Sognefjord Today

Kids on the Lustrafjord
The people who live along Sognefjord today live simple lives much as the people
of Norway have lived for centuries (although now with numerous
tourist amenities and museums). These people continue to be reliant on the landscape
as the waters provide both food and transportation and the mountains nearly isolate
the people. Although cruise ships and tourists are now common in the fjord, this
tourism is primarily seasonal so the people cling to their historic way of life
for much of the year. This is only changing in some areas as museums and other tourist
sights are opening up to attract tourists year round.
Aurlandsfjord & Nærøyfjord
Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): At the end of the fjord is the
town of Flam, which is home to a train line that climbs south through the valley
and into the mountains, eventually reaching the Bergen Railway line. If Sognefjord
and Bergen are on your route, this is one of the most scenic ways to get from one
to the other. For more information visit their website at: www.visitflam.com/flam-railway/.
Naeroyfjord (Nærøyfjord) is one of Sognefjord's most
impressive arms as it is quite narrow and provides stunning mountains dropping straight
into the waters of the fjord. It is ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking,
hiking, or just sitting on a boat as you enjoy the views.
Undredal Stave Church (Undredal stavkyrkje): This is the
smallest still operational church in Norway as it only seats 40 people, but that
only adds to its beauty and charm.
Fjaerlandsfjord & Balestrand
Bøyabreen Glacier (Bøyabreen): This glacier sits a bit
inland from the end of the Fjaerland fjord.

Kvikne's Hotel
Kvikne's Hotel: This historic hotel was built in the Swiss
Chalet style in the 1800s and has been a favorite for both royalty and tourists
ever since. For more information about the hotel or to stay here, visit their website
at: www.kviknes.com.
Kvinnafossen Waterfall (Kvinnafossen): This waterfall
is located between the towns of Leikanger and Hella opposite the town of Balestrand.
Norwegian Glacier Museum & Ulltveit-Moe Climate Center (Norsk Bremuseum):
This museum and climate center is located in the town of Fjaerland and has a number
of exhibits displaying the nearby glaciers, the landscape, and climate change. For
more information visit their website at:
www.bre.museum.no.
Sognefjord Aquarium (Sognefjord Akvarium): This aquarium,
located in the town of Balestrand, is home to hundreds of fish species and sea life
from the Sognefjord. For more information visit their website at: www.kringsja.no/eakvarium.html.
Kaupanger
Kaupanger Stave Church (Kaupanger stavkyrkje): This is
one of the many stave churches that line Sognefjord and being located in the town
of Kaupanger, is also one of the most accessible. For more information visit their
website at: www.stavechurch.com/en/kaupanger/.
Sogn Fjord Museum (Sogn Fjordmuseum): This museum, which
is associated with the Folk Museum, focuses on the people and culture of the Sognefjord.
For more information visit their website at: www.dhs.museum.no/en/sogn-fjord-museum-kaupanger.
Sogn Folk Museum (Sogn Folkemuseum): This open air museum,
which is associated with the Fjord Museum, is near the town of Kaupanger and demonstrates
the farming life and culture of the people of the Sognefjord over the centuries.
For more information visit their website at: www.dhs.museum.no/en/open-air-museum-0.
Laerdalseyri
Norwegian Wild Salmon Center (Norsk Villakssenter): This
center is exactly what it sounds like, a center educating visitors on salmon in
the Norwegian waters, which is located in the town of Laerdalseyri. For more information
visit their website at:
www.norsk-villakssenter.no (Norwegian only).
Lustrafjorden & Luster

Details on Urnes Stave Church
Feigumfossen Waterfall (Feigumfossen): This waterfall
is located near the town of Luster on the Lustrafjorden.
Urnes Stave Church (Urnes stavkyrkje): Urnes Stave Church
is the oldest stave church in Norway (built in the 1100s) and is also one of the
most impressive. The church is best reached by ferry from the nearby town of Solvorn.
For more information visit their website at: www.stavechurch.com/en/urnes/.
Vik
Hopperstad Stave Church (Hopperstad stavkyrkje): This
church, in the town of Vik, is one of the most intricately decorated stave churches
and is also one of the oldest. For more information visit their website at: www.stavechurch.com/en/.
Transportation
Sognefjord is somewhat well connected. Boats are easily the best way to see the
fjord itself, but car, taxi, and bike also offer great options. Getting to the fjord
is a bit more challenging as options take time due to the landscape. There is a
small airport along the fjord, but train, boats, and buses seem to be much less
expensive and offer numerous options.
Airport: The only airport in the Sognefjord area is the Haukasen
Airport, which is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the town of Kaupanger.
There are only a couple flights to and from Oslo and Bergen to this airport; all
flights are operated by Wideroe (www.wideroe.no).
For its location or directions, see the map below.
Train Station: The only train station along the Sognefjord is the
station in Flam (mentioned above). For train times and schedules, the website is:
www.nsb.no. For its
location or directions, see the map below.
Bus Station: There are numerous private bus companies that service
towns in Sognefjord, but the towns and origins of these bus services vary by the
town's location and geographical obstacles.
Local Transportation: There are numerous ways to get around Sognefjord,
but the most comfortable and scenic is by boat. Nearly every town has boat services
or tours that let you explore other regions for a day trip. The region is also accessible
by road, but the landscape often times means long journeys for the short distances
traveled.
Official Websites
Region of Sognefjord:
www.sognefjord.no
Kingdom of Norway:
www.visitnorway.com
Map & Directions