The Fjords And West Norway Overview

No trip to Norway is complete without seeing the Western Fjords. The region boasts a dramatic grandeur, from the depths of Sognefjord to the peaks of Jotunheimen National Park. Tourists come to Sogndal and Stryn to walk on the Jostedalsbreen glacier, continental Europe’s largest, and to visit Balestrand and Geiranger. On the Atlantic coast, Bergen is the region’s major port city.

Transportation around the Western Fjords can be tricky and often involves lengthy rides, but scenery-gazing is half the fun. Trains go to Åndalsnes in the north and Bergen in the south. Buses and boats run to locales in between these cities, including the main fjords and national parks. From Strandkaiterminalen in Bergen, Tide express boats (☎55 23 87 80; www.tide.no) run to Stavanger and points south of the city, while Fylkesbaatane (☎55 90 70 70 ; www.fjord1.no/fylkesbaatane) sails north into Nordfjord, Sognefjord, and Sunnfjord. Almost all destinations connect via bus to Bergen; check www.nor-way.no for schedules and fares. Fjord1 (www.fjord1.no), a consortium of boat, bus, and ferry, companies, is an invaluable resource for planning regional trips. Schedules vary daily; call ☎177 for transportation info. Tourist offices, boat terminals, and bus stations can also help with itineraries. Plan your trip at least 2-3 days ahead.