GEIRANGER AND THE GEIRANGERFJORD – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Geiranger area is like a beautiful postcard, and has attracted tourists since the dawn of time.

RIB-boating or a Fjord Cruise are great ways to experience this majestic fjord. One of the most popular hikes is the hike to the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå. You can combine a boat trip and a mountain hike to Skageflå.

Visit Ålesund

Visit Ålesund is the official destination company for the Sunnmøre, Geirangerfjord,  Hjørundfjord and Ålesund area.

Some highlights from Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord area

Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord seen from Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint.
Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord seen from Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint.

The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the fjord is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

You should take a fjord cruise or join a fjord safari. The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt is a great way to see the Geirangerfjord and the spectacular nature with its many waterfalls and steep mountains. You will see the waterfalls The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil from the fjord.

The Fosseråsa trail goes from the center of Geiranger via the Norwegian Fjord Centre and up to Vesterås which is a great starting point for mountain hikes in Geiranger. The Fosseråsa trail ends at Storseterfossen Waterfall.

Visit the Flydalsjuvet, Ørnesvingen and Dalsnibba viewpoints and see the iconic views of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. Combine a boat trip on the fjord with a hike up to Skageflå, one of the many abandoned mountain farms above the Geirangerfjord.

Take a Road Trip from Geiranger via Trollstigen to the Atlantic Road. On this tour, you will experience two National Tourist Routes and one “construction of the twentieth century” in Norway. Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.

The Waterfalls in Geiranger and by the Geirangerfjord

From a ferry trip on the Geirangerfjord. Here we see the waterfall Brudesløret (The Bridal Veil).
From a ferry trip on the Geirangerfjord. Here we see the waterfall Brudesløret (The Bridal Veil).

In Geiranger there are waterfalls everywhere. But there are five waterfalls that stand out. They are the three famous waterfalls that end in the Geirangerfjord, The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil. And there are Storfossen Waterfall in Geiranger and the Storseterfossen Waterfall above Vesterås, which again lies above Geiranger.

The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil are powerful waterfalls that are best experienced from the ferry that runs between Geiranger and Hellesylt, on a fjord sightseeing with a fjord cruise or on a fjord safari aboard a Rib boat. You can also see the The Seven Sisters waterfall from the Ørnesvingen viewpoint and from the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå.

A fantastic adventure, a combined fjord cruise and the steep and airy hike up to the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå, located 250 meters above the Geirangerfjord. The trip starts with a fjord cruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, which is the starting point for the hike up to Skageflå. Book fjord cruise tickets online in advance, so you are sure to get a reserved place on the boat.

View from the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå towards the Geirangerfjord and "The Seven Sisters" waterfall.
View from the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå towards the Geirangerfjord and “The Seven Sisters” waterfall.

From Skageflå there is a fantastic view towards the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and to the Seven Sisters Waterfall on the other side of the fjord. This hike is not suitable for children and people with a fear of heights as there are several steep, narrow and exposed sections on this trail.

The Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail runs from Geiranger below the Storfossen Waterfall via Norsk Fjordsenter and up to the Storseterfossen Waterfall above Vesterås. The lower part of Fosseråsa runs along Storfossen, between Geiranger and Norsk Fjordsenter. It is a wonderful experience to walk along this trail when the snowmelt is at its strongest in the spring and early summer.

Storseterfossen Waterfall is the end point of the Fosseråsa hiking trail. Storseterfossen is special because you can walk behind the waterfall. This is a great experience in itself together with the beautiful nature with high mountains, rivers, waterfalls and deep valleys. The hike to Storseterfossen will take you around 45-60 minutes each way. Vesterås is also a great starting point for hikes in the Geiranger area.

Season: Summer.

Ferry passing the Seven Sisters Waterfall in the Geirangerfjord.
Ferry passing the Seven Sisters Waterfall in the Geirangerfjord.

Norwegian Fjord Centre

Visit the Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger, which is an information centre about the World Heritage Fjords. The fjord centre is located vis-à-vis Hotel Union, which is located on a hill just above the centre of Geiranger.

Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail goes from Geiranger via Norwegian Fjord Centre and up to Vesterås and Storseterfossen Waterfall. Video by Norsk Fjordsenter.

