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From the world-famous Geirangerfjord to the mountains of the 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 and the islands of the Oslofjord, here are my picks for the very best fjords in Norway.

Norway has well over a thousand fjords, so choosing the 鈥渂est鈥� ten is a fairly ridiculous exercise. But… I'm going to do it anyway.

Some Norwegian fjords are famous around the world. Others remain surprisingly overlooked. Some are best experienced from the deck of a ferry, while others are really gateways to hiking, waterfalls, villages and mountain scenery.

Then there are enormous fjord systems such as the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, where you could easily spend an entire holiday without seeing everything.

That's important, because despite the concept of this article, there's no single answer to the question of which Norwegian fjord is best.

If you want the classic image of sheer mountains and waterfalls plunging into dark water, the Geirangerfjord and the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 are difficult to beat. For hiking, the Lysefjord region stands out.

If you want somewhere quieter, the 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 deserves far more attention than it gets.

And if you're only visiting Oslo? Well, there's a fjord for you too. After years of travelling around Norway, these are the ten fjords I think are most worth knowing about, and the ones I steer my travel consulting call clients towards.

How I chose Norway's ‘best' fjords

To be clear: this isn't a scientific ranking. I'm considering the scenery, of course, but also the overall experience of visiting the fjord.

How easy is it to get there? Is there more to do than simply take a photograph? Are there interesting communities, hiking opportunities or boat trips? Does the fjord offer something genuinely different from the others?

I've also deliberately included some very different types of fjord.

The classic fjord landscapes most international visitors picture are concentrated in Western Norway, where deep glacial valleys cut between mountains that can rise more than 1,000 metres above the water.

But fjords are found all along Norway's extraordinarily long coastline. Northern Norway has countless fjords, while the Oslofjord shows a completely different side of Norwegian coastal life.

One final point before we begin: don't change an otherwise good Norway itinerary simply because your chosen fjord is lower down this list.

If you're going to Hardanger, don't drive for hours just because I've ranked Geiranger higher. There are spectacular fjord landscapes all over Norway. With all that said, let the arguments begin.

10. Oslofjord

No, the Oslofjord isn't what most international visitors picture when they hear the words 鈥淣orwegian fjord.鈥� And that's precisely why I've included it.

You won't find the towering cliffs, hanging waterfalls and snow-capped mountains associated with the west Norwegian fjords. Geologically and visually, this is a very different landscape.

What the Oslofjord does offer is an introduction to something equally Norwegian: everyday life by the water.

From central Oslo, public transport ferries run out to islands where people swim from rocks, barbecue with friends, walk through woodland and spend summer afternoons beside the sea.

is perhaps the best-known of the inner islands. Just a short ferry ride from the city centre, it combines beaches and nature trails with the ruins of a medieval Cistercian monastery and remnants of the island's military history.

Other islands offer swimming spots, cabins, walking trails and some terrific views back towards Oslo.

This easy access to the water is one of the things I like most about Oslo. You can spend the morning visiting a major art museum or wandering along Karl Johans gate, then be sitting beside the fjord a short time later.

The Oslofjord stretches far beyond the capital too. Dr酶bak is one of the most enjoyable day trips from Oslo, while the islands and coastal communities on both sides of the fjord become increasingly important to Norwegian summer life as you travel south.

Best for: Oslo visitors, island hopping and an easy introduction to Norway's outdoor lifestyle.

9. Sognefjord

Putting Norway's longest and deepest fjord at number nine probably requires some explanation.

The Sognefjord stretches more than 200km inland from the west coast, reaching deep into some of Norway's most dramatic mountain country. In places, the water itself is more than a kilometre deep.

But that's also the reason it's difficult to rank. The Sognefjord isn't really a single attraction. It's an enormous fjord system containing some of the landscapes and communities that define Western Norway.

Its branches include the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 and Aurlandsfjord, both of which appear separately higher on this list. Elsewhere you'll find the Fj忙rlandsfjord, Lusterfjord and numerous smaller arms.

Around the wider region are places such as Balestrand, Sogndal, Fj忙rland, L忙rdal and Solvorn. There are glaciers, stave churches, mountain roads and hiking trails. This is a wonderful part of Norway for slow travel.

Rather than arriving, photographing one famous viewpoint and leaving, consider spending several days moving through the region. Passenger boats are an important part of the transport network, and travelling by water gives you some sense of the sheer scale involved.

There are major cultural attractions too. The UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church overlooks the Lustrafjord, while Fj忙rland combines fjord and glacier scenery with its unusual status as Norway's book town.

