A photograph-packed look at the very best viewpoints in the Norwegian fjords region. Be warned: We are not responsible for you booking a trip soon afterwards!
Fjord Norway is not short of sensational viewpoints. The dramatic landscapes, with their deep blue waters flanked by towering cliffs and lush greenery, create scenes that are nothing short of breathtaking.
In some parts of the region, there’s a new vista around every corner, which turns a brief road trip into a day-long endeavour.
Amongst the myriad of stunning spots, a few stand out as the absolute best. Here's our selection of the seven best viewpoints in the Norwegian fjords, with plenty of photos that should justify the choices!
Geiranger Skywalk
The Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba offers an unparalleled vantage point over the iconic Geirangerfjord.
Perched at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level, the skywalk provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and the deep fjord far below.
The journey to the top is an adventure in itself, as you drive along the winding mountain road known as Nibbevegen.
The road is well-maintained but can be nerve-wracking due to its steep inclines and sharp bends. Each turn reveals more of the stunning landscape, building anticipation for the view at the summit.
Once at the summit, the viewing platform juts out over the edge, giving a dizzying but thrilling sense of the height. On clear days, the sight is utterly spellbinding, with the fjord stretching out in a ribbon of blue and the snow-capped peaks standing proudly against the sky.
The panoramic view encompasses the end of the Geirangerfjord, known for its deep blue waters and lush, green hillsides that rise steeply from the fjord. The contrast of the blue water with the green landscape is particularly striking.
The Geiranger Skywalk is equipped with modern amenities, including a simple café where visitors can enjoy a brew while taking in the view.
There are also information plaques that provide details about the geology and history of the area, making it a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty with educational insights.
While Geiranger Skywalk is my top pick, do check the weather before you go as cloud cover changes things. Although the drive there is still a memorable one, you won’t get the full experience on a cloudy day.
Ørnesvingen (Eagle's Bend)
Eagle's Bend, or Ørnesvingen, is another remarkable viewpoint over the Geirangerfjord.
Located 620 metres above sea level, the bend in the road provides a sweeping view of the fjord's serpentine shape, the cascading Seven Sisters waterfall, and the lush, green hillsides that rise steeply from the water.
The journey to this viewpoint is part of the fun, as it is one of several hairpin bends as part of the national scenic route that descends into Geiranger village.
The road, with its sharp turns and steep inclines, demands careful driving but rewards with stunning views at every turn. The anticipation builds with each hairpin bend, and by the time you reach the Eagle’s Bend, the panoramic view feels like a well-earned reward.
The viewpoint itself is equipped with a spacious viewing platform that allows multiple visitors to enjoy the view comfortably. There are benches for those who wish to sit and take in the scenery at a more leisurely pace.
Be careful if you do drive here. Although there is parking available, it is extremely limited and camera-weilding tourists often meander across the road without looking.
Flydalsjuvet
Although we've already included two Geirangerfjord viewpoints above, we can't fail to mention Flydalsjuvet. This iconic viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the Geirangerfjord, framed by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery.
The view is nothing short of spectacular, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate the fjord’s serene beauty and its majestic surroundings.
Located just a short drive from the village of Geiranger, Flydalsjuvet is easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for travellers. That’s especially true if there is cloud cover farther up the mountains, ruling out a trip to the Gerianger Skywalk at Dalsnibba.
Flydalsjuvet provides one of the most photographed vistas in Norway, often featuring in travel brochures and postcards. In fact, it was used on the cover of the first edition of my Moon Norway guidebook!
The combination of the fjord's deep blue waters, the lush greenery of the surrounding hillsides, and the rugged cliffs create a picturesque scene that is quintessentially Norwegian.
Loen Skylift
Okay, that’s three viewpoints of the Geirangerfjord, so it’s about time to travel somewhere different. Let’s head to the Nordfjord, and in particular, to Loen, somewhere I consider to be one of Norway’s most photogenic spots.
The Loen Skylift is one of the newest and most exciting ways to experience the Norwegian fjords from above. Opened in 2017, this cable car whisks you from the fjord’s edge in Loen up to Mount Hoven in just five minutes.
