Uncover steep cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, various birdlife, and deserted farmsteads on the Geirangerfjord, Norway’s most well-known waterway.
On a transparent day, the fjords of Norway must be seen to be believed. There’s a motive the area is likely one of the world’s largest cruising locations, and a favorite of Norwegians staying at house for the summer time.
However even among the many perfect fjords of Norway, one stands aside. The Geirangerfjord is pure magnificence at its perfect, and a significant attraction for Norway.
The 20km-long UNESCO World Heritage listed fjord carves by means of the dramatic central mountains, leaving near-vertical drops on either side. Whether or not you’re taking it in from the roadside or from the water, it is one of the crucial well-known pictures of Norway.
I’ll always remember the second I turned a nook on the slim mountain highway and the fjord first got here into view.
Planning a go to? From the pure magnificence to issues to do in and across the space, let’s discover what the Geirangerfjord has to supply.
Location of the Geirangerfjord
The Geirangerfjord is situated within the western a part of Norway, inside the Sunnmøre area of the Møre og Romsdal county.
This spectacular 15 km (9.5 miles) lengthy fjord is a department of the Sunnylvsfjorden, which is itself a department off the Storfjorden, which presents a direct connection to the Norwegian Sea.
Geirangerfjord Journey Assets: Lodging in Geiranger books up effectively upfront. To keep away from disappointment, seek for lodging now. If you happen to’re planning an unbiased go to, listed below are some really helpful Geirangerfjord excursions.
The Geirangerfjord lies roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of Oslo, Norway’s capital, offering a stark distinction to the city panorama with its serene, pure magnificence.
The fjord’s place amidst the steep mountains and deep waters is a defining function of Norway’s dramatic fjord shoreline, making it a pivotal a part of the nation’s geographical and pure heritage.
Waterfalls
One of the vital intiguing components of crusing by means of the fjords area is the sheer variety of incredible waterfalls of all sizes and shapes.
Essentially the most well-known of the Geirangerfjord’s quite a few waterfalls is the Seven Sisters (De syv søstrene). You received’t miss it.
This assortment of seven slim streams of water tumbling down the rocky cliff into the fjord from a peak of 410 metres, together with a freefall of as much as 250 metres.
The waterfall’s look varies seasonally and it may be something from a slender magnificence to raging torrents of water.
Mountain Farms
Simply to the north of the Seven Sisters waterfall, the gathering of timber farm buildings at Knivsflå had been deserted in 1898 because of the rising threat of avalanche and falling rocks.
On the other aspect of the fjord and perched on a mountain ledge 270m (886ft) above the fjord, the Skageflå mountain farm achieved notoriety in 1993 when Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja celebrated their silver marriage ceremony anniversary at its secluded setting.
Solely accessible by way of demanding hikes from Geiranger village or a steep climb from the fjord itself, the farm is stored comparatively tourist-free.
The Finest Viewpoints of the Geirangerfjord
There are three predominant viewpoints of the fjord in and round Geiranger. All three provide totally different views on the pure panorama.
Ørnesvingen: In case you are driving from Trollstigen alongside the Nationwide Scenic Route, you’ll descend in the direction of Geiranger alongside a sequence of hairpin bends, each bringing you nearer to the fjord.
Pull over on the signed parking spots at Ørnesvingen, one of many highest bends the place viewing platforms have been constructed. The sight is effectively value it, however parking generally is a problem at busy instances, so take care.
Ørnesvingen serves not solely as a well-liked picture spot but in addition as a showcase of Norway’s engineering expertise.
Flydalsjuvet: Many readers of the primary version of my Norway guidebook wish to know the place the long-lasting entrance cowl picture was taken. For the reply, head to Flydalsjuvet, a couple of miles above Geiranger village on the highway signed to Stryn.
The view all the way down to the village and the fjord from right here is nice, however for the long-lasting {photograph} you’ll must make your means alongside an often-slippery 100-metre path, and possibly compete with hoards of different guests.
Dalsnibba: To really recognize the fjord in context with its environment, you must drive up into the mountains, after which some! Dalsnibba viewpoint generally known as Geiranger Skywalk contains a purpose-built walkway that isn’t for these with vertigo.
Driving? A slim toll highway is required to succeed in the point of view, which sits 1,476 meters (4,843 ft) above sea degree.
Snow is commonplace right here even throughout the peak of summer time, as are fog, mist, and clouds, so you might want to wait on the climate situations earlier than deciding to make the journey.
