The Norwegian Fjords: an Overview

Mention The Fjords and images of enormous cruise ships packed with pensioners might spring to mind, but this is an undeniably and staggeringly beautiful part of the world, and there are ways and means of seeing it besides from the deck of a cruise liner. We residents of the UK should thank our lucky stars that we're located so close to a country with such dramatic landscapes, and with so much to do in said landscapes.

Kate L and Victoria are here to help give you the inside track.

Why we think you’ll love it

In a recent National Geographic poll the Norwegian fjords saw off the not inconsiderable competition of the Great Wall of China, the Galapagos, the Pyramids, the Grand Canyon, Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu to emerge as best destination.

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Luxury Tailor Made Holidays to the Fjords

While the likes of the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are rightly UNESCO heritage sites there are other, less well known, places to explore in the region including a 'private' fjord at the end of which sits a tiny and remote homestead hotel.

There's also the impossibly pretty shoreline hugging city of Alesund. To the north of Alesund lies the Atlantic Road, recently voted the most incredible stretch of tarmac (as Jeremy Clarkson would no doubt say) '... IN THE WORLD.' The Big Sur might have something to say about that particular result, but for sheer engineering flair and dramatic scenery this makes for a truly memorable road trip.

Finally, and straying away from the coastline for once, we wouldn't warrant the name Original Travel if we didn't sing the praises of the super-original Juvet Landscape Hotel, an architectural oddity that allows the full impact of the regions scenery into the bedrooms dotted around the woods thanks for huge ceiling to floor window walls.

Once you've stayed there and seen the rest of this stunning area in all its panoramic glory it won't just be Monty Python's Norwegian Blue parrot who'll be pining for the fjords.

Photo credits: The Atlantic Road, Credits: Øyvind Heen - Visitnorway.com; Name: Single track, Hellesylt, Credits: Mattias Fredriksson Photography AB - Visitnorway.com; Name: Blue Hour, Ålesund, Credits: Per Eide/visitnorway.com; Name: Dalsnibba, Credits: Espen Mills/Tasteofnationaltouristroutes.com/visitnorway.com; Name: From Randers Topp, Sunnmøre, Credits: Håvard Myklebust - Visitnorway.com; Name: From Stålberget, Norangsfjorden, towards Slogen, Credits: Håvard Myklebust/visitnorway.com; Name: Skiing in Fjord Norway. The Geirangerfjord in the back. Credits: Fredrik Schenholm - Visitnorway.com; Name: The Atlantic road, Credits: CH - Visitnorway.com; Name: The Atlantic Road, Møre and RomsdalCredits: C.H. - Visitnorway.com; Name: Geiranger, Møre og Romsdal; Credits: Terje Rakke/Nordic life - Visitnorway.com

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Original Highlight

Driving the Atlantic Road - named Norway's Construction of the Century in 2005 - you'll enjoy panoramic views, spot wildlife like seals and whales (if you're lucky), and stop off at the historic Kvernes Stave Church.

Victoria, Original Traveller

A note on price

A full-on adventure itinerary on Svalbard can cost up to £3,000 per couple for a four day trip. Summertime fly-drive options for a family of four can be great value, starting from around £4,000 for a week. Learn more about our pricing