Vesterås is a great starting point for hiking in the Geiranger area. From there you can enjoy several short and scenic hikes with waterfalls, mountains and views over the Geirangerfjord. Map to use: Geirangerfjorden 1:25000.
You can hike, bike or drive from Geiranger up to Vesterås which is located in the hillside above Geiranger. Here you can read about two short but great hikes you can do from Vesterås.
Vesterås in Geiranger
Vesterås is located in the hillside, only a four kilometers drive from the center of Geiranger.
There is a restaurant and also cabins for rent, and you can park your car beside the restaurant.
It is possible to hike from Geiranger via the Norwegian Fjord Center and Hotel Union to Vesterås, along the Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail.
You can see Vesterås in the featured image, to the right in the upper part of the image.
Hike from Vesterås to Storseterfossen Waterfall
Storseterfossen Waterfall is special because you can walk behind it. This is a great experience in itself together with the beautiful surrounding nature with high mountains, rivers, waterfalls and deep valleys.
There are two trails that goes up towards Storseterfossen Waterfall, both trails are well marked from the starting point at the parking place. If you choose the trail made of stones, it is beautiful placed in the nature by Sherpas from Nepal. Despite the steep trail, it is easy to walk on the stones. As you approach the target, you both see and hear the waterfall from the trail.
After you pass the waterfall, which is on you right side, the trail turns to the right and you descend down to a grassy area. Here you will find signs that lead you to the secured trail down towards and behind the waterfall.
NOTE – Take care, the trail down towards the waterfall might be wet and slippery and is not recommended for children!
The hike to Storseterfossen will take you around 45-60 minutes each way.
Hike from Vesterås to Vesteråsfjellet Viewpoint
This hike also starts at Vesterås. You need to open the gate beside the restaurant (remember to close the gate after you) and walk along a well prepared tractor road, slightly uphill. After 6-700 meters, the trail divides. Take to the left. From here it is a short hike downhill towards Vesteråsfjellet Viewpoint.
The viewpoint is secured by a fence, but the fence is a bit loose and not safe. From the viewpoint there are vertical cliffs straight down to Geiranger.
NOTE – Be careful and do not lean on the fence! We do not recommend you to bring children to this viewpoint!
From the viewpoint, you can see straight down to Geiranger and to the Geirangerfjord. You can also see Ørnevegen (The Eagle Road) in the background.
The hike to Vesteråsfjellet Viewpoint will take you around 30 minutes each way.
Hike from Vesterås to Løsta
Walk on the same tractor road as towards the viewpoint at Vesteråsfjellet. When the tractor road splits after 6-700 metres, instead of turning left down towards Vesteråsfjellet, you turn right and follow the marked trail in hilly terrain up to Løsta, a great viewpoint which is around 500 meters above the fjord.
From Løsta you have a great view towards the Geirangerfjord, Ørnevegen and the mountains around Geiranger.
We recommend that you avoid hiking to Løsta when there is snow in the mountains (in spring and early summer, depending on the amount of snow in the mountains), due to the risk of avalanches across the trail and a lot of meltwater from the snow.
The hike to Løsta will take you around 60 minutes each way.
Geiranger and Geirangerfjord – What to See and Do
The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the fjord is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Visit Flydalsjuvet, Ørnesvingen and Dalsnibba viewpoints and see the iconic views of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. The Geirangerfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.
Visit Ålesund
Visit Ålesund is the official destination company for the Sunnmøre, Geirangerfjord, Hjørundfjord and Ålesund area.
Hotels and Accommodation in Geiranger
Hotel Union is situated on a hill just above the centre of the tourist village of Geiranger. The hotel has 197 rooms in several categories, from well-equipped standard rooms to luxury suites. Union Bath & Spa invites you to enjoy your spa experience among one of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway.
Hotel Utsikten is the hotel located at the top of Geiranger. There is no other place where you can wake up, have breakfast or enjoy a dinner like with the incredible view that you have from this hotel. The hotel has been located there since 1893. It was at that time when most of the hotels in Geiranger were established. Hotell Utsikten is open from May to September.
Havila Hotel Geiranger is located in the center of Geiranger, right at the heart of the beautiful Geirangerfjord. The hotel is within walking distance of shops and restaurants in Geiranger. The express boat pier, ferry pier, bus stop and activity and adventure center are located right next to the hotel. Restaurant Skageflå offers an exciting a la carte menu with local ingredients inspired by the fjord and surrounding mountains. For season and opening hours, see Havila Hotel Geiranger’s website.
Other places to stay in Geiranger are Geiranger Camping, Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter and Grande Hytteutleige og Camping.