The Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most popular natural attractions, situated in Stranda municipality. The fjord is 260 metres deep while the surrounding mountains are 1600-1700 metres high. The idyllic nature and the dramatic mountains will impress any visitor in Geiranger. The now deserted fjord farms tell the tales of a different time and way of life. You can visit some of the farms, such as Skageflå, Knivsflå, Blomberg, Matvik, Syltevik and Westerås.
UNESCO
The Geirangerfjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the Nærøyfjord.
The Seven sister waterfall and the mountain farm Knivsflå
Next to the deserted farm Knivsflå, you will witness seven waterfalls with an average fall of 250 metres, which is an impressive sight especially when the water levels are high. In fact, the water levels determine how clearly you can see all seven waterfalls from a distance. The best time to visit is in the months May through July as the waterfalls are at their most majestic when the snow is melting. Seen from a distance the waterfalls can resemble the hair of seven women, hence it has been called “The Seven Sisters”.
On the opposite side of the fjord you can see ”The Suitor”, a waterfall shaped like a bottle. Legends tell us how “The Suitor” proposed to ”The Seven Sisters” several times and was continuously rebuffed, leaving the “The Seven Sisters” unmarried, whilst “The Suitor” turned to the bottle.
The old deserted farm Knivsflå is situated on a mountain shelf next to “The Seven Sisters”. The farm was built on the sunny side of the fjord and therefore spring arrived early, which made the conditions for running the farm particularly good and there was always plenty of food, even in hard times. Unfortunately, due to the terrain, accidents and deaths were a reoccurring problem for the people living there. Eventually the inhabitants left the farm in the year 1898 due to the dangerous terrain and fear of avalanches. It is possible to go to Knivsflå with a boat taxi, and the trip is a great experience.
Learn more about the Geirangerfjord
- The Norwegian Fjord Centre is a visitor centre and education hub where you can learn more about the unique fjord landscape, how it was created and about the UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Don't miss the waterfall hike from the centre and down towards the fjord!
- What is a fjord?
Fjord Cruise
- The best way to see the Seven sisters is by boat. Geiranger Fjordservice offers a 1.5 hour round trip with sightseeing from the months of May until October. There is also a ferry with daily departures from Geiranger to Hellesylt all year.