So why only number nine? Because when most people ask me for the 鈥渂est fjord鈥�, they're imagining a concentrated scenic experience. The Sognefjord is almost too big for that. Several of its branches offer much more immediate drama. But as a fjord region, there are few better places in Norway to spend a week.

Best for: Slow travel, road trips and anyone who wants to explore a fjord region in depth.

8. Nordfjord

The Nordfjord doesn't always get the attention of Geirangerfjord or Sognefjord, but it's one of the most rewarding parts of Fjord Norway.

The fjord stretches for more than 100km from the Atlantic coast into a landscape of mountains, valleys and glaciers. For many international visitors, the best-known part of the region is the inner Nordfjord around Olden, Loen and Stryn.

Olden has become an important cruise port largely because of what surrounds it. The village itself is small, but from here you can head inland towards Oldedalen and Briksdalsbreen, one of the most accessible arms of the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier.

The walk towards Briksdalsbreen is almost as important as the glacier itself, passing through a steep-sided valley and close to the thundering Kleivafossen waterfall.

Nearby Loen offers an entirely different perspective. The Loen Skylift climbs from the fjord to Mount Hoven, opening up expansive views across Nordfjord and the surrounding mountains. Lovatnet, a long green lake enclosed by steep mountains, is another highlight of this compact region.

Head farther west and the Nordfjord changes character again as the mountains begin to meet the Atlantic coast.

That's one reason I rate it so highly. This isn't simply one famous strip of water. The Nordfjord works as a base for exploring glaciers, lakes, mountains and the coast.

It's particularly good for a road trip, although Olden and Loen have become increasingly popular with cruise visitors too.

Best for: Glaciers, mountain scenery and combining several different landscapes in one trip.

7. Trollfjord

The Trollfjord proves that a fjord doesn't have to be enormous to make an impression.

This tiny branch of Raftsundet, between the Lofoten and Vester氓len regions of Northern Norway, is just a few kilometres long. But what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in theatre.

The entrance is extremely narrow, with steep mountains rising abruptly from the water. Approaching by boat, it can appear almost impossible that larger vessels will fit through the gap. That's a big part of the experience.

Hurtigruten and Havila ships traditionally make a detour into Trollfjord when conditions permit, while sightseeing boats and RIB tours run from Svolv忙r and elsewhere in the region.

are another reason the area is popular for boat trips.

I've always thought of the Trollfjord differently from the major Western Norway fjords. You don't really visit it as a destination in its own right. There is no village at the end where you'll spend a few days exploring.

The Trollfjord is an experience: you approach it by water, pass through the narrow entrance, stare up at the mountains and then leave again.

That makes it difficult to compare with somewhere such as Hardangerfjord, where an entire holiday can be built around the region. But for sheer impact over a very short period of time, Trollfjord deserves its place on the list.

Best for: Coastal voyages, boat trips from Lofoten and dramatic scenery in a compact package.

6. Aurlandsfjord

The Aurlandsfjord is one of the most photographed fjords in Norway, although many visitors may not realise that's what they're looking at.

贵濒氓尘 sits at its innermost end. The small village receives enormous numbers of visitors thanks to cruise ships, the 贵濒氓尘 Railway and the classic Norway in a Nutshell route.

As a result, the Aurlandsfjord is one of the easiest dramatic fjord landscapes to include on a first trip to Norway. Its steep mountain walls and deep water certainly deserve the attention.

One of the best-known views comes from Stegastein, a striking viewing platform high above the village of Aurland. The platform projects from the mountainside, providing a broad view along the fjord.

From down at water level, the perspective is completely different.

Ferries and sightseeing boats connect 贵濒氓尘 with the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲, while kayaking offers the chance to experience the scale of the mountains without looking through a coach or ferry window.

Its fame is closely tied to 贵濒氓尘 and its excellent transport connections. In pure scenic terms, I think several other fjords offer even more drama.

There's also the issue of crowds. 贵濒氓尘 can be extremely busy when a large cruise ship is in port, especially in the height of summer. If you have time, staying in Aurland or elsewhere in the region rather than simply passing through can offer a very different experience.

Best for: First-time visitors, public transport itineraries and combining fjords with the 贵濒氓尘 Railway.

5. Hardangerfjord

If I were recommending a Norwegian fjord region for an independent road trip, Hardanger would be very high on the list.

The Hardangerfjord is Norway's second-longest fjord, stretching from the Atlantic coast deep into Western Norway. But the appeal isn't simply its size.

