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Fjord · Flåm, Vestland
Nærøyfjorden
The narrow arm of the Sognefjord between the Aurlandsfjord and Gudvangen: 17 km of water between rock walls up to 1,700 meters high, waterfalls and small villages. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Nærøyfjorden
The Nærøyfjord is a branch of the Sognefjord about 17 km long, starting where the Aurlandsfjord joins it and ending at the village of Gudvangen. At some points it is only 250 meters wide, and the surrounding mountains rise over 1,700 meters, giving the feeling of navigating inside a valley. Along with the Geirangerfjord, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an example of the fjords of western Norway.
The most common way to see it is by boat between Flåm and Gudvangen, which takes about two hours. The route goes out through the Aurlandsfjord, passes the village of Undredal, with its small white wooden church and goat cheese production, and enters the Nærøyfjord, with waterfalls tumbling down the walls and old farms on narrow strips of land, some only accessible by boat.
There are electric boats, which are quieter, and guided kayak trips departing from Flåm and Gudvangen. In summer seals often appear on the rocks, and goats graze on the shores. In Gudvangen, the end of the fjord, there are the pier, a hotel and a reconstructed Viking village.
In winter the boat usually runs fewer services, and the slopes are covered in snow, with frozen waterfalls.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours by boat between Flåm and Gudvangen; 3 to 4 hours for a kayak trip.
Best time
From May to September, with more boat departures. The waterfalls usually have more water in May and June with the thaw. On rainy or foggy days, low clouds hanging over the cliffs are also part of the scenery.
How to get there
Boats depart from Flåm's pier, next to the station, and from Gudvangen. At the end of the trip in Gudvangen, buses return to Flåm or continue to Voss, on the rail line to Bergen.
Tip
Do the Flåm–Gudvangen route and return by bus through the tunnel, or continue to Voss and Bergen. Stay on the outside deck, with a jacket: it’s windy in the fjord, even in summer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nærøyfjorden
How long does the boat trip take?
About two hours between Flåm and Gudvangen, passing through the Aurlandsfjord and along the entire Nærøyfjord.
Is the Nærøyfjord a World Heritage Site?
Yes, together with the Geirangerfjord since 2005, as an example of the fjords of western Norway.
Can you go kayaking?
Yes. Agencies in Flåm and Gudvangen run guided kayak tours that do not require experience, usually operating from May to September.
Does the boat operate in winter?
It usually runs on a reduced schedule. Check before you go.