Sognefjord vs Hardangerfjord

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lawmnl
lawmnl

I will be going to Norway this August with two friends for one week. This is our itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
Day 2: Norway in a Nutshell: Oslo to Bergen
Day 3: Bergen
Day 4 to Day 7: Choice of either Sognefjord area or Hardangerfjord area.
Day 8: Leave Bergen

We have already checked several websites about Norway but we remain undecided on which fjord to go to, Sognefjord or Hardangerfjord? Which has a more dramatic waterfall or a more challenging glacier hike?

We will be renting a car to go around the area. Will it be more difficult to travel by car in the Sognefjord than Hardangerfjord?

Since August is the peak season for tourists, which fjord has less visitors?

Also, since we are doing the NiN and would see some parts of the Sognefjord, would you advise us to go to the Hardangerfjord instead?

What is the differentiating attraction between the two?

Appreciate all the information we can get. Thank you.

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osloviking
osloviking

There is little difference between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. Parts of Sognefjord system is perhaps slightly more dramatic (steep, narrow, etc) and Hardangerfjord is slightly more open and gentle. Above Hardangerfjord the great Folgefonna glacier is touching the sky; on the northern side of Sognefjord the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier is stretching its arms in all directions. Both fjord systems and valleys have some of the greatest waterfalls in Europe, Vøringsfossen in Eidfjord is famous, although far from the tallest. Hardanger is famous for fruit production, but Sognefjord also have nice gardens. Hardangerfjord is somewhat more accessible by car. In any case, both are great and you will have a great time.

Don't walk on glaciers without proper training and equipment, life threatening danger. Go on a guided tour.

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scand1
scand1

The Nærøy (Naeroey) Fjord, which is part of the Sognefjord is famous, almost of the same class as the Geiranger. There are several impressive waterfalls in both fjords in terms of tallness or in terms of water volume.

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lawmnl
lawmnl

Thanks a lot. We decided to go on a road trip to the Hardangerfjord. It was impressive. But we did see a portion of the Sognefjord when we took the Norway-in-a-Nutshell boat ride from Flam to Gudvangen. It was majestic.

Norway is such a beautiful country.

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