The ascent is steep, rising to 1,011 metres above sea level, and the views during the ride are nothing short of spectacular. The cable car ride itself is a thrilling experience, with the ground dropping away rapidly as you ascend.
At the top, a viewing platform provides an extensive panorama of the surrounding fjords, mountains, and even the arms of glaciers. The platform is spacious, allowing plenty of room for visitors to take photographs and enjoy the view without feeling crowded.
Dine at the Hoven Restaurant, where you can enjoy local cuisine with an unparalleled backdrop, or take a deeper dive into the surrounding nature one of the hiking trails.
Stegastein
If you’re visiting Flåm, this one is a good option for you. The Stegastein viewpoint is a striking architectural marvel that extends 30 metres out from the mountainside, 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord.
This bold structure, made of wood and steel, provides an unobstructed view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. The platform's minimalist design emphasises the natural beauty of the landscape, offering a sense of floating above the fjord.
Accessible by car via the Aurlandsfjellet scenic route, the viewpoint is a favourite stop for visitors travelling between Flåm/Aurland and Lærdal.
The drive to Stegastein is itself a scenic adventure. The Aurlandsfjellet scenic route, also known as the Snow Road, is open from June to October and offers a beautiful drive through some of Norway's most stunning landscapes.
The road winds through mountain passes and alongside rivers, with frequent opportunities to stop and take in the views.
Once you reach Stegastein, the viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the most picturesque fjords in Norway.
Whether you visit in the summer, when the fjord is a vibrant blue, or in winter, when the landscape can be dusted with snow, Stegastein offers a stunning perspective of the fjord's beauty. Note that although the snow road is closed in winter, Stegastein remians open and is accessible from Flåm/Aurland.
Preikestolen
Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is perhaps one of the most famous viewpoints in Norway. This flat-topped cliff rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord and is renowned for its dramatic, sheer drop.
The hike to Preikestolen is a challenging but rewarding endeavour, taking around four hours round trip through rugged terrain. The trail winds through forests, over rocky terrain, and across small streams, offering a taste of Norwegian nature along the way.
The hike is well-marked, with frequent signposts and markers to guide you. There are also several rest areas along the trail where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
The final approach to Preikestolen involves a steep climb, but the effort is well worth it once you reach the top.
Once at the top, the cliff offers an awe-inspiring view over the fjord, which seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon. The sheer vertical drop is not for the faint-hearted, but those who brave it are rewarded with one of the most iconic and photographed vistas in Norway.
The experience of standing on the cliff, with the wind in your hair and the vast expanse of the fjord below, is truly exhilarating.
Some visitors choose to sit and dangle their feet over the edge for a thrilling photo opportunity. If you choose to do so, be well aware of the danger.
The popularity of Preikestolen means that it can be crowded, especially during the summer months.
Kjeragbolten
While discussing the best fjord viewpoints, it's impossible not to mention Kjeragbolten. This famous boulder wedged in a mountain crevice, 1,000 metres above the Lysefjord, is a magnet for thrill-seekers and photographers.
However, understand that the hike to Kjeragbolten is demanding, and not suitable for inexperienced hikers. It takes around six to ten hours round trip, but it offers stunning views and the ultimate photo opportunity.
The trail to Kjeragbolten is challenging, involving steep climbs, rocky terrain, and sections where you need to use chains to pull yourself up.
The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views along the way, and the sight of the boulder wedged between two cliffs is truly awe-inspiring.
Standing on the boulder, with the fjord far below, is an adrenaline-pumping experience that epitomises the wild beauty of Norway’s fjord landscape. The sensation of standing on Kjeragbolten is like no other, offering a unique blend of thrill and beauty.
The hike to Kjeragbolten is best attempted in summer when the weather is more stable and the trail is free of snow.
For those not inclined to stand on the boulder, the surrounding area offers plenty of other stunning viewpoints where you can enjoy the scenery without the adrenaline rush.
This list wasn’t intended on being an exhaustive list of fjord viewpoints. In fact, there are so many more across Norway that are well worth seeing. However, I hope it helps show you the variety and possibilities on offer to help you plan a trip.
Which are your favourite fjord viewpoints in Fjord Norway? Perhaps you’ve been to some of these listed above? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences down in the comments.