Hike to Skageflå Mountain Farm above the Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord and Seven Sisters Waterfall seen from Skageflå Mountain Farm.
The Geirangerfjord and Seven Sisters Waterfall seen from Skageflå Mountain Farm.

This is a great adventure, combined fjord cruise and the steep and airy hike up to the abandoned moutainfarm Skageflå (250 meters above the fjord).

Start with fjord cruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, the starting point of the trail up to Skageflå. Order fjordcruise-tickets online in advance so you are sure to get seats on the boat.

From Skageflå there is a great view towards the UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord and to the Seven Sisters Waterfall on the other side of the fjord. From Skageflå, you can return back to the fjord and join the boat back to Geiranger. This hike is not suitable for children.

Knivsflå Mountain Farm

Knivsflå Mountain farm above the Geirangerfjord
Knivsflå Mountain Farm and Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Knivsflå is another mountain farm in Geiranger, on the opposite side of the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå.

Knivsflå is also abandoned, and is situated on a small plateau beside the Seven Sisters Waterfall, 250 meters above the Geirangerfjord.

In year 1898, the authorities decided that Knivsflå had to be abandoned due to the danger of rock avalanche from the steep mountains above the farm.

During 100 years, avalanches killed six people at Knivsflå.

Today, both Knivsflå and Skageflå mountain farms are maintained and restored, to the delight of visitors from all over the world.

Below you can see a 360 Panorama from Knivsflå Mountain Farm in a bird’s eye view. You can also see the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the Geirangerfjord. On the other side of the fjord you can see the Suitor Waterfall and Skageflå Mountain Farm.

Fjord Safari on the Geirangerfjord

A guided adventure into the wonders of the fjords. Experience the UNESCO World Heritage listed Geirangerfjord on a different fjord cruise.

In the secure and rigid inflatable boats (RIB) you have the best opportunity to experience and explore the nature and wildlife at close range. Season: See RIB Geiranger.

Fjord Safari on the Geirangerfjord. The Seven Sisters Waterfall in the background.
Fjord Safari on the Geirangerfjord. The Seven Sisters Waterfall in the background.

Ferry-tale from Geiranger to Hellesylt

"Ferry-tale" on the Geirangerfjord.
“Ferry-tale” on the Geirangerfjord.

The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt is a great way to see the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding nature with numerous waterfalls and steep mountains.

You will experience the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil Waterfalls from the fjord.

The tour takes approximately one hour each way, and you can bring your car. The season last from May to October, see Norway´s best Website for more information about the ferry and the season.

Below you can see a 360 Panorama from the Seven Sisters Waterfall in a bird’s eye view. You can also see the abandoned Knivsflå Mountain Farm and the Geirangerfjord. On the other side of the fjord you can see the Suitor Waterfall and the abandoned Skageflå Mountain Farm.

Fjord Sightseeing on the Geirangerfjord

Fjord Cruise on the Geirangerfjord.
Fjord Cruise on the Geirangerfjord.

Join a 90 minute long Fjord Sightseeing tour with boat on the Geirangerfjord. The tour starts at the harbour at Geiranger and you will experience the Geirangerfjord and see the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil and the Suitor waterfalls.

And you can see some of the abandoned mountain farms surrounding the fjord, like Knivsflå and Skageflå.

The hike to the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå start with fjord cruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, the starting point of the trail up to Skageflå. Order fjordcruise-tickets online in advance so you are sure to get seats on the boat.

Geiranger Sjokoladefabrikk

Geiranger Sjokolade is located in one of the cozy boathouses in the center of Geiranger.
Geiranger Sjokolade is located in one of the cozy boathouses in the center of Geiranger.

Geiranger Sjokoladefabrikk (Chocolate Factory) in Geiranger also has a cozy café and shop where you can buy and eat short-travelled and home-made confectionery and chocolate in all varieties.

The chocolate and confectionery, which are produced in the cellar below the café, are made with love and inspiration from the mountains and fjords in Western Norway. Here, of course, we are also talking about local ingredients that have been harvested in the local area. In addition to chocolate, the cozy café also serves coffee, cakes and both cold and hot drinks.

The café can be found in one of the nice boathouses in the center of Geiranger, and is open in the summer and autumn seasons, from May to October. See Geiranger Sjokolade’s website for more information about the season and opening hours.

