32 STUNNING IMAGES OF FAIRYTALE ADVENTURES IN NORWAY

If you are planning an adventure in Norway, are stuck at home with wanderlust, or just need some travel inspiration, then these stunning photos of Norway are exactly what you need right now. The land of fjords, mountains, forests, glaciers, waterfalls, auroras and stave churches, Norway is a real life fairytale adventure.

Since 2003 when photographer Paul Edmundson moved from Britain to Flåm, he has photographed the fjords of Norway. He has travelled all across Norway producing his postcard collection of nature scenes, and bagging himself over 90 awards. Today we share with you the latest stunning artwork Paul has created highlighting Norway’s best attractions, most stunning places and intimate experiences only adventurers can seek out.

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01. Preikestolen at sunset.

The location for Mission Impossible Fallout, and certainly one of the best experiences in Norway. Preikestolen is best at sunrise and sunset. We once captured a sunrise at 04:40 in the morning. If you don’t fancy hiking that early, definitely try out a sunset photo tour.

02. Aurora Borealis over the Aurlandsfjord

It’s rare, really rare. But if you are up for the adventure, hunting auroras over Aurland can be immensely rewarding. The last big one we saw there was in 2017. There has been little activity recently, especially in the last two years. Nevertheless the thrill of the chase N.E.V.E.R. goes away. One of our favourite experiences in all of Norway is sitting at the viewpoint at Ås late at night doing long exposure photography, with a fake beer & cigar, and just kicking back in awe of it all as we chill.

03. Not for the faint-hearted

This is a not-too-often seen angle of Kjeragbolten. The guy is actually standing on the Kjerag rock. Our photographer is standing on the left mountainside which wedges the rock. From here you can see the drop below. It is 300-400 meters direct fall, then another 700-800 meters down to the fjord. Please Do Not Stand Here.

04. Somewhere in the Lofoten Islands

We don’t actually know the name of this place. It was a roadside stop we did on the way back from Trollfjord. The light in the winter at Lofoten is always beautiful, but this moment was just outstanding. Just out of shot on this version of the image, is a full moon. We used a long exposure to smooth out the water in the image and to capture more colour. It’s one of those moments that are just so enjoyable you wish them again and again.

05. The meeting of the three fjords

Can you name these three fjords? The innermost branch of the Sognefjord, on the southern two fingers, lies the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord. Here the three meet. This is at an altitude of 500m using a drone on panoramic mode in late summer / early autumn. The Navy had just sailed past with their own helicopter and we weren’t sure if we would get the chance to launch the drone. But never giving up, we luckily got the shot. The rock in the center is called Beitolen and is a highly recommended hike. You will need a boat to access this area. Fjord Safari in Flåm can get you there.

06. King of fjords

Perhaps the most famous view in Fjord Norway. It is Skageflå, a little mountain farm overlooking the mighty Geirangerfjord. To get there you can hike from Geiranger or take a boat. We took a small motor boat from Fjorden Cabins. A fantastic adventure you must do.

07. Get lost in a fjord

High over the Aurlandsfjord is a plateau. It is reachable from Stegastein Viewpoint with a hike through the forest. In winter you can even go snow shoe hiking. Alternatively you can drive further up the mountain to the little hiking car park. Sorry, we don’t have the names of these spots. Up there is epic every single time. At night you can hear wildlife and spot shooting stars.

08. Real Auroras live in the north

If you want to go big with your aurora, head to the north of Norway. We usually visit Lofoten Islands for our aurora hunts, but anywhere in the arctic is wonderful. Just make sure to go when there is no cloud. A KP index level of 4 or more should give you serious fun.

09. Sit and chill in the chill

OK winter in Norway is cold. But if you wrap up warm enough, winter is a stunning time to be in the fjords. This view is from Aurland out towards Undredal. What we love about this time of year is that the sunrise is from about 09:00, perfect for the photographer who likes to lie in.

10. Green travel in the World Heritage

A couple of years ago, The Fjords (boat tour company) launched their hybrid catamaran. They now have three vessels with two of them all electric. The best thing we like about them, is that they cruise through the Nærøyfjord nearly silently. It’s just so peaceful to sit at the back of the boat, and watch the fjord reveal itself in panoramic mode. Here the boat is at Gudvangen, the end of the fjord.

11. Biggest glacier in Europe

Jostedalsbreen is situated in Vestland county in Fjord Norway and is the largest glacier in continental Europe, covering 487 square kilometres with ice up to 600 metres thick. Impressive! This view is one of the best, from Briksdalsbreen.

12. The most iconic stave church of all

We like Borgund Stave Church more (because it is local to us and we get to do epic photoshoots of wedding couples in there). This one is probably the finest looking of all 28 of them which remain. It is Heddal stave church. The unfortunate thing we find, is that it is a little off the beaten track in a part of Norway which is getting far from the fjords. Choose your stave church visits wisely.

13. Good enough for UNESCO

You know where. The UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord. Once rated by National Geographic Traveller as the most unspoiled travel destination in the world. Get yourself a small boat or get dropped off at one of the tiny fjord villages, and do some serious exploring.

14. Our favourite image of 2020.

Aurlandsfjord is epic all year round. There simply is no best time. Just pack your bags and head there right now. When the weather is moody the photos are great. If you are lucky enough to catch an epic sunset like this one, our advice is to get off the beaten path and find a special angle.

