Western fjords. The land west of the mountains is more dominated by the mountain chain, as the mountains goes all the way to the coast, albeit gradually becoming lower towards the coast. This part is dominated by large fjords, the largest are Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. Geirangerfjord is often regarded as the ultimate fjord scenery.
The coast is protected by a chain of skerries arranged to parallel the coast and provide the beginning of a protected passage almost the entire 1,600 km route from Stavanger to Nordkapp. The fjords and most valleys generally goes in a west – east direction, and further north a more northwest – southeast direction. Trondheim region. The land north of Dovre comprises a more gentle landscape with more rounded shapes and mountains, and with valleys congregating on the Trondheimsfjord, where they open up and forms a larger lowland area. Further north is the valley of Namdalen, opening up in the Namsos area. However, the Fosen peninsula, and the most northern coast is more dominated by mountains and more narrow valleys.
Northern fjords. The land further north is again more dominated by pointed mountains going all the way to the coast, and numerous fjords. The fjords and valleys generally lie in a west – east direction in the southern part of this area, and a more northwest – southeast direction further north. The Saltfjellet mountain range is an exception, as the valleys goes in a more north – south direction from these mountains. This long area comprises many large islands, including Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja.