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.

 

Season and Safety

Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are open only in summer and are closed in winter. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Season and opening time will vary. It depends on where it is and what activity, attraction, road and accommodation it is, it usually opens in the summer and closes in the autumn, depending on i.a. the amount of snow and the risk of avalanches in the area. Hikes mentioned in this website have different seasons. See links to the various hikes to read more about the hikes and season. Read more about season, important safety information and your own responsibility…

Important information about roads in western Norway: Many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. There might also be a chance that some of the roads are closed in short periods, especially during winter, due to weather and danger of rock- and snow avalanches and other dangerous conditions. Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway...

Many of the roads in western Norway are closed during winter! These roads usually opens early summer and close in autumn, depending on the amount of snow and the risk of landslides and avalanche in the surrounding mountains. This also applies to many of the National Tourist Routes and the Road Trips described in this website.

There are restrictions on the length of vehicles on many of the National Tourist Roads and on other roads in Norway. This also applies to many of the roads and road trips described on this website.

This website is not a guide or a travel planner, and the information on the pages should not be used accordingly. Marked and mentioned routes and maps are not accurate and will also often change for various reasons, always look for updated information.

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

FJORDS NORWAY - Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord seen from Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint
Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord.

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. Visit Flydalsjuvet, Ørnesvingen and Dalsnibba 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.

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. Take a Road Trip from Geiranger via Trollstigen to the Atlantic Road.

Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.

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, Geirangerfjord

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. 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

Knivsflå is another mountain farm, on the opposite side of the Geirangerfjord and Skageflå. The abandoned farm 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.

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 Sightseeing 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 among some of the abandoned mountain farms surrounding the fjord, like Knivsflå and Skageflå.

Ferry-tale from Geiranger to Hellesylt

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, and you can bring your car. The season last from May to October.

Great hikes from Vesterås in 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. Here you can read about three 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 Geiranger.

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.

Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail

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.

Roadtrip Geiranger – Trollstigen – Atlantic Road

The 68 kilometer long road between Geiranger and Trollstigen is one of 18 National Tourist Routes in Norway. Parts of this road are closed during winter; it usually opens in May and closes in October, depending on the amount of snow in the mountains. The road between Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road is also a scenic and beautiful road, from steep mountains and deep valleys to  to the Atlantic Coast.

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

FJORDS – Accommodation in Western Norway

Great Hotels in the Fjords of Norway
Bath and Spa Hotels in the Fjords of Norway
Fjords Living – Special Accommodation in the Fjords of Norway

FJORDS – Useful Links

Go Fjords – Big and Small Fjord Experiences
Visit Norway – Official page for Norway
Fjord Norway – Official page for Fjord Norway

The UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord – Map Overview