A guide to the most breathtaking fjords in the world

Norway: the undisputed classic

When it comes to iconic fjords, Norway’s are the benchmark and a popular choice for cruise holidays. You can glide through iconic waterways such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, enjoying uninterrupted views of cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. Some cruise lines or local boat tours can get you access to quieter inlets beyond the reach of larger vessels, too, for moments that feel more serene, exclusive, and deeply immersive.

Along the fjords, you’ll find charming spots like Geiranger, nestled at the end of Geirangerfjor, and there’s Flåm, located on the Aurlandsfjord, known for its scenic railway and cosy atmosphere. In the Hardangerfjord region, the village of Ulvik offers a taste of local life with its fruit orchards and cider farms, while Eidfjord provides access to the dramatic Vøringsfossen waterfall. These towns and villages add a cultural layer to the natural beauty, offering opportunities to explore local traditions, sample Norwegian cuisine, and connect with the welcoming communities that call these stunning landscapes home.

Alaska: ice frontiers in utmost comfort

The fjords of Alaska are a showcase of raw, untamed beauty, where nature’s power and grandeur are on full display. Tracy Arm Fjord, with its towering cliffs and calving glaciers, offers a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on Earth. The icy waters are alive with wildlife – you can watch humpback whales breaching, orcas gliding through the fjord, and bald eagles soaring high above. Kenai Fjords National Park is another highlight, where flourishing forests meet icy fjords, and the Harding Icefield feeds over 40 glaciers into the surrounding waters.

Beyond the fjords, Alaska’s landscapes are a patchwork of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and pristine waterways. The sense of remoteness here is profound, with each turn revealing a new vista that feels untouched by time. Whether you’re kayaking through quiet inlets, hiking along glacier-fed trails, or simply soaking in the views from the water, Alaska’s fjords offer a connection to nature that’s both humbling and exhilarating.

Greenland: the elite Arctic expedition

The landscapes of Greenland are as dramatic as you expect. Snow-covered mountains rise sharply from the fjords, while the tundra bursts into life during the summer months with wildflowers and mosses. Wildlife thrives in this harsh environment – keep a lookout for seals lounging on ice floes, whales breaching in the icy waters, and Arctic foxes darting across the tundra – and Greenland’s fjords offer a rare opportunity to experience the Arctic in its purest form.

The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly one of Greenland’s most iconic and mesmerising attractions. Here, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the most active and fastest-moving glaciers in the world, calves enormous icebergs into the fjord. These towering ice formations, some the size of skyscrapers, drift slowly through the fjord, creating a surreal and ever-changing panorama. The sheer scale and silence of this icy wonderland are humbling, offering a rare opportunity to witness the raw power of nature in motion.

To witness any of these amazing fjords for yourself, get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today.