Geiranger has so much to offer to every tourist’s taste. Nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, campers, and adventurers love this place. Please, read our article and find out why.

Things To Do In Geiranger

Geiranger’s beauty attracts visitors from all directions. Some approach it from the sea by cruises, ferries, and boats. Others prefer roads “rollercoastering” from Ørnesvingen Viewpoint (Ålesund and Trollstigen directions) or a less extreme but not less beautiful drive from the Dalsnibba (Stryn, Otta, and Oslo) direction.

1 – Geiranger Village

Geiranger is small but rather charming, at least the part of the village near the coastline. A small main street hosts many small restaurants, street-food places, cafes, souvenir shops, and tourist attraction ticket offices. In the northern part, there is a port for ferries and cruise ships. In the south, there is a camping ground. Between the two are a parking lot, some hotels, and a Joker grocery shop.

On the slopes are houses, hotels, and a few attractions described later.

Geiranger Center is a starting point for a walking tour to Storfossen Waterfall and Norwegian Fjord Center, which we will describe in a minute. For more enthusiastic tourists, the center is the place to rent a kayak, paddle board, rowing boat, or take fjord safari & cruise tours.

2 – Dalsnibba Viewpoint (Geiranger Skywalk)

Do you ever want to be an eagle and see the world with eagle eyes?

Dalsnibba viewpoint provides just that from the top of the mountain at 1500 meters (4 920 ft.) above sea level. It is a 20 km (12.5 mi) and 40 minutes drive from Geiranger in Otta, Stryn, and Oslo direction. What a spectacular view of the winding road in the valley that leads us into Geiranger and Geiranger Fjord.

Clouds covered the top when we came to Geiranger from Stryn for our 3-Week Norway Epic Road Trip. So we decided to take the drive one other day when the day was less cloudy.

Once you reach the top, mountains are in all directions, hugging the village, Ørnesvingen viewpoint, and the fjord in the distance. Mountain tops are usually covered with snow or partly with clouds. The clouds have their own dance with the blue sky to make this panoramic view even more spectacular.

However, this spot is not the best to see the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, so Geiranger has ways to motivate you to explore and discover more. We will reveal to you these other gems in a minute. Deep breathe in this clean and fresh mountain air so you can soak one more aspect of this unique place but do not forget…

And more…

After waiting for some time until puzzled tourists figured out the vending machine to pay the road tolls, we were on our way for this 11-12 minute drive to the top (4.6 km or 2.85 mi).

We spotted several spots to stop by on our way back. They provide fantastic views of surrounding nature and an opportunity to take memorable photos.

The paid road up is new and modern. Even the busses can reach the top with ease. Although I must admit, the climb is steep. We were, on our way, to visit “the eagle’s home” after all.

Dalsnibba – Practical Info

Here are a few practical pieces of information

Dalsnibba road season: May – October

Dalsnibba road visiting hours: 24 hours

Facilities: Shop, Café, Telescope, Function room, toilets, etc.

Payment methods: By card or booking online in advance.

*Please take this price list as an estimate.

3 – Flydalsjuvet

Flydalsjuvet is probably one of the best locations to take photos of the fjords. It is just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Geiringer Center. You can see zoomed in, a closer and more intimate look at Geiranger, fjord, and mountains compared to the view from Dalsnibba.

It consists of two plateaus. The top is a concrete platform secured with a metal railing. The bottom platform is more tucked in nature but has a unique installation popularly called the Queen seat (Fjordsetet). Norwegian’s Queen Sonja unveiled it in 2003.

The passage connects both plateaus. The whole sightseeing area has parking, tourist info, and toilet facilities.

4 – Geiranger Fjordsafari

Slow cruisers are maybe not enough thrill for you. Well, Geiranger Fjordsafari is for sure a good adrenalin kick. Jump into a safari suit if you feel a bit cold. Put on goggles to protect yourself from wind, and splashes of water, or if you want to be different and “cool”. Do not forget your cap or let your hair flutter in the wind.

You are ready for waves to ride on the fast-open RIB boats. Usually, the ride lasts one and a half hours.

RIB Boats Features

The RIB boats (short name) or Rigid Inflatable Boats (expended name) are lightweight, high-performance powerboats. A solid hull at the bottom and inflatable tubes around the outer edges construct the RIB boats. Skippers driving seat is usually at the back and elevated for a better overview. The passengers sit on the rubbery tube between their legs, holding their hands on the handles for safety and more stability. The small backrest is for your back.

The Fjordsafari Ride

The ride starts slowly, but you should expect the twist soon. As soon as a boat is away from the shore, the skipper puts the pedal to the metal. The RIB boat is in no second cutting and jumping the waves surrounded by the beautiful nature of Geiranger Fjord.

There are several stops while on the ride. Each stop is an opportunity to hear some history, fjord stories, and typical touristy myths as you can imagine. Usual stops are at Seven Sister (Dei sju systre), Friar, and Geit waterfalls (Friarfossen, Geitfossen). Path to Skageflå mountain farm is another attractive stop.

The fjord safari will surely be a long-lasting memory and fun adventure. There is no doubt that you will tell your friends about this experience when you return home. Even better, you can share it on social networks.

5 – Seven Sisters Waterfalls

Seven Sisters Waterfalls (Dei sju systre or Syv Søstre) are the most attractive among Geiranger Fjord’s waterfalls. Maybe even in the whole of Norway, by some.

From a single drop, the waterfall spreads out. It gets wider until it mixes with the fjord seawater at its widest point.

