Vestland

Vestland is a county in Western Norway that was established on 1 January 2020 through the merger of Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane as part of a national reform reducing the number of counties. The administrative centre and largest city is Bergen, which also serves as a major transport hub for the region. The county borders Rogaland to the south and several counties to the east, with a long rugged coastline and many fjords.

Geography and landscape in Vestland are defined by dramatic coastal scenery and mountainous interior areas. It contains some of Norway’s most famous fjords, including the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest in the country, and the Hardangerfjord. The Folgefonna glacier lies within the county, and the terrain includes deep valleys, high plateaus, and extensive shoreline. The region experiences a maritime climate with strong seasonal variation and varied microclimates across its many municipalities.

Administration and demographics in Vestland are organized through the Vestland fylkeskommune (county municipality), with Bergen as the administrative centre. The county comprises numerous municipalities that together cover urban centers, coastal towns, and rural communities.

Economy and transport in Vestland combine fishing, shipping, energy production, and tourism. The region relies on hydroelectric power in water-rich areas and benefits from a strong maritime economy. Transportation is supported by the Bergen Line railway, major highways such as the E39 along the coast, and Bergen Airport, Flesland, which provides national and international connectivity.

Culture and notable features include a maritime heritage, historic towns and stave churches, and access to protected areas such as Folgefonna National Park and parts of Hardangervidda National Park, reflecting the region’s natural and cultural significance.