The country's best summit tours?

The Sognefjord is known as one of the country's most sought-after hiking areas. It is not unusual to have 1,000 meters of untouched descents and a long season of stable, snow-guaranteed winters.

Guaranteed snow

Sognefjord’s unique location means that here you will find several of the country's best tour opportunities. Close to and protected by the Jostedals glacier, the terrain around the Sognefjord is very ski friendly. With the weather systems coming in from the west, the rain often comes as snow, making sure there are always snowy winters in the area. In this sense, Sognefjord is unique and not as affected by temperature and unstable conditions like you would find at the coast. 

Around the Sognefjord, you can pick and choose between some of the country's most beautiful mountainsides— Throughout the winter, until May, choose between first-class descents with fjord views in Balestrand or catch the reindeer before they migrate west. Have you heard of the unique ski tours near the glacier in Jostedalen? The blue ice shines at you through the white layer of snow, providing a surreal skiing experience, where you would normally have to travel to the highest mountains in France or Alaska to experience. Still need convincing? Head to the mountain “Molden”, offering a panoramic view of the Lustrafjord, known to be the finest viewpoint in Sogn. 

Along the Sognefjord, you will find the country's longest peak tourist season. With a little creativity and the right planning, you can ski all year round but, it is in late winter and spring that it really takes off!

Let us quickly explain 

At the Sognefjord, a new ski season starts when the snow returns. It is not unusual for the first snowfall in the high mountains to begin in October so from late autumn until early winter, there is a constant supply of snow. While it could be raining elsewhere, it is snowing in the high mountains around the Sognefjord, especially near the glaciers around Breheimen and Jotunheimen. It is in this sweet spot of Sogn you will find a good ski season for a long time, courtesy of the cold moths and heavy precipitation.

Towards the end of February, the days get longer, and the temperature begins to rise a bit, and this is when the high season really kicks in. Ski enthusiasts from all over go the distance to return to familiar, beloved mountains, try new peaks and discover secret descents. Later in the year, when you are returning from summer holidays and schools have begun, you can still find long, and unique ski runs. 

The best summit tours of the Sognefjord are always proudly claimed by the towns they reside in, so here’s a breakdown village by village.
 

Fjærland

Unique fjord view in Fjærland

The mountains near the fjord with immediate proximity to the Sognefjord invite you to unique views and long descents. These areas are often used during the winter months and into spring.

The mountains around Fjærland are as close to Jostedalsbreen as you can get, but still with beautiful fjord views. In this area, the tourists were the first to visit when they wanted to see the glacier. Wealthy tourists came sailing into the Fjærlandsfjord and were transported by horse-drawn carriage to Bøyabreen and Supphellebreen. From the mesmerizing history to the realities of current events, the glaciers are a hot-button topic whenever climate is discussed. There is no greater witness to the truth about climate change than by studying our glaciers. 

The mountains a little further out in the Fjærlandsfjord invite you to fantastic skiing. Melsnipa is the highest point on Meneseggi. Here there are fjord views in three directions and long descents. Romhesten the "blog mountain", the exotic thing is that without the view, the mountain is most easily accessible by boat.

Fjærland Bokbyen: A Norwegian Book Town

It may seem curious that there are approximately only three hundred people living in beautiful Fjærland yet this little village under the glacer has over ten outlets for books.

Welcome to the book town, Fjærland. 

Opening on May 1st, there are over four kilometers of shelves with used books in all categories for sale. Imagine a unique spring ski tours followed by a deep dive for your favorite literary treasures. Nature and literature have always gone hand in hand in Fjærland, it is more visible than anywhere else.

After you have strolled the streets with a new book under your arm, the crowning glory of your stay in Fjærland must be a visit to one of the country's best saunas. A more iconic view than from Fjærland Guiding's sauna out on the fjord is difficult to match. Sitting in a steaming sauna out on the Fjærlandsfjord, looking up at an icy Jostedals glacier, there aren't many greater contrasts than that. 

Talk to Bård at Fjærland Fjordstove and he will arrange transport, he is just as happy to join as a tour companion and guide.

Sogndalsdalen is a snow hole that all self-respecting powder lovers know about. The birch forests around Sogndal Ski Resort are legendary and are often mentioned in the same breath as Revelstoke, Hakuba or Hokkaido. The amount of snow is often higher above the tree line in Sogndalsdalen, meaning a longer spring skiing season. Frudalshesten, Sogndalseggi and Togga are all well-known and beloved ski mountains.

With Sogndal Ski Resort as a starting point, you also get many free altitude meters if you combine a ski lift and summit trip to Blåfjell and Nonsholten. The north-facing descent to Gunvordal provides over nine hundred meters of altitude with wonderful skiing. You can manage a couple of trips there in one day if the logistics and the plan are in order.

Stay like a ski king in Mlodge when you first start or see a selection of Sogndal Ski Resort's cabins here

Jostedalen 

The secret valley under the glacier

Surrounded by the Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen National Parks is the hidden and legendary valley of Jostedalen, the most unique of all. Earlier in the winter, there are open untouched mountainsides, and the snow comes early and stays for a long time in this area. If you join well-known local guides on a trip to the spring, a whole new world opens that few others have been part of; glacier ski trips among towers of ice, snowshoeing in the forest and powder skiing in May. In the spring, before the heat comes in full force, you can also join us under the blue ice on a visit to large caves.…the opportunities in Jostedalen are many and unique. 

