Discover 14 of Most Beautiful Fjords in the World

We have been fortunate enough to witness some of the world’s most beautiful fjords in the most picturesque locations including Norway, New Zealand, and Alaska. Glaciers carved these breathtaking natural wonders, which feature towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. Each is unique in its own way.

We mostly see them from the sea, where we absorb the stunning scenery as we sail along. Big ships, small boats, and kayaks all work, and we have also enjoyed some hiking.

Below we’ll take you on a journey through the world’s most beautiful fjords and inspire you to plan your next adventure.

What is a fjord?

When we talk about fjords, we’re describing deep, narrow inlets of the sea set between high cliffs or steep slopes. Glaciers slowly erode mountain valleys as they move toward the sea, forming these stunning natural features.

Over centuries, the ice carved through the landscape, leaving behind a U-shaped valley flooded by ocean water.

In our travels, we’ve seen fjords firsthand in Alaska, New Zealand, and Norway. They are also in Canada, Chile, and Greenland.

Fjord = Fiord
Different spelling, same word, depending on which part of the world

New Zealand’s most beautiful fjords

We live on the opposite end of New Zealand from the fjords (spelt ‘fiords’ here). And while we don’t get to Fiordland often, seeing the fiords is always one of the highlights of the South Island.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is truly breathtaking and one of the most beautiful places in NZ.

The towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls are a sight to see. There are several ways to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown. On our last visit, we opted to do a fly-cruise-fly, which allowed us to see the maximum number of sights in the least amount of time. It’s not a cheap option, but well worth it, especially if you choose a discounted day found here.

Whichever way you choose to visit, we encourage you to see New Zealand fiords from the water.

Doubtful Sound

People often ask us which is better: Milford or Doubtful Sound. Personally, we think both are must-sees, although it is generally easier to get to Milford Sound.

Dense rainforest and steep cliffs that plunge into the water surround Doubtful Sound. Bottlenose dolphins and fur seals are not uncommon sights from the boat trip, which can be a day or even overnight.

Read next: Dinner Harvested from the Mysterious Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

Norway boasts many of the world’s most beautiful fjords

We opted to cruise the coast of Norway and travelled as far north as Sognefjord, the additional fjords listed here remain on our bucket list.

Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord, a jewel in Norway’s natural crown, stands out as one of the most beautiful fjords. This UNESCO World Heritage site is framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, such as the famous Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil, which plunge directly into its sapphire waters.

Sognefjord

Sognefjord, at 204 km long, is the longest (and deepest) fjord in Norway and the world’s second-longest fjord. We cruised along it to reach Flåm, passing the fjords listed here on the way.

Honestly, its beauty is unparalleled. The stunning scenery, including the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, was mesmerising.

Aurlandsfjord & Nærøyfjord

The stunning Nærøyfjord is an arm of the Aurlandsfjord, and both are part of the Sognefjord. The two fjords are situated close to each other and are known for their dramatic scenery and narrow passages, with Nærøyfjord being one of the world’s narrowest fjords.

Aurlandsfjord is part of the Nærøyfjord UNESCO World Heritage area.

The fjords are surrounded by steep cliffs rising straight up from the water’s edge, and numerous waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides. This truly stunning location is not far from Flåm.

Lysefjord

Lysefjord in Norway is famous for its towering cliffs and the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). The hike to the top of Pulpit Rock is challenging but worth it for the panoramic views of the fjord below (we were told, we saw it from the water).

We took a small boat tour down the fjord, and our guide pointed out so many tiny details I never would have noticed on my own. As a result, it is my personal favourite on the list.

Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most enchanting fjords, offers a blend of awe-inspiring scenery and rich cultural heritage. The fjord is framed by rugged mountains that rise sharply from the water’s edge.

Not far from its banks stands the famous Trolltunga Rock, a striking natural platform jutting out over the fjord. Called “troll’s tongue”, the return hike takes 7 – 10 hours. This spot provides one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in all of Norway.

Along the fjord, quaint villages and historic sites like medieval churches offer glimpses into the region’s storied past.

Alaska is the only state in the USA with fjords

Similar to Norway, we chose to cruise in Alaska.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever been. The jagged mountains and bright blue icebergs are truly a sight to behold. We saw several glaciers, including the Sawyer Glacier, which was a surreal experience.

Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound in Alaska is another fjord system that we drove along and sailed through as our ship left out of Whittier. While we were told and witnessed pristine waters and abundant wildlife, we were also told that the Turnagain arm in the western branch of sound is one of the world’s dirtiest fjord systems due to silt.

Misty Fjords

Misty Fjords in Alaska is another must-see, with its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers. While we didn’t opt to do it, many people we know took a floatplane tour from Ketchikan and saw the fjord from above, which gives a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape.

There are numerous waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs, and the clear water is home to a variety of wildlife, including whales and seals.

Kenai Fjords

Although I’ve travelled quite a bit in Alaska, I’ve never had the chance to visit the Kenai Fjords. From what I’ve heard, it’s an absolutely stunning area with towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and crystal-clear water. Some of the highlights of this fjord include the Harding Icefield, which is the source of over 30 glaciers, and the Exit Glacier, which can be accessed by a short hike.

Wildlife sightings are also common in the area, with opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and more. I’ve been told that a boat tour is one of the best ways to experience Kenai Fjords, allowing you to get up close to the glaciers and wildlife while taking in the stunning scenery. It’s definitely on my list of places to visit in Alaska, and I can’t wait to see it for myself one day.

Some of the world’s most beautiful fjords are in Greenland

(We have not personally been to Greenland.)

Scoresby Sund

Scoresby Sund (also spelt Sound) in Greenland is the largest fjord system in the world, and its remote location only adds to its allure. The fjord is surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and icebergs, creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape.

Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Herigage Site. This fjord is unique in that it is full of icebergs that have broken off from the glacier, creating a stunning contrast between the bright blue ice and the dark water. The icebergs are enormous and varied in shape and size, and the sound of them cracking and splashing into the water is unforgettable.

Chile also has some of the most beautiful fjords

Aisen Fjords

Located in northern Patagonia, the Aisen Fjords (also spelt Aysen) is a network of fjords, channels, and islands that offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America. While we toured parts of Chile, including a bit of Patagonia, we didn’t make it to this fjord system, which is best seen from a small boat.

Which do you think are the most beautiful fjords in the world?