Sightseeing Excursions
In operation from March to October, the 65-minute Hellesylt to Geiranger automobile ferry doubles as a sightseeing cruise
The trendy boat takes passengers up near the well-known waterfalls and mountain farms, with commentary given over the loudspeakers in Norwegian, English, and German.
Though costly at NOK 600 (automobile plus driver, every further passenger prices further), it is a good way to mix sightseeing with a helpful transport hyperlink. And not using a automobile, a one-way journey prices NOK 349.
Vehicles, bikes, campers, RV, buses, bicycles, and kayaks are all welcome on board.
Along with the automobile ferry, a sightseeing cruise leaves Geiranger a number of instances throughout the day throughout excessive season, though the boat is usually full of cruise ship guests who’ve pre-booked tickets.
Throughout excessive season, numerous bus excursions of the area are additionally supplied. These embrace transport to the viewpoints, together with scenic commentary.
Actions within the Geirangerfjord Area
On this majestic area, journey and tranquility seamlessly mix. Rest is simple in such environment, however thrill-seekers needn’t miss out both. There’s a lot to do for individuals who wish to be extra energetic.
Kayaking on the fjord’s mirror-like waters permits guests an up-close encounter with its gorgeous waterfalls and towering cliffs. Kayak excursions to the Seven Sisters waterfall are a well-liked possibility.
Mountaineering trails wind by means of lush landscapes, providing breathtaking views at each flip, together with views of the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil falls. In style mountain climbing trails embrace these to the historic mountain farms.
Adrenaline fans can discover the fjord’s environment by mountain bike or be part of guided rib boat excursions for a extra exhilarating tackle the sightseeing expertise.
Discover the Village of Geiranger
For a number of hours each single day of the summer time, Geiranger is reworked from sleepy rural hideaway to chaotic vacationer centre as huge cruise ships and buses filled with guests descend on the tiny hamlet.
Regardless of its small dimension, the inflow of vacationers all through the summer time means there are a selection of retailers, eating places and cafes to maintain guests occupied.
There is a small grocery store, which is nice for these tenting or on a highway journey to top off. Don’t miss the small chocolate manufacturing unit and store, which sells souvenirs and candies with intiguing flavours.
If you happen to’re not spending lengthy within the fjord area, a fast go to to the Norwegian Fjord Centre is a worthwhile place to go to.
Right here you may be taught extra about how the fjords had been created and the way native folks have tailored to the agricultural atmosphere. It additionally reveals the story of why so many individuals left for America greater than 100 years in the past.
Lastly, the Fjord Centre acts as a customer centre for your entire West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage website. You may be taught concerning the itemizing and the continuing preservation work within the space.
Hellesylt Village
Quieter than Geiranger (though nonetheless uncomfortable when a cruise ship docks), Hellesylt is a good various place to cease or keep.
The well-known waterfall cuts the village in two. Guests can get fairly near the raging waters on a few bridges and trails. The village has a few cafes and a small pizza restaurant that’s standard whereas folks watch for the ferry to Geiranger.
The beautiful Sunnylven Church can also be a well-liked cease, though it is a steep stroll from the village centre.
Adjustments Coming to the Geirangerfjord
The way forward for tourism within the Geirangerfjord is ready to embrace sustainability, with the Norwegian authorities’s dedication to zero-emission transport considerably shaping this imaginative and prescient.
With a purpose to protect the pristine great thing about the Geirangerfjord and the remainder of the UNESCO World Heritage listed space, the federal government will prohibit entry to solely zero-emission ferries and ships.
To be launched in 2026, the change will imply the top to large cruise ships with the ability to go to the Geirangerfjord. What influence this has on native services and sights stays to be seen.
The place to Keep
Due to the agricultural nature of the area, lodging is restricted so you must e book effectively upfront to safe your first selection. A few full-service lodges are dotted in and across the village, however in any other case you might be restricted to campgrounds.
Geirangerfjord Journey Assets: Lodging in Geiranger books up effectively upfront. To keep away from disappointment, seek for lodging now. If you happen to’re planning an unbiased go to, listed below are some really helpful Geirangerfjord excursions.
However the Norwegian campgrounds might shock you! Most have fashionable shared services for these staying in tents or motorhomes, whereas many have their very own wood cabins obtainable for rent.
These are sometimes cheaper than a resort room but provide extra space and services.
Listed below are some helpful hyperlinks should you’re looking for a spot to remain within the space:
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