In Jostedalen you can experience climate change up-close. The Glacier Center in Jostedalen has a unique exhibition about the life of glaciers, telling the story of the people who have lived in harmony alongside the glacier. One should spend several days in Jostedalen, as it is the place that will stand out in your memories and its perfect for the whole family in combination with trips outside. 

It is not without reason that Snowboard and Ski profiles push Jostedalen to their chest, much of the snowboard manufacturer Furberg's splitboard is developed with Jostedalen as Benchmark for the roughest driving. 

The secret trips out in the summer are certainly something to tick off your bucket list. Jostedalen's focal point is the year-round Jostedal Hotel in the center of Jostedalen. If you have any questions, ask Laila at reception. If you would rather stay in a cabin, the best stable tip is Jostedal Camping, which is located on the banks of the Jostedøla glacier.

Hurrungane 

The cradle of Norwegian alpine sports

One cannot miss this legendary alpine area in the west of Jotunheimen. Here in the cradle of alpine sports, you will also find some of the roughest summit tours in Norway. With 24 peaks over 2k and several with very inviting skiing, this is a first choice for many in late spring. It is important to mention that Hurrungane is the area you should save for the end. The area is usually one month behind spring compared to the lowland but most importantly, home to the wild reindeer that stay in the area through winter and spring. Before going out, it is important to talk with locals, if you have wandered far enough west and away from the hiking areas. 

It is said that after the 1 May weekend and this year's Highcamp, the best time is in Hurrungane and classics such as Store Ringstind, Dyrhaugsryggen, Lauvnostind and further east Fanaråken and Steindalsnosi await you. Yes, this is the true top shelf experience. Vassbakken Kro & Camping in Fortun is an excellent alternative for accommodation, and of course the Skjolden Hotel, with its fjord view and culinary highlight.

Balestrand & Leikanger 

On the top of the Sognefjord 

The mountains in Balestrand and Leikanger are in the rainfall epicenter and often provide beautiful descents with fantastic views. This is what you would call a "hidden gem".

The king of Balestrand is not Kjartan Lauritzen, but the mountain Keipen. At the top, you really are on the roof of the Sognefjord. A little lower and not quite as demanding is Raudmelen, which can be characterized as an every man’s mountain with fjord views all the way up and down. Right on the other side of the mouth of the Fjærlandsfjord lies Hella. A little further in and up to the right, Huksdalen. Next, come to Stavsete, the new top hiking area for the locals. Very easily accessible and without an approach from the car park, the climb to Hest or Stav begins. Over 700 meters of altitude with phenomenal skiing awaits when the conditions are at their best. The view is also impeccable. You can see the entire Fjærlandsfjord from Stav, and large parts of the middle part of the Sognefjord which cuts further east and the Aurlandsfjord. In this wilderness, there are many possibilities.

In Balestrand you can stay at Dragsvik Fjordhotel, Balestrand Hotell or Sognefjord Cabins. On the Leikanger side at Leikanger Fjordhotel and Sognefjord Hotel or Systrond Camping. Of all the hidden gems found in Sognefjorden, did we mention the sauna?

Sognefjord without skiing? No problem! 

Do you need a day's break, or do you have someone with you who is not as keen on skiing as you? Check out more of the offers Sognefjorden has to offer for those without skis. 

On a trip with Fjordsafari, it is difficult to get closer to the elements of the fjord without getting wet. Porpoises, fjord seals and white-tailed eagles are often memorable experiences to take with you when you see them. Join a culinary experience at Ægir BryggeriPub and try the Viking Platter! Do it!

Snowshoe tours, RIB, Fjord cruise, Flåmsbana, and ice cave are something to check out, as well as great museums such as Breheimssenteret and Norwegian Ice Museum. Spring is for many the most beautiful time, with a blossoming landscape and flowering fruit trees down by the fjord and looking up to full winter in the mountains. This is the time of ultimate contrasts here at the Sognefjord and it doesn't get more beautiful.

Show consideration and take responsibility in nature

Many of the trips in the mountains are in potential avalanche terrain. It is always important to familiarize yourself with local conditions. Make safe route choices when planning and feel free to use a guide from Breogfjell. If you go without a guide, study the map, use varsom.no and at the very least, it is important to understand the messages, know where you are going and what you are doing. Please read more about trip planning here: 

In the west of Jotunheimen, you are in the realm of the wild reindeer. It is important to remember that the animals are vulnerable to disturbances after a long winter. Do not follow the animals, but retreat slowly and choose another route, so that the reindeer do not have to use precious energy to escape. Constant disturbances can affect migration routes. There are three national parks around the Sognefjord: Breheimen, Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the national parks. Drones are prohibited in the national parks. Feel free to read more about Norway's National Parks here.

Welcome to Sognefjord: A little of everything, but mostly of the best