7 Fjords You Should Experience in Your Lifetime

If you’ve yet to marvel at the grandeur of cruising through a fjord, you’re definitely missing out. Fjords (or fiords) are waterways nestled between steep cliffs formed by glacial activity, and they represent some of the most breathtaking places on Earth.

You might have seen them featured in travel documentaries or movies, but you can also experience them firsthand from the comfort of a cruise ship deck or your own balcony. These natural spectacles are scattered across the globe, each offering its own distinct landscape and array of wildlife for travelers to explore. Here are some of the top fjords to visit in your lifetime, listed in no particular order.

#1. Sognefjord

Sognefjord is an enormous fjord in Norway, recognized as the largest and deepest in the country. Often called the King of the Fjords, this stunning natural feature is marked by brilliant blue waters, vibrant greenery, and towering cliffs. Like many large fjords, it has several branches, including Lustrafjord and Aurlandsfjord. The Dinogo Fjords cruise offers excursions through Aurlandsfjord, featuring kayaking and Rigid Inflatable Boat rides with views of the picturesque mountain farms.

#2. Boka Kotorska

Boka Kotorska, also known as the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, forms the serpentine bay of the Adriatic Sea. Although it isn't a true fjord, its towering mountains and winding, narrow waters give it a fjord-like appearance. This "fjord" offers more than just breathtaking natural views; it connects to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Kotor and several other towns that still showcase their city walls and 15th-century architecture. Visitors can explore this town and bay on Dinogo's Adriatic and Greece cruise, which includes stops in Montenegro, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

#3. Misty Fjords

Located in Alaska, the Misty Fjords can be experienced by boat or plane on one of Dinogo’s numerous Alaskan cruises. Near Ketchikan, these fjords offer spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, lush evergreen forests, and the occasional humpback whale surfacing for air. The Misty Fjords are part of a national monument and wilderness area that hosts grizzly bears, black bears, salmon, mountain goats, deer, and various other wildlife species.

#4. Kenai Fjords

Alaska is renowned for its fjords, and it includes the iconic Kenai Fjords. This national park on the Kenai Peninsula boasts glaciers, towering mountains, and fjords that plunge a mile deep. These stunning fjords are among Alaska's most picturesque, featuring snow-covered peaks, verdant forests, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore these natural wonders by boat or along hiking trails within Kenai Fjords National Park.

#5. Milford Sound

Located far from the northern hemisphere, Milford Sound in New Zealand stands out as one of its top natural wonders. With its vibrant waters, towering mountain ranges, and cascading waterfalls, this fjord looks like it could be a set from a Jurassic Park film. The area is also inhabited by seals, penguins, dolphins, whales, and various bird species that can be observed both on land and from a boat. Dinogo's Australia and New Zealand cruise takes travelers through Milford Sound and the nearby, even larger Doubtful Sound, offering breathtaking views and exciting adventures.

#6. Howe Sound

Howe Sound is a stunning network of fjords located in Vancouver and is one of the region's most frequented waterways. This picturesque fjord area features several large, mountainous islands that enhance its beauty. Long inhabited by the Squamish and Shishalh peoples, Howe Sound offers tranquil waters, majestic mountain skylines, and towering forests for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, kayaking, diving, sailing, and wildlife watching. Common inhabitants include various bird species like bald eagles and swans, along with whales, orcas, and seals.

#7. Geiranger Fjord

Geiranger Fjord is among Norway's most famous fjords and ranks as one of the longest and deepest in the world. This fjord is a highlight on Dinogo's Fjords cruise, celebrated for its breathtaking waterfalls, rugged mountain scenery, and terraced farms. The nearby village of Geiranger also provides charming experiences, with our cruise offering numerous opportunities for independent exploration as well as guided excursions through the town and fjord.