Tours in Norway’s newest UNESCO recognised area – The Fjord Coast

The Fjord Coast (Fjordkysten in Norwegian) is definitely one of Norway’s best kept secrets. Located north of Bergen and close to the mouth of Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjorden, the Fjord Coast was recognised in 2025 as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its unique geology means that the landscape is varied and spectacular. It is home to some of Norway’s smallest coastal and island communities, and it’s the epitome of a hidden gem – no crowds, off the beaten track, real and genuine.

Here is just a flavour of what you can see and experience on the Fjord Coast:

Stunning landscapes and hidden fjords

The Fjord Coast’s unique geology means that is has an incredibly varied landscape. This is where the 400-million-year-old Caledonian mountain building period happened, and also when they fell again – with the North American tectonic plate splitting from Europe. As a result, mountains like Lihesten in Hyllestad provide a stunning reminder of the past. In Hyllestad, Askvoll and Fjaler are fjords that are rarely visited, but full of exceptional natural beauty.

Viking History all around

Here on the Fjord Coast traces of every part of Norway’s Viking Age story can be traced. From the centre of millstone trade in Hyllestad, to the home of west Norway’s law and assembly place at Gulating. It’s the place where the emigration to Iceland started – Ingolfr Arnason, Iceland’s first settler left from here. It’s also where some of the earliest stone crosses were carved in the early years of Norway’s Christian conversion. And towards the end of the Viking Age, the last great Viking king Harald Hardrada mustered is fleet in Solund before his fateful journey to England and defeat at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Otherworldly islands

The Fjord Coast is home to a real and genuine part of Norway’s population – those whose lives still depend on the water for just about everything. The islands of this area, including Solund, Værlandet and Bulandet are incredibly beautiful, their geology making them look at times like something from another planet. This is life on the edge, and historically they have played their role in Norway’s seafaring story, past and present.