The Geirangerfjord
An iconic attraction featuring many of the characteristic natural and cultural charms of the Norwegian fjords.
The Geirangerfjord is often consideren Norway’s jewel in the crown. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls, the fjord extends more than 100 kilometres inland from Ålesund on the west coast.
A visit to Geirangerfjord is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Norway. With its steep mountains and glittering lake, it’s an impressive 15 kilometres long while the fjord itself is 260 metres deep.
The UNESCO-listed fjord boasts 800-metre high cliffs and impressive waterfalls, such as the Seven Sisters, the Suitor and the Bridal Veil. One of the many highlights include a visit to Ørneveien (the Eagle Road), where you can catch a magnificent view over the fjord itself.
Geiranger, the charming village at the head of Geirangerfjord, is one of Norway’s top tourist attractions. Despite its population of 250 inhabitants, Geiranger is buzzing with life throughout summer.
Local culture in Geiranger
The first stretch of the fjords contains many lively small towns and villages, such as Sula on the fjord’s north bank, and the settlements that once were centres for Arctic seal hunting.
The go-getter attitude in the local culture is best exemplified by the “furniture adventure” in Sykkylven and Ekornes. Many of the 7000 residents of these communities are involved in a thriving local furniture production sector that serves domestic and export markets. A bit further into the fjord, the 4 600 inhabitants of Stranda have made an adventure for themselves, supplying all of Norway with frozen pizza.
Mountains dominate the mid-section of the fjord, where human activity is restricted to small farms clinging on to the mountainside.
Top Things to do in Geirangerfjord
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Get the view of a lifetime at the Geiranger Skywalk, Dalsnibba
1,500 m above sea level and at the top of a twisting mountain road is the Geiranger Skywalk. This platform at Dalsnibba offers a panoramic view of the Geirangerfjord and the snow-capped mountains that surround it. It’s the highest view of a fjord from a road in Europe, so take your time, soak it all in and breathe in that pure mountain air. Although the same could be said wherever you go in the Geirangerfjord area, you definitely won't want to forget your camera on your visit here.
- See a spectacular set of siblings
As you’re cruising down Geirangerfjord make sure you keep your eyes out for the Seven Sisters. No ordinary set of siblings, the Seven Sisters is a pretty spectacular waterfall made up of seven separate streams. Their average fall clocks in at around 250 m and they’re best seen from May to June when the previous winter’s snow is in the process of melting. Across the water is a lone waterfall known as ‘the Suitor’, forever lamenting his failed attempts to woo the sisters.
- It’s the perfect chance to get back to nature
There are lots of things to do in Geirangerfjord that allow you to get a bit closer to nature. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’re in for a treat. Guided kayak tours are one option. You could paddle down to the Seven Sisters or just learn a new skill in stunning surroundings. Go full throttle by taking a high-octane RIB boat tour out across the water. Alternatively, explore the fjord on foot and go for a short hike; there are trails dotted all along the area. For example, take the pleasantly short walk from Vesterås farm up to the Vesteråsfjellet viewpoint.
- Visit a few local landmarks
Naturally, the Seven Sisters aren’t Geirangerfjord’s only landmark, although they're the most well-known. You can also visit Bridal Veil waterfall, a delicate fall that has the appearance of a sheer, white veil. Perhaps not one of the most obvious of the things to do in Geirangerfjord, but it’s worth checking out the now abandoned farmsteads that are scattered along the fjord. These farms are a symbol of a Norway that’s now lost to time and many of them, such as Hellesylt Bygdetun, are now museums.
- Sample handcrafted chocolate by the waterfront
If you’ve spent the day out on the water, hiking and generally exploring everything Geirangerfjord has to offer, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Thankfully, there are plenty of eateries in and around Geiranger to satisfy every taste. From the 1st of May through to the high season, most restaurants will be open every day.
Hurtigruten sails from Ålesund via Geirangerfjord in the summer months of June, July and August. Read more
Geirangerfjord is an unmissable highlight of Norway, so put aside the cities and manmade wonders for a while in favour of all that Mother Nature has to offer. On board a Hurtigruten cruise, you get to experience all that Geirangerfjord has to offer.
Excursions in Geirangerfjord
Our ships stay anchored in the fjord, allowing guests to get off to experience the area. One of our most popular excursions includes a trip to Trollstigen. It starts by driving up to the Eagle Road viewpoint.
We then continue to Eidsdal, from where you can enjoy a picturesque ferry ride to Linge. Then we take you to the wild, high-alpine areas with a drive down the winding Trollstigen Pass.
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