Hardanger combines fjord scenery with orchards, waterfalls, mountain plateaus, glaciers and historic communities. It's one of those places where the journey between attractions is often as memorable as the attractions themselves.

The region is particularly known for fruit growing. In spring, blossoming orchards add flashes of white and pink to the steep green hillsides, while apples, cider and other local produce become part of the experience later in the year.

Several branches are worth exploring.

The long S酶rfjord extends south towards Odda, passing beneath steep mountains and orchards. This is the part of Hardanger most associated with Trolltunga, although visitors should be aware that the famous hike is a demanding mountain undertaking rather than a casual walk from the fjord.

The Folgefonna glacier dominates another part of the region, while countless waterfalls tumble down the mountainsides.

痴酶谤颈苍驳蝉蹿辞蝉蝉别苍, one of Norway's best-known waterfalls, is farther inland towards Hardangervidda and can easily be incorporated into a wider Hardanger itinerary.

Then there's the road network itself. Bridges, tunnels and ferries make travelling around Hardanger part of the fun. The Hardanger Bridge, spanning the fjord between Vallavik and Bu, is one of the most impressive pieces of road infrastructure in Norway.

Hardanger perhaps lacks the concentrated visual drama of the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 or the Geirangerfjord. What it offers instead is variety.

Best for: Road trips, waterfalls, fruit farms and travellers who want much more than a quick fjord cruise.

4. Lysefjord

The Lysefjord near Stavanger is one of Norway's great outdoor destinations. In fact, many people know its most famous landmarks without necessarily knowing much about the fjord itself.

Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is the obvious example. The enormous flat-topped cliff rises more than 600 metres above the fjord and has become one of the defining images of Norwegian tourism.

The hike to Preikestolen is achievable for many reasonably fit visitors, although it should still be treated as a mountain hike rather than a casual stroll.

Farther along the fjord, Kjerag offers an altogether tougher challenge. , the boulder wedged in a mountain crevice high above the fjord, has become another social-media favourite. But once again, the hike required to reach it should not be underestimated.

Between the two lies Fl酶rli, a tiny roadless community known for its historic hydropower station and an extraordinary wooden staircase running straight up the mountainside.

The staircase contains 4,444 steps and is often described as the longest wooden staircase in the world.

At the head of the fjord is Lysebotn, reached by one of Norway's most memorable mountain roads. The steep approach includes a series of hairpin bends, including one inside a tunnel.

All of this makes Lysefjord an exceptional destination. Yet there's an interesting contradiction. Many of its most famous experiences involve looking down at the fjord rather than travelling through it.

For a different perspective, take a sightseeing boat from Stavanger or travel deeper into the fjord by ferry. Seeing Preikestolen from water level gives you a much better appreciation of just how high the cliff really is.

Best for: Hiking, adventure travel and an easy fjord excursion from Stavanger.

3. 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲

If there's one fjord on this list I think deserves far more international attention, it's the 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲.

Cutting deep into the Sunnm酶re Alps south of 脜濒别蝉耻苍诲, 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 combines dark water with some of the sharpest and most dramatic mountain scenery in Norway.

That mountain backdrop is what separates it from many other fjords.

Where Geiranger has famous waterfalls and 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 has extremely narrow passages, 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 has a distinctly alpine character. Peaks rise abruptly around the water, creating a landscape that can feel much wilder than its relatively accessible location suggests.

Small communities are scattered along the fjord. S忙b酶 sits at the heart of the region and makes a useful base for exploring the area. Trandal, Urke and 脴ye are among the other communities that give the fjord much of its character.

At 脴ye, the historic Hotel Union 脴ye has hosted travellers for generations, including European royalty and mountaineers drawn to the Sunnm酶re Alps.

The mountain Slogen, rising to more than 1,500 metres, is one of the best-known peaks in the area and has long attracted experienced hikers. You don't need to climb a mountain to appreciate 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲, though.

One of the best ways to experience it is simply from the water. Seasonal boat trips connect 脜濒别蝉耻苍诲 with communities along the fjord, making it possible to see 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 as a day trip or use the boat as part of a longer stay.

This accessibility is one reason I think the 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 belongs so high on the list.

脜濒别蝉耻苍诲 is already one of Norway's most interesting destinations. Adding a fjord trip gives you the chance to combine the city's distinctive architecture with genuinely spectacular mountain scenery.

Yet the 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 still receives nowhere near the international attention of the Geirangerfjord. For some travellers, that's an advantage.

Best for: Mountain scenery, quieter fjord travel and anyone staying in 脜濒别蝉耻苍诲.

