Gateway to the Fjords
Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord start here
Overview
Bergen sits at the intersection of two fjord systems. Hardangerfjord stretches 179 km south-east, reaching Eidfjord and the Hardangervidda plateau. Sognefjord extends 204 km north-east — the longest fjord in Norway and the deepest at 1,308 meters.
To reach Hardangerfjord by car, drive the E16 east then Rv7 south. The route takes 90 minutes to the fjord edge at Norheimsund. From there, the Hardanger Bridge (2013, toll: 150 NOK) crosses to Ullensvang and the fruit-growing villages. In May, the apple and cherry orchards bloom along the entire south shore.
For Sognefjord, the Bergen Railway runs to Myrdal (2.5 hours), where you transfer to the Flåm Railway — a 20 km descent dropping 866 meters through 20 tunnels to Aurlandsfjord. The Flåm Railway is an engineering achievement, not a tourist train. It was built between 1924 and 1940 to connect the mountain communities to the coast.
By car, Sognefjord is reached via the E16 through the Lærdal Tunnel (world’s longest road tunnel at 24.5 km) or by ferry from Gudvangen to Kaupanger. Both options take 4–5 hours from Bergen. The ferry is the better choice for scenery.
Highlights
Flåm Railway
Myrdal to Flåm: 20 km, 866m descent, 20 tunnels. One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. The Kjosfossen waterfall stop is a 93m cascade visible from the platform.
Hardanger Orchards
The south shore of Hardangerfjord is Norway’s fruit garden. Apple, cherry, plum, and pear orchards bloom in May. Cider production from local farms runs August–October.
Fjord Ferries
Norled and Fjord1 operate car ferries and express boats. The Gudvangen–Kaupanger ferry crosses Sognefjord in 2 hours. Book online for summer departures — queues at the terminal start early.
Lærdal Tunnel
24.5 km — the world’s longest road tunnel. Three illuminated rest caverns break the monotony. Free to drive. The alternative to the ferry for reaching inner Sognefjord.
Practical information
Hardangerfjord by car
E16 east then Rv7 south. 90 min to Norheimsund. Hardanger Bridge toll: 150 NOK (AutoPASS). Summer: continue to Eidfjord and Vøringsfossen waterfall (182m drop).
Sognefjord by train
Bergen Railway to Myrdal (2.5 hours, NSB). Transfer to Flåm Railway (1 hour, 866m descent). Book Flåm Railway tickets at vy.no — sells out weeks ahead in summer.
Sognefjord by car
E16 through Lærdal Tunnel (24.5 km, free). Or ferry from Gudvangen to Kaupanger (2 hours). Total driving time from Bergen: 4–5 hours either route.
Which fjord first?
Hardangerfjord for orchards, waterfalls, and a shorter drive. Sognefjord for depth, scale, and the Flåm Railway experience. One fjord per day minimum — do not try both in the same day.
Plan your Bergen trip
Bergen has more to offer. Explore the full city guide or browse other Norwegian cities.