Geiranger Fjord

Geirangerfjorden

Geiranger Fjord is one of the most famous in Norway. It is no coincidence that there are always crowds of tourists here – mostly in the summer. However, people are not a hindrance to beauty; the fjord itself is almost sheer cliffs and the rumble of waterfalls, and also – snow-white cruise ships, furrowing the blue-black waters of the fjord.

The fjord (16 km) does not start at the sea – it is one of the branches of the large system of Norwegian fjords. If you arrive here by car ferry, on the way from Hellesult to Geiranger you will have time to admire the beauty of unique waterfalls: “Bride’s veil”, “Seven sisters” and “Bridegroom”. More than a hundred cruise ships moor in Geiranger harbor every year, and even the “Hurtigrute” ferries wrap up in the picturesque fjord in the summer.

What to see around Geiranger Fjord

The winding and narrow road

The winding and narrow road R 63 leads to Geiranger – from E 15 it branches off west of Grotli and runs along the shore of Lake Breidalsvatnet, with the Djupvasshytta Hotel on the western shore.

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Dalsnibba High Plateau

From the hotel Djupvasshytta you can turn right and take the Nibbevei toll road (up to 12.5% elevation gain) to the Dalsnibba High Plateau (1495 m above sea level). The road is open from June to September. From there you start a dizzying climb along the serpentine (5 km) to the peak of the same name. From the summit there is a magnificent view of the mountains and Geiranger Fjord.

Road to Geiranger

After passing the Djupvasshytta Hotel, we come to a surprisingly beautiful mountain road. It winds its way up to Geiranger. The altitude difference is 1000 meters and the length of the road is 17 km. In a short time you will experience not only the altitude difference, but also a change of climate zones: the harshness of the highlands is suddenly replaced by a pleasant mildness, where there are no winds from the valley. After the 0vre Blafjellbro bridge you will have a stunning view of the serpentine Eagle Road to Eidsdal.

Storseterfoss Waterfall

Beyond Orjeseter from the Flydalsjuvet observation deck (300 m; parking lot) you can once again admire the magnificent views. Not far from the parking lot is the start of the walkway to the Storseterfoss waterfall (about 30 m high). Further on the main road after Hole is the Utsikten Bellevue Hotel.

Geiranger

Finally ahead came Geiranger, a small, tourist-heavy port at the eastern end of Geiranger Fjord. In 2002, the fjord museum opened here: the exhibition introduces visitors to the daily life and traditions of Norwegians living along the shores of the fjord.

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Eagle Road

From Geirungsr, take the same R 63 along the northern shore of Geiranger Fjord to the Eagle Road, which connects Geiranger Fjord with Nordalsfjord. The Eagle Road is 11 giant loops of mountain serpentine. From any section of the road you can enjoy wonderful views of the fjord and waterfalls. The highest point is Korsmyra (624 m). From Eidsdal to Noordalsfjord, take the Eidsdal-Linge ferry. The R 63 then leads east to Andalsnes and from there west to Alesund.

Excursions

Getting to know the fjord

Hardly the highlight of a Norway trip is getting to know the Geiranger Fjord. From June through August, tours of the fjord begin from the old ferry dock next to the Geiranger Tourist Office (walk time is 90 minutes). Prepare in advance to wait in a long line (www.geriangerfjord.no Tel.: 70 26 30 06).

Transportation

The car ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt runs from May to September, up to 8 times a day in season, but sometimes you have to wait. The ferry between Geiranger and Valldal is open from June 15 to Aug. 15 (from Valldal 10.30 and 15.30; from Geiranger 13.00, 18.00).

Leisure and sports

Near the campsite at the end of the fjord, there is a sea kayak rental center for trips on the Geiranger Fjord (tel: 91 11 80 62). The rafting center in Valldal offers daily tours lasting several hours (Tel: 90 01 40 35).