2. 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲

If you have a mental image of a Norwegian fjord as an impossibly narrow strip of dark water squeezed between enormous mountains, you're probably imagining something very similar to the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲.

This narrow branch of the wider Sognefjord system is one of two areas that make up the . The other is the Geirangerfjord.

At its narrowest, the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 is only a few hundred metres wide. Mountains rise steeply on both sides, while waterfalls appear on the rock faces, especially during periods of snowmelt or heavy rain.

There is remarkably little development along much of the shoreline. That's an important part of the experience. Although the boats themselves can be busy, the landscape feels far removed from the crowds passing through it.

Most visitors experience the fjord on the boat journey between 贵濒氓尘 and Gudvangen. This trip combines the broader Aurlandsfjord with the much tighter 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲, creating a wonderful progression as the surrounding landscape becomes increasingly enclosed.

Modern sightseeing vessels operate on the route, while other options include kayaking and guided excursions.

Gudvangen sits at the head of 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 beneath steep mountains. Many visitors transfer straight onto a bus here, but the surrounding valley is worth more attention if your itinerary allows.

The biggest drawback to the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 is also part of what makes it special. There are relatively few places to stay directly beside the fjord, so for most people it remains a place they travel through rather than somewhere they spend several days.

Even so, very few landscapes in Norway deliver such concentrated drama.

Best for: Classic Norwegian fjord scenery and first-time visitors who want the full 鈥淣orway postcard鈥� experience.

1. Geirangerfjord

Some places become famous because they are easy to market. The Geirangerfjord is famous because it really is that good. Together with 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲, the Geirangerfjord area forms Norway's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fjord is relatively short, but almost every part of it contains something worth looking at. Steep mountains rise from the dark water. Waterfalls plunge down seemingly impossible cliffs. Abandoned farms cling to ledges high above the shoreline.

The Seven Sisters is the most famous waterfall, with several separate streams tumbling down the mountainside opposite another waterfall known as the Suitor.

Nearby are historic farms including Skagefl氓 and Knivsfl氓, reminders that people once lived and worked on slopes that today seem almost inaccessible.

At the head of the fjord sits Geiranger. The village has become one of Norway's busiest cruise destinations, and on a summer day with a large ship in port it can feel extremely crowded.

That is the Geirangerfjord's biggest weakness. Fortunately, there are several ways to experience the landscape beyond the waterfront souvenir shops.

The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt is one of the best. Travelling slowly through the fjord gives you time to appreciate the waterfalls and abandoned farms from water level.

Above Geiranger, 脴rnesvingen offers the classic view back along the fjord, while Flydalsjuvet provides another famous perspective. Head higher still towards Dalsnibba and the scale of the entire landscape becomes clearer.

There are numerous hiking routes too, ranging from relatively straightforward walks to demanding mountain trips.

I understand why some independent travellers hesitate about Geiranger. It's busy. It's heavily promoted. Cruise ships can dominate the village during the summer. But none of that changes the landscape itself.

If someone were coming to Norway once in their life and asked me to show them one fjord that explains why the Norwegian fjords became famous around the world, I'd still choose Geirangerfjord.

Best for: The ultimate classic Norwegian fjord experience.

Which Norwegian fjord should you visit?

The answer depends much more on your itinerary than this ranking. If you're visiting Bergen, the Sognefjord region, the Aurlandsfjord and the 狈忙谤酶测蹿箩辞谤诲 are among the easiest spectacular fjord landscapes to build into your trip.

From Stavanger, the Lysefjord is the obvious choice. If you're staying in 脜濒别蝉耻苍诲, you have an enviable problem: both Geirangerfjord and 贬箩酶谤耻苍诲蹿箩辞谤诲 are within reach.

Around Olden and Loen, the Nordfjord provides an excellent combination of fjords, glaciers, lakes and mountains. While in Northern Norway, the Trollfjord fits naturally into a Lofoten trip or a coastal voyage.

And if your entire Norway visit is based in Oslo, don't dismiss the Oslofjord simply because it doesn't look like Geiranger. Take a public ferry out to the islands and experience a different, but equally Norwegian, relationship with the water.

Most importantly, don't become obsessed with seeing the 鈥渂est鈥� fjord. Some of my favourite moments in Norway have come from places that aren't on international bucket lists.

Once you move beyond the famous viewpoints, the Norwegian coastline is full of fjords, islands, waterfalls and small communities that rarely appear on lists like this one.

This top ten is a place to start. The fun part is deciding where to go next. If you need help figuring out your dream trip to Norway, take a look at what I offer with my travel consulting calls.