Get Around in The Western Fjords

Finding your way around the beautiful Fjords

The Western Fjords of Norway, covering Vestland (Hordaland) and Møre og Romsdal, are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. With deep fjords, towering mountains, and charming coastal towns, navigating this region requires a mix of transportation methods. Whether you choose to drive, take ferries, or use public transport, each journey is an adventure in itself.

A Tourist Looks Out Over A Norwegian Fjord in the Fall
© CH - visitnorway.com

Rental Car

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems, take detours, and experience Norway’s stunning scenic routes. Many roads require ferry crossings. Check ferry schedules at Norwegian Public Roads Administration before your trip.

© Bård Loken - Visit Norway

Public Transport

Norway’s bus network connects most towns and fjord villages, making it a good alternative for travelers without a car. Bus schedules can be limited in remote areas, so plan ahead. Check timetables at Skyss.no (Vestland) and FRAM (Møre og Romsdal).

Flam is a village in the Flamsdalen valley which is located at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjorden, a branch of Sognefjorden. Norway.© Marius Dobilas

Fjord Cruise or Ferry

Fjord cruises and car ferries are an essential part of travel in Western Norway, offering stunning views along the way. Many ferry routes are part of Norway’s road network, and you can take your car onboard.

Flåm Railway, Norway. View from the train.

Train – The Scenic Way to Travel

Though rail networks in the fjords are limited, Norway has some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Tip: Combine the Bergen Railway & Flåm Railway with a fjord cruise for the ultimate Norway in a Nutshell experience.

© Mark Dornbusch
© Mikolaj Niemczewski
Sæbø, wonderfull village in west Norway. One of the most beautiful fjord Hjørundfjorden.© monikagas

Explore the Western Fjords in an Eco-Friendly Way

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Norway’s Western Fjords while minimizing your carbon footprint. With electric rental cars readily available across the country and a comprehensive network of charging stations throughout the fjord region, it’s never been easier to travel sustainably. Glide silently through the majestic fjords, taking in the stunning vistas of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine waters – all while leaving a lighter impact on this natural wonder. Embrace the eco-friendly future of travel and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Western Fjords.

Rakssetra in Loen Norway during early summer© Toril Sunde Apelthun

1. By Car – The Best Way to Explore the Fjords 🚗

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems, take detours, and experience Norway’s stunning scenic routes.

🚢 Tip: Many roads require ferry crossings. Check ferry schedules at Norwegian Public Roads Administration before your trip.

Scenic Roads Worth Driving:

Modern triangle building of Trollstigen cafe and visitor center in front of the mountains. Norway

Trollstigen Mountain Road

(Møre and Romsdal)
A famous mountain road with hairpin bends and breathtaking views.

A breathtaking coastal road stretches along Norway's picturesque shore, surrounded by tranquil waters and lush greenery under a vibrant sky. Atlantic ocean road Norway© Fokke Baarssen

Atlantic Ocean Road

(Møre og Romsdal)
One of the world’s most spectacular coastal roads, connecting islands with dramatic bridges.

Tourist enjoying fjord view of Aurlandsfjord landscape from Stegastein viewing point. National tourist route Aurlandsfjellet.© Voyagerix

Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route

(Vestland)
Also called the "Snow Road," this high-mountain route offers spectacular fjord views.

Ulvik hardanger Norway is one of the beautiful place to visit.The fjords and landscape is very wonderful.

Hardanger Scenic Route

(Vestland)
A beautiful drive through the Hardangerfjord region, passing fruit orchards and waterfalls.

Trollstigen or Trolls road is a serpentine mountain road in Rauma Municipality in Norway.© Vova Shevchuk
wonderful and spectacular landscape in the Hjørundfjorden and the Noringfjorden, Norwegian© Johannes Rigg

2. By Fjord Cruise or Ferry ⛴️

Fjord cruises and car ferries are an essential part of travel in Western Norway, offering stunning views along the way.

🚢 Tip: Many ferry routes are part of Norway’s road network, and you can take your car onboard.

Key Fjord Routes & Cruises

Tourist wearing norwegian flag clothing enjoying scenic view over fjord Geirangerfjorden from Flydalsjuvet viewpoint. Cruising vacation and travel.© Voyagerix

Geiranger to Hellesylt

Geirangerfjorden -
Experience UNESCO-listed fjord scenery with waterfalls like The Seven Sisters.

Flam is a village in the Flamsdalen valley which is located at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjorden, a branch of Sognefjorden. Norway.© Marius Dobilas

From Bergen to Flåm

Sognefjorden -
A spectacular cruise through Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

Photo taken outside the beautiful coastal town Florø, Norway.© Toreik

Hurtigruten Coastal Cruises

A scenic voyage along Norway’s coastline, with stops several stops along the coastline.

