The 26-kilometre (16 mi) long fjord is a northern branch of vast Boknafjorden which dominates Rogaland county.

The south end of the fjord empties in to a large bay called the Hervikfjorden, which flows directly into the Boknafjorden.

The island Borgøy is located at the mouth of the fjord where the Hervikfjorden begins.

Further to the north, the narrow passage Skjoldastraumen has strong tide flows and is rather shallow.

A lock system was built there to accommodate boat traffic.