The roaring waterfall sound emphasizes the raw power it has even more. So it is not appealing for the eyes only, but for the ears too. It is a natural audio-visual phenomenon.

There are many ways to experience the Seven Sisters waterfalls. The most common is on cruise ships, boats, ferries, fjord safari RIB boats, or even kayaks.

One of the best views over the waterfalls is from Skageflå Mountain Farm (as you can see in the photo below). The safari boats stop by the place from where is a hike to the mountain farm.

We decided to come with a fjord safari RIB boat and explore the waterfalls. It came very close to the waterfall (as you can see in the photo below). Maybe, only kayaks can come closer.

6 – Kayaking Geiranger Fjord

Besides the fjord safari, another option to experience the fjord is by kayaking. It is slower thought and maybe less adrenalin kick compared to the speed RIB boats, but it gives you more time to enjoy the scenery.

Above all gives you more freedom to stop as you wish but again more responsibility to be aware of the surrounding lively maritime traffic.

7 – Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

Ørnesvingen Viewpoint can translate into English as The Eagle’s Wing. The drive to it from Geiranger is a thrilling eleven turns ride to the top, and there is a small parking space at the viewing platform next to the road.

It reminds us of the Dalsnibba Viewpoint but is closer and more intimate to the surrounding nature since it is part of the Geiranger Fjord.

It has a magnificent view of the Geiranger village on the left-hand side. You can see the Dalsnibba viewpoint from the viewing platform (the mountain in the middle, far in the distance).

Geiranger Fjord and Seven Sisters Waterfall on the other side.

We had rented a cabin on the opposite side of the Ørnesvingen winding road. So we had an excellent view of it from our fjord cabin, as you can see from the photo below.

Notice the zig-zag road-sloped lines from the photo above. These lines were the design inspiration for modern electrical cruise ships that sailed from Flåm to Gudvangen.

A similar scenery can be seen on Trollstigen mountain road.

However, we admit that the Stegastein viewing platform is more attractive compared to Ørnesvingen. The most important is that both views are mesmerizing.

8 – Storfossen Waterfall

The Storfossen Waterfall walk starts at Geiranger Center and follows the river up to the Norwegian Fjord Center.

It is an urban approach to walking next to nature. Urban because there is a well-built path with metal staircases. On the several sections, while climbing staircases, there are massive platforms for photo sessions, taking a break, or enjoying the scenery.

This urban construction allows a walk near the waterfall, which would probably not be possible on a natural path. In addition, no special hiking boots are necessary while walking this path.

9 – Norwegian Fjord Centre – Geiranger

Walk from Geiranger Center near Storfossen Waterfall ends at Norwegian Fjord Center and nearby park. The park is a place to take a break before going back down.

Norwegian Fjord Center provides many exhibitions that showcase the exciting and unique fjord landscape.

10 – Fishing In Geiranger Fjord

When we arrived at our fjord cabin, we saw one old couple fishing from the wooden platform in front of our terrace. It was lightly raining, but both were persistent and very successful. The next day, we went to the local store and bought our fishing gear to try our luck.

It was the first time for us to sea fish, and we were thrilled with our first and only catch.

Geiranger – Future Visits Wish List

We will return to Geiranger in the future for sure. We continue to explore the area further for new attractions and places to visit. Here is a list we would like to share with you.

Skageflå Mountain Farm

We had a chance to hike this farm when we were on a fjord safari tour, but we decided not. By the way, this is a location where you can take the best photos of Seven Sisters’ waterfalls.

We look forward to coming back and hiking it in the near future.

We have already discovered two locations with fantastic summer pasture farms in Norway. One is Raksætra in the Stryn region.

The other one is Renndølsetra farm in Møre and Romsdal.

Ljøen Viewpoint

Our fjord safari guide is from Ljøen, and he was kind enough to take us very close to his village on our safari tour. So maybe we will drive there on our next trip to Geiranger and see it from that perspective.

Places Nearby Geiranger

Geiranger is on the list of the ten most visited places in Norway, and for a reason. So there is no wonder that in its proximity are many tourists jewels worth visiting too.

Some are good suggestions for a daily trip as a visit to Trollstigen mountain road. Other are good options to be the next/previous stop on the journey to Norway as we picked Ålesund, for example. Finally, some suggestion is good as the previous/next stop as we departed from Stryn on our 3-Week Norway Epic Road Trip.

Trollstigen – The Mountain Road To Geiranger

Trollstigen is one of the best winding roads in Europe. From the plateau at the top is a breathtaking view over the road, mountains, and valley below. The drive of this eleven-sharp turns road is no less thrilling than viewing it from the top.

It is just 67 km (41.6 miles) from Geiranger, but it takes one hour and forty-five minutes to arrive at the destination. It is a fantastic option for a short road trip from Geiranger.

Gudbrandsjuvet – Gudbrans Ravine

Look how the peaceful mountain river Valldøla suddenly becomes wild and carves its course through this ravine. It is on the road to Trollstigen and just 20 km (12,4 miles) before it from Geiragner’s direction.

Ålesund

Ålesund has one of the most beautiful city panoramas in Norway. The city’s architecture will not be unnoticeable to your eyes due to the Art Nouveau architectural-style buildings.

It is 110 km (68 miles) and two and quarter hours drive (including a ferry crossing) from Geiranger.

Stryn & Nordfjord

Stryn and the region around Nordfjord is another iconic fjord location and so much to offer. Glaciers, lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and farmhouses are just a few landscape attractions worth visiting