Exploring Norway's Fjords: Which Airport To Choose?

Norway is home to over one thousand fjords, with some of the most famous being within a few hours of Bergen by road, rail or fast ferry. The city of Bergen itself is packed full of historical and cultural attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen and the Bergen Art Museum. The Fløibanen funicular offers impressive views of the city and its surroundings. Bergen Airport also provides easy access to the fjords of Hardangerfjord, Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock, as well as Trolltunga. For those looking to explore the Geirangerfjord, Ålesund Airport is a 55-minute flight from Oslo, with a bus connection to Geiranger.

Airports in Norway with access to the fjords

There are over 50 airports in Norway, making even the most remote communities accessible by plane. The main international airports are in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, Ålesund, Haugesund, and Sandefjord.

Bergen Airport is a good option for those looking to explore the fjords. The airport, known as Flesland Airport, is nestled in a stunning natural setting of water and mountains and is packed with historical and cultural attractions. The city is also the starting point for the famous coastal ferry cruise to Kirkenes. Some of Norway's most famous fjords are within a few hours of Bergen by road, rail, or fast ferry. These include the Sognefjord, with its arms, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, and the Hardangerfjord, which is the closest fjord to the airport. The Aurlandsfjord can be seen from the Stegastein viewpoint, and the Fløibanen funicular in Bergen offers impressive views of the surrounding area.

Ålesund Airport is another option for those looking to explore the fjords. It is accessible via a 55-minute flight from Oslo, and from there, it is possible to take a bus to Geirangerfjord. In the summer months, there are also direct buses from Åndalsnes to Geiranger.

For those looking to explore the northern fjords, flying to Tromsø Airport may be a good option. The airport is located in the northern part of the country and offers access to the fjords and other natural attractions in the region.

Additionally, there is a small regional airport in Sogndal, with daily flights to Oslo and Bergen. This airport provides access to the Sognefjord and its arms, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Bergen Airport as a gateway to the fjords

Bergen Airport, also known as Flesland Airport, is located in western Norway, in the Hordaland region of Vestland county. It is the only airport servicing the city of Bergen and is Norway's second cheapest airport to fly into, making it a great starting point for exploring the fjords.

The airport has been designed to embody the feel of the surrounding landscape, with a concept named "Wingspan" uniting the idea of flight with the forms of the local fjords, mountains, and rapidly changing weather. The terminal building, with its steel structure, glass facades, and timber features, creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. The airport has also been designed with modularity in mind, allowing for easy expansion to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, which currently stand at 7.5 million.

Bergen itself is known as the "gateway city" to the fjords, surrounded by seven mountains and offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape. From Bergen, there are several ways to explore the fjords, including fjord cruises to Flåm, Næyerfjorden, and Stegastein, as well as hiking trails and funicular rides offering panoramic views.

Getting to and from the airport is straightforward, with the light rail running almost 24/7 and the Skyss app providing access to the official public transportation system in Bergen. Taxis and bus services are also available, and for those looking to explore the wider region, car rental services are offered.

With its accessibility, scenic surroundings, and convenient transportation options, Bergen Airport serves as an ideal gateway to the fjords and the city of Bergen, providing a welcoming introduction to the beauty of western Norway.

Ålesund Airport as a base for fjord sightseeing

Norway is home to well over one thousand fjords, and Ålesund Airport is a great base for sightseeing some of the most beautiful ones. Located in the western part of the country, Ålesund Airport is close to several stunning fjords, including the Geirangerfjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Lysefjord, home to the iconic Pulpit Rock.

The Geirangerfjord is known for its breathtaking scenery and is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. It is easily accessible from Ålesund Airport, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the fjords in the area. The Lysefjord, on the other hand, is home to the famous Pulpit Rock, a popular tourist destination that offers incredible views of the surrounding area.

In addition to these two notable fjords, Ålesund Airport is also a convenient base for exploring other nearby fjords, such as the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. The Hardangerfjord is known for its stunning natural landscapes and is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers. The Sognefjord, meanwhile, is one of Norway's top destinations for experiencing the country's wild landscapes. Here, you can find two beautiful national parks: Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen.

When planning a trip to the fjords in Norway, it's worth considering Ålesund Airport as a starting point. From there, you can easily access some of the most beautiful and renowned fjords in the country, including the Geirangerfjord, Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Sognefjord. Each of these fjords offers unique experiences, from hiking alongside glaciers to enjoying breathtaking views from iconic landmarks like Pulpit Rock. With its convenient location and access to stunning natural attractions, Ålesund Airport is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the majestic fjords of Norway.

Day trips to the fjords from Oslo Airport

If you're looking to take a day trip to the fjords from Oslo Airport, there are a few options to consider. The fjords are much farther from Oslo than from Bergen, so it may be worth considering a connection through Bergen or Stavanger. Here are some possible day trips:

Oslo Fjord

The Oslo Fjord (Oslofjorden) is a large inlet stretching approximately 100 km (62 miles) in southeast Norway, leading to the Baltic Sea. It is easily accessible from Oslo and offers scenic views, hiking trails, and swimming spots across its six main islands. Ferries run every 10 to 15 minutes between each island, making it convenient for island-hopping. You can also opt for a boat tour, which typically visits three or four different islands without stopping.

Flåm and Aurlandsfjord

Flåm is a popular starting point for exploring the fjords and is known for its steep railway, the Flamsbana. You can take the Flåm Railway from Flåm to Myrdal and then the Bergen Railway to Oslo or Bergen, offering a train journey from fjord to mountain. The Flåm Railway is particularly spectacular in winter when the snow covers the mountains and the waterfalls freeze into ice. In Flåm, you can also take a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord or try a fjord safari.

Bergen and Hardangerfjord

Bergen is often referred to as the "gateway to the fjords." You can fly or take a train to Bergen and then explore the fjords nearby. The Hardangerfjord is the closest to Bergen Airport, and you can also take a trip to Trolltunga. Bergen itself offers impressive views, and you can take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic sights of Bryggen and the surrounding area.

Stavanger and Lysefjord

If you're looking for a cheaper option, consider flying into Stavanger. From there, you can explore the Lysefjord and visit Pulpit Rock, one of the iconic fjords.

Remember to check the latest travel information and schedules, as some trips may have seasonal variations or require advance planning for connections and tickets.

The best airport for fjord cruises

Norway is home to well over one thousand fjords, and its major cities and towns have airports with both international and domestic flights. There are more than 50 airports throughout the country, making even the most remote communities accessible by plane.

The closest airport to the fjords is Bergen Airport, which is why Bergen is known as the "gateway to the fjords". The airport is located in Flesland, nestled in a stunning natural setting of water and mountains. From here, you can easily reach the fjords by road, rail, or fast ferry. The Hardangerfjord is the closest fjord to Bergen Airport.

Bergen is also a great starting point for fjord cruises. The city is the starting point for the famous coastal ferry, with a flagship cruise to Kirkenes and back that takes 12 days. From Bergen, you can also take a fast ferry to the Lysefjord area, or a train to the Hardangerfjord area.

If you want to experience Norway's wild landscapes, Sognefjord is one of the country's top destinations. Here, you'll find two beautiful national parks: Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen. You can drive to Sognefjord from Bergen in around 2-3 hours, depending on your exact destination.

Alternatively, you can fly to Sogndal, which has a small regional airport with daily flights to Oslo and Bergen. From there, you can explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, which are arms of the extensive Sognefjord.

Another option is to fly to Ålesund Airport, which is a 55-minute flight from Oslo. From the airport, you can take a train to Åndalsnes and then a bus to Ålesund. In the summer months, there are also direct buses to Geirangerfjord.

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