15. Lysefjord is always good

Preikestolen is so epic that we have included it twice (and probably some more further down). This angle is one of our favourites which captures the profile of the rock formation. But like always in the Lysefjord, stay away from the edge. It is steep!

16. And while in the Lysefjord...

Head to Lysebotn at the foot of the fjord. It’s a cute little village with some nice campsites, good ice cream and awesome postcards by, you guessed it, us. You can find all our best Lysefjord images on sale down there.

17. This is private

OK, we know, you want to know where every photo is from. But ya can’t. This one is a private farm somewhere in Vestland. But you need not worry because scenes like this are in abundance around the fjords in October. So get out there and explore.

18. The waterfall you walk through

Between Bergen and Voss along the Hardangerfjord lays Steinsdalsfossen. This waterfall is certainly one of our favourites. It’s very powerful so you get wet through (which we love) but the cool thing is that the path goes right through it. Check out the viewing platform at the end of the trail.

19. One of the better versions of this famous view

This is Reine in Lofoten Islands. We love Lofoten so much that whenever we get the chance to go we always, always stop here. Reine is just so chill and sweet. There are loads of photo opportunities if you just wander around. The gas station is the best place for snacks.

20. Best view for romance?

If you are a couple travelling in Norway you will have epic romance everywhere you go. We think that the viewpoint over Geiranger called Ørnesvingen is certainly one of the best. Go at sunset when the ships are leaving and you get the place to yourselves.

21. Peaceful life in the fjords

In Aurland, there are no crowds (unless you go to Stegastein). There is so much unspoiled nature and farmland that you can always find a spot just for yourself. We love it in spring when the blossoms bloom. The place is literally packed with apple, cherry and pear trees.

22. I love you to the moon and back

Or should that be ‘to the fjord and back’? The truth is, we love seeing the moon in the fjords, but it is rare. The mountain walls of the fjord valleys are so vertical that living in the fjord means seldom seeing a lot of things. Like horizons, and, well, the moon. When she does show up it is really worth the wait, especially with snow covered mountains that glow in the moonlight.

23. Winter is the best time for photography

You probably are thinking to visit the fjords in summer, and well you should. If you get the chance to visit in winter you will have the place to yourself and get to see scenes like this. This is the view from Flåm Marina & Apartments.

24. Perfect mirror waters of crystal clear fjords

In the winter when the traffic is little, the waters of the fjords form a perfect reflection of the mountainsides. It is especially beautiful first thing in the morning. We prefer the 09:30 boat departure from Flåm which is the first to part the water.

25. Under the Trollstigen night sky

Another famous movie location, and rightfully so. Trollstigen is epic at any time of the year, but a visit at night is extra special. With hardly a soul around, you get the place to yourself. If you are into long exposure photography or astrophotos, you will be very impressed. We used a 400 second exposure for this light trail, and light painted the viewing platform using the light on our phone.

26. Somewhere near Trollfjord

This is another of those Stop The Car Now moments that seem to happen all too often when driving through the Lofoten Islands. Here we were on the way to Trollfjord (which turns out is only accessible by boat). We didn’t end up seeing Trollfjord, but we had epic adventures anyway. This little cabin looks so gorgeous in the ice.

27. Smoothly does it in the fjords

You can always get a good picture of the fjords, but if you have a tripod handy, shooting a long exposure like this one will get you better results. Here the waters are smooth, the clouds drifty, and of course the passing boats disappeared. What we like best about long exposure photography of the fjords is the total peace and tranquility as the exposure is being taken. This is a little know spot in the Nærøyfjord and well worth your adventures to find it.

28. Sailing in the fjords has it rewards

If you visit the Nærøyfjord by boat from Flåm, you will pass this little village called Undredal. An old cheesemaking farmstead, it still has important contributions to the living heritage of this World Heritage Site today. It is cute, and very very Insta-worthy.

29. King of waterfalls

At the foot of the Nærøyfjord is of course Gudvangen. It is an old Viking settlement and today is home to Njardarheimr. After the snow melt in spring, these waterfalls are ON. Just remember to look up.

30. True adventures are at night

What could be better than exploring the coastline hunting auroras in the middle of the night? It’s extra fun because you never really know what’s around you until the photo turns out.

31. Everyone must try goat cheese making

The fjord region of Aurland & Flåm (our home) is famous for it’s Unesco listing which in no small part is due to it’s living heritage. Traditional goat cheese making is one such activity that defines the region. Today you can explore the goat cheese traditions in Skjerdal and Undredal.

32. End your adventure with a cool breeze

This is Tvindefossen just outside Voss. After the rain and snow melt, the spray off this waterfall is epic. You can walk up the side of the wall to get in closer or you can enter from the campsite. Either way, just make sure to enjoy every moment of it. This is Norway at it’s best.

Bonus Tip: Do an adventure photoshoot in the fjords

You can really make your amazing Norway adventure memorable by doing an adventure photoshoot in the fjords. You can choose from fjords, mountaintops, forests, valleys, caves, historic sites and incredible viewpoints as the backdrop. It is really ideal for elopement photography, couples photoshoots, pre-wedding photography in Norway and family portraits. We simply call it Fjord Photoshoot and our past clients have ALL rated it 5-stars on Google.

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Thanks for your support. Hope to see you in the fjords soon.

Best wishes from Fjord Photography.

Check out some of the other services we offer in the fjords…

Elopement Photography

Fjord Photoshoot

Wedding Photography

Family Mini Session