trips choose one. This site focuses on the Nærøyfjord.
The two fjords are in different parts of West Norway, and a visit to both usually means separate days. The tours on this site are all built around the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm area.
If you have one day from Bergen or Flåm, the Nærøyfjord is the practical choice. If you are planning more, read how many days you need before deciding.
Two hours one way through the UNESCO fjord from Flåm to Gudvangen, with a cafeteria on board.
Book thisWhich Nærøyfjord trip shows it best?
The scheduled cruise for the full length, the RIB for close-ups and the Viking tour for a guided day from Bergen.
The classic cruise sails the whole corridor between Flåm and Gudvangen in about two hours, with an audio guide. The RIB gets closer to the walls and waterfalls with a live guide. The Viking village tour wraps the cruise into a day with two railways and a Viking village.
Whichever you pick, dress for wind on the water; the clothing guide has the details.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nærøyfjord part of UNESCO?
Yes. It was inscribed in 2005 together with the Geirangerfjord as the West Norwegian Fjords.
How far apart are the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord?
UNESCO describes the two fjords as set 120 km from one another.
Can I see the Seven Sisters from the Nærøyfjord?
No. The Seven Sisters waterfall is on the Geirangerfjord, near Geiranger.
Is the Nærøyfjord part of the Sognefjord?
Yes. It is an arm of the Aurlandsfjord, which is itself an arm of the Sognefjord.
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Classic Fjord Cruise on the Nærøyfjord from Flåm
- Two-hour sailing from Flåm to Gudvangen, one way, on a classic fjord ferry run by Lustrabaatane
- Audio guide on board; cafeteria with hot and cold refreshments for purchase
- Departures several times a day: pier 5 or 6 before 10:00, pier 2 or 3 after 10:00, per the listing
Bergen: Viking Village, Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway
- Live guide, bus from and to Bergen, Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway with the Kjosfossen waterfall stop
- Nærøyfjord cruise on a modern electric vessel with panoramic windows
- Guided tour of the Njardarheimr Viking village in Gudvangen
Nærøyfjord RIB Boat Experience & Waterfalls from Flåm
- Two-hour guided RIB tour of the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, returning to Flåm Marina
- Thermal suits, life jackets, goggles and hats provided; food and drinks listed as included
- Live English-speaking guide with local history and stories; several stops on the way
