Geiranger Travel Guide

The Geirangerfjord is one of Norway's most celebrated and breathtaking fjords, a listed World Heritage site hailed as the jewel of the fjords. Along this deep, winding fjord rise almost vertical, snow-capped mountain cliffs over 1,000 meters high, and several famous waterfalls plunge from the clifftops. The deep, emerald-green fjord mirrors the snow peaks and drifting clouds — a majestic, soul-stirring beauty. On the cliffs perch abandoned mountain farms carved out by brave farmers of old, telling of the struggle between man and nature. A cruise through the Geirangerfjord, gazing up close at the plunging falls and snowy cliffs, is the finest way to appreciate this world-class natural wonder; its stirring grandeur is unforgettable for a lifetime, a pinnacle fjord experience in Norway.

The Seven Sisters Waterfall is the most famous waterfall of the Geirangerfjord and a landmark of this World Heritage fjord. The falls consist of seven streams plunging side by side down a sheer cliff over 200 meters high, like seven graceful maidens dancing shoulder to shoulder, elegant and lively, hence the name. In summer, when snowmelt swells the water, all seven streams leap together in an especially spectacular display. The fjord cruise steers close to the falls so passengers can look up at them from nearby. The romantic legend of the Seven Sisters and the Suitor Falls across the water adds a touching color to this natural wonder. Admiring up close the magnificent Seven Sisters plunging down in mist and spray is a classic, not-to-be-missed moment of any Geirangerfjord cruise — truly admirable.

The Eagle Road (Ørnesvingen) is a famous mountain road on the north side of the Geirangerfjord, spiraling upward via eleven sharp hairpin bends in an astonishing display, named for the way it soars like an eagle. This dramatically engineered road is an important passage out of the fjord, threading through steep, majestic mountains with spectacular scenery. At its highest point sits the Eagle Bend viewpoint, an excellent vantage to overlook the full Geirangerfjord panorama — looking down from here, you take in the deep fjord, the winding road, the cliffside waterfalls and the village in the valley in a vast, breathtaking vista of unsurpassed beauty. Driving this thrilling, magnificent mountain road by car or bus and gazing over the fjord's ultimate view from the viewpoint is an unforgettable experience of any Geiranger trip, full of wonder.

Dalsnibba is the king of Geiranger's viewpoints: a summit platform at about 1,500 metres hangs high above the fjord, with the emerald water of Geirangerfjord and the hairpins of the Eagle Road laid out below. A private toll road, Nibbevegen, corkscrews up the mountainside, where snow can still line the verges in June. As one of Norway's most easily reached alpine viewpoints, it is for many travellers the crowning moment of a fjord journey.

Perched about 1,500 metres above the Geiranger valley, the Dalsnibba viewpoint is for many travellers the ultimate fjord photo spot. The climb along Nibbevegen passes the jewel-blue Lake Djupvatnet before reaching a well-built platform where Geirangerfjord, the valley of the Seven Sisters falls and distant snowpeaks stack up in layers, with extraordinary visibility on clear days. Sightseeing buses from Geiranger pier make this their turnaround point, sparing you a tense mountain drive.

The Suitor Falls (Friaren) lies in the Geirangerfjord, facing the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall across the water, and is another eye-catching waterfall in the fjord. Uniquely shaped, its water forks and curves as it plunges down the cliff, which locals vividly liken to the silhouette of a wine bottle. According to a romantic folk tale, the Suitor Falls symbolizes a suitor courting the Seven Sisters across the water; spurned time and again, he drowned his sorrows in drink — hence the name — adding a witty, touching love story to the fjord's natural scenery. Cruising the fjord, you can take in both the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, echoing each other from afar. Listening to this legend with a light heart and admiring this distinctive waterfall is a delightful, charming touch to any Geirangerfjord trip.