The Geirangerfjord

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Geirangerfjord is an arm of a larger fjord system that extends all the way to Ålesund. The fjord reaches a depth of 260 metres, while the steep mountains surrounding it rise to 1600-1700 metres above sea level.

Together with Nærøyfjorden, the Geirangerfjord and its surrounding area represent the western Norwegian fjord landscape on UNESCO's exclusive World Heritage List. The reason why the Geirangerfjord is included on this list is due to its exceptional natural landscape, including waterfalls, steep mountains, unique natural phenomena, and both terrestrial and underwater wildlife. Preserving this unique landscape for future generations is vital, and as a result, significant parts of the area are protected.

Along the fjord, one can observe traces of farms high up on the steep mountainsides. Although all the farms have been abandoned, many have been restored and serve as important cultural heritage sites, providing insights into the local way of life. From the village of Geiranger, you can take a boat to Skagehola and hike up the steep trail to Skageflå, which is the most famous of the farms. From there, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the fjord and its numerous waterfalls. The most famous one is "The Seven Sisters" waterfall.

The Geirangerfjord all year round

All four seasons have their own unique character. From trickling streams and flowering fruit trees in spring, to roaring waterfalls and green mountain sides in summer. When autumn comes and colours the mountain sides in orange, yellow and red, the fjord’s mood changes and seems to become a little calmer. In winter, the beautiful blue fjord light between the snow-covered mountain peaks enters the village – where the sun barely reaches during midwinter. It rarely gets particularly cold so close to the coast, so you can often go skiing or snowshoeing in the mountains while the grass is almost green down by the fjord.

What to do in Geiranger

The Norwegian Fjord Centre is a World Heritage visitor centre. Here, you can learn about the unique fjord landscape. The centre is located in the middle of a trail, Fosseråsa, which is Norway's first national tourist trail. Fosseråsa starts down by the fjord, winds its way along the river and up to the waterfall Storsæterfossen – behind which you can actually walk! In addition, you can go on a fjord safari by a RIB boat, rent an e-bike or e-car, test your limits by speeding down a zip-line, or just have a spa treatment and enjoy good local food and drinks. What about a piece of chocolate produced in Geiranger?

Getting here

The road to Geiranger from the town of Ålesund is open all year round. You can take the ferry from Linge to Eidsdal and follow the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen down the hairpin bends of the Eagle Road (Ørnevegen) to Geiranger down by the fjord. An alternative is to take the ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger, which also runs all year round. The road stretch over Grotli from Lom or Stryn, however, is closed during winter. You can also take a fjord cruise from Ålesund all year round to Geiranger.