Great hikes from Vesterås in Geiranger

From Vesteråsfjellet above Geiranger.
From Vesteråsfjellet above Geiranger.

Vesterås is a great starting point for hiking in the Geiranger area. Some short and great hikes can be done from here. Waterfalls, mountains and Fjord View are some key words.

Vesterås is located in the hillside above Geiranger.

It is possible to hike from Geiranger via the Norwegian Fjord Center and Hotel Union to Vesterås, along the Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail.

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. The hike to Storseterfossen will take you around 45-60 minutes each way.

Here you can read about two short but great hikes you can do from Vesterås.

Ørnesvingen – The Eagle Road

Ørnesvingen (The Eagle Turn) is a viewpoint at the upper part of the Eagle Road in Geiranger. The Eagle Road is part of the 104 kilometer long Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route. Great view towards the UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord and to the small town of Geiranger.

NOTE – The car park at Ørnesvingen is small and narrow, and the car park can sometimes be full. It can be a challenge to park there, and there is a lot of traffic going straight past. You have to be careful and aware of many people and a lot of traffic in terms of parking.

SEASON –  Summer. See link for more information about Ørnesvingen.

Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint

Drive to the viewpoint at Flydalsjuvet and see the iconic view towards Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord with the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.

Flydalsjuvet is located four kilometer uphill from the center of Geiranger. It is possible to park the car there, but it might be busy during the high season during the summer.

SEASON – Summer. See link for more information about Flydalsjuvet.

Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail

The grassy area above Storseterfossen Waterfall.
The grassy area above Storseterfossen Waterfall.

Fosseråsa Hiking Trail goes from the center of Geiranger via Norwegian Fjord Centre and up to Vesterås.

The trail is the first National Hiking Trail in Norway, and goes up along the Storelva River to the Norwegian Fjord Centre and further up to Vesterås.

It ends at Storseterfossen Waterfall. Storseterfossen is special because you can walk behind it. Fosseråsa is a great experience together with the beautiful nature around the fjord, high mountains, rivers, waterfalls and deep valleys. Video by Norsk Fjordsenter.

Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba

From Flydalsjuvet you can continue 17 kilometers uphill to Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba (tollroad) from you can see Geiranger, the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding mountains. Tremendous view.

If you bring your skis you can visit Stryn Summer Ski Center, 57 kilometers from Geiranger. The road to Dalsnibba is closed during winter. Video by Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba.

Here you can see a 360 panorama from Dalsnibba. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations.

Road Trip Geiranger – Trollstigen – The Atlantic Road

View from Litlefjellet towards Romsdalen. Åndalsnes far down there.
View from Litlefjellet towards Romsdalen. Åndalsnes far down there.

If you want to see the best of the fjords, the mountains and the ocean in western Norway, this is the road trip for you.

The route between Geiranger via Trollstigen to the Atlantic Road, Kristiansund and Molde includes one UNESCO World Heritage (the Geirangerfjord), two National Tourist Routes (Geiranger – Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road) and one  “construction of the twentieth century” (the Atlantic Road).

This is a 200 kilometer long stretch of road in a landscape varying from deep and narrow fjords, steep and dramatic snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls and rivers, green valleys, numerous isles and a weather-beaten ocean landscape.

You can drive this stretch of road in one day, the drive alone is a great experience. But we recommend that you spend a few days, so that you can see and experience all the detours, the great places and the spectacular nature.

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.

Other places to stay in Geiranger are Havila Hotel GeirangerHotel Utsikten, Geiranger CampingGeirangerfjorden Feriesenter and Grande Hytteutleige og Camping

 

HOTELS - ACCOMMODATION - LINKS

Here you will find an overview of recommended HOTELS in addition to SPA & BATH HOTELS and OTHER ACCOMMODATION PLACES in Western Norway. The combination of beautiful nature, activities that you can do in all four seasons and a stay at a great accommodation is unique. A stay in one of these places will do you good, both for body and mind.

There are ten restaurants that have awarded Michelin stars and Michelin awards in Western Norway. Eight of the Michelin restaurants are in Stavanger and two in Bergen. Here you will find FJORDS MICHELIN, where you will also find a list of recommended hotels in Western Norway, recommended by Michelin.

USEFUL LINKS is a list of websites with great information on Norway and the Fjords.

The UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord – Map Overview