© Benjamin Zocholl

Ferries across the Fjords

Many smaller ferries connect fjord villages, such as Gudvangen–Kaupanger (Nærøyfjord).

© Fredrik Ahlsen - Visit Norway

The Hurtigruten Coastal Voage

For those eager to embark on an unforgettable maritime journey, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages. These remarkable ships provide a delightful blend of transportation and cruise-like experiences, complete with delectable onboard dining options, panoramic views of the majestic coastline, and a range of optional excursions designed to enhance your adventure and immerse you in the local culture.

Both of them offer stunning coastal ferry routes that stretch between Bergen and Kirkenes. These routes make stops at several picturesque ports nearby, each known for their unique charm and breathtaking scenery.

© Tommy Andreassen - Nordnorge.com

Hurtigruten

The historical coastal express service, operating daily departures with a traditional maritime experience. It offers a unique combination of local transport, freight services, and expedition-style cruising. Travelers can book shorter segments between Nordland's ports or opt for the full coastal journey.

© Ronny M. Olsen - Havila Kystruten

Havila Kystruten

Havila is a addition on the coastline of Norway, offering modern and environmentally friendly ships with a focus on sustainable travel. With hybrid propulsion and battery technology, Havila ships provide a quieter and greener alternative while maintaining comfort and luxury.

3. By Train –
The Scenic Way to Travel 🚆

Though rail networks in the fjords are limited, Norway has some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Must-Take Train Rides:

Flåm Railway, Norway. View from the train.

VY – Bergen Line

Bergen Railway – The Bergen Line runs between Oslo and Bergen, offering stunning mountain and fjord views. VY is a national -owned railway company which operates most passenger train services in Norway.

Flåm Railway (Flåmsbanen)

Flåm Railway – A scenic train journey from Myrdal to Flåm, featuring waterfalls and fjord views. Described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in Norway, it showcases the best of Western Norway.

Tourist bus traveling on the road in Norway. Atlantic Ocean Road or the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) been awarded the title as "Norwegian Construction of the Century".

4. By Bus 🚌
– Budget-Friendly Option

Norway’s bus network connects most towns and fjord villages, making it a good alternative for travelers without a car.

🚌 Tip: Bus schedules can be limited in remote areas, so plan ahead. Check timetables at Skyss.no (Vestland) and FRAM (Møre og Romsdal).

Useful Bus Routes in the Fjords:

Bergen - Odda Ålesund - Geiranger Molde - Åndalsnes
Hardangerfjord Region
Møre & Romsdalen
Møre og Romsdalen
Ideal for visiting
Trolltunga and Hardangerfjord.
A seasonal route offering spectacular
fjord and mountain views.
Connects Molde with
the Rauma Railway and Trollstigen.
Prices 130 – 200 NOK
Prices from 400NOK
Prices 100 NOK

5. By Plane ✈️
– Fast Travel Between Cities

For those short on time, regional flights connect major fjord towns with Oslo and Bergen.

✈️ Tip: Flights are faster but less scenic than other transport options.

Main Airports (international) in the Western Fjords:

Bergen Airport Flesland Ålesund Vigra Airport Molde Airport
Airport Code: BGO
Airport code: AES
Airport Code: MOL
The Main hub for Western Norway
Gateway to Geirangerfjorden and Sunnmøre
Convinient for visiting
Trollstigen and Romsdalen.

Which Transport Option is Best for You?

Transport Mode Best for Pros Cons
🚗 Car Rental
Scenic road trips & flexibility
Ultimate freedom, access to remote areas
Costly tolls, ferry crossings
⛴️ Fjord Cruise/Ferries
Stunning fjord views
Relaxing, no driving stress
Timetables vary
🚆 Train
Comfortable & scenic journeys
Amazing views, eco-friendly
Limited routes in fjords
🚌 Bus
Budget-friendly travel
Affordable & connects towns
Infrequent schedules
✈️ Flights
Fast city-to-city travel
Saves time
Misses the scenery

Final Tips for Getting Around in the Western Fjords

The Western Fjords are not just about the destination – the journey itself is part of the adventure! Whether you’re driving along dramatic mountain roads, cruising through deep blue fjords, or riding a scenic train, every route offers unforgettable views.

Check ferry schedules in advance – Some routes have limited departures.

Book car rentals early – Availability can be limited in summer.

Use Google Maps & Public Transport Apps – Apps like Entur.no help you plan routes.

Consider the season – Some roads (like Trollstigen) close in winter.

 

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