Fjords from above: the best angles for photos and drones

The Norwegian fjord below you is simply stunning – imagine a giant lens, the higher you climb, the wider the view becomes. The great news is that you can now get amazing aerial views for free! All you need is a pair of sturdy boots, a foldable drone weighing less than 250 grams, and a couple of free days. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime on the best hiking trails in Norway! As you make your way to the viewing platforms, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking views that come your way: mirror-like water, saw-toothed ridges, and miniature ferries all combine to create a "wow" shot that'll have you snapchatting the beauty of it all before you even take out your camera!

We've scoured the globe to bring you eight of the very best spots, all of which have been tested by travel photographers and guides. All of them fit into routes through Norway's stunning national parks. Imagine this: you're getting up in the morning, shooting all day, and then enjoying a delicious hot chocolate at the campsite on the shore in the evening. Make sure you bring extra batteries (the cold eats up your charge), a neutral filter and a drone case: you'll be amazed at the shots you'll come back with, which will make your feed freeze – and you'll love them!

Romsdalseggen & Rampestreken, Romsdalen

What makes it special. The ridge stretches like a blade between two valleys, and at the end is the glass platform Rampestreken: 537 metres above the water, with an incredible view of the ferries looking like toy boats.

Route. Bus from Åndalsnes to Vengedalen, then 11 km along the ridge (+960 m, 5–6 hours). This is one of Norway's best national park hikes for mid-July: the snow has melted, but the greenery is still fresh.

Dream shot. Shoot during the golden hour: the setting sun illuminates the peaks of Vengedalen. Launch your drone from the platform near the sign "Rampestreken 537 m" — the wind is most stable here.

Reinebringen, Lofoten Islands (Reinefjord)

What makes it special. 1,700 steps of stone "sherpa stairs" lead to a viewpoint where the jagged Reinefjord forms a perfect V-shape.

Route. 3 km / +450 m from the Reine car park, 1.5 hours at a moderate pace. In the morning, fog rises from the fjords, creating a "fluffy" foreground.

Dream shot. A mini drone weighing up to 250 g can be launched directly from the ridge, but stay below 120 m and at least 50 m away from the seagulls — they jealously guard their nests at the top.

Stegastein + Prest, Aurlandsfjord (Sognefjord)

What makes it special. A bus will take you to the wooden "tongue" of Stegastein (650 m), and the Prest trail will add another 800 m of altitude and a 270° view of the sky.

Route. Bjørgo car park → Prest Round trip 6 km / +650 m. A great evening workout if you've spent the day exploring the fjord by kayak.

Dream shot. The 180° panorama encompasses the mirror-like Aurlandsfjord: shoot with a 24–35 mm lens or assemble a vertical "matryoshka" from three drone shots.

Hoven Skylift, Loen (Nordfjord)

What makes it special. The Loen Skylift cable car will take you up 1,011 metres in 5 minutes. From the Hoven restaurant, there are easy 1–5 km loops, ideal when you're short on time but want a "helicopter view".

Route. Ticket + trail around the plateau, almost no incline. Can be combined with a zip-line descent or the Loen via ferrata.

Dream shot. Set up your tripod on the glass terrace, use ND 8–16 to smooth out the ripples on Lovatnet and get a "mountain mirror" effect.

Oksen, Ulvika Fjord (Hardangerfjord)

What makes it special. Oksen is often called the "little dining room" of Hardanger: a 1,240-metre drop straight into the water and a view of four arms at once.

Route. Tjørnadalen car park → 11 km / +950 m through spruce forest, then over rocks. The trail is dry from July to September.

Dream shot. The best time is apple blossom season (late May) or "cider autumn" (September). Fly your drone above the ridge to protect the signal from magnetic "noise" from the water.

Saksa, Sunnmøre Alps (Hjørundfjord)

What makes it special. The narrow Hjørundfjord and three "teeth" below you: Harald, Kugandall, Troll. The drop is a reliable 1,072 metres.

Route. Øye ferry → Saksa trail 7 km / +1,040 m. Take your walking sticks: the last 200 m are loose granite.

Dream shot. Shoot towards the northwest — the evening sun casts shadows of the fjord's blades. RAW will save the midtones.

Kjerag Plateau, Lysefjord

What makes it special. The famous "hanging boulder" is only half the story; the real magic is the panorama of the fjord from the Upper Kjeragbolta plateau.

Route. Øygardstølen car park → 11 km / +780 m along chains and stone waves. It is best to go from June onwards, as the iron will be frozen in the ice before then.

Dream shot. Place your drone behind the rock "visor" to get a shot where the fjord repeats the shape of the boulder and the boats look like dots.

Tromsdalstinden, Tromsø / Lyngenfjord

What makes it special. 1,238 m above the Arctic fjords and the "Venice of the North" Tromsø — the perfect finish to a day trip before the midnight sun.

Route. 14 km / +1,000 m from the lower station of Fjellheisen, 6–8 hours. At the end of June, snow bridges are still in place, but it's easy to capture the ultramarine blue and white ice with a drone.

Dream shot. Raise the copter 10 m above the summit to capture both the city and the Lyngen Alps. Watch out for the air corridor: there's a helicopter tour company nearby.

The ascent to the observation deck is your ticket to the front row, where you'll be treated to the very best scenery that Norwegian nature has to offer. All you need to do to capture the perfect shot of the fjord is choose the right angle! The result will be a picture-perfect vista: a mirror-like surface, sharp peaks and a tiny boat for scale.

Have you already snapped the perfect "fjord from above" shot? Share links to your amazing galleries, take-off coordinates and personal life hacks in the comments. Get ready for the most incredible adventure of your life! We're creating the most comprehensive catalogue of outdoor adventures in Norway, where every ascent is another amazing opportunity to get that perfect shot of the sky and water, all captured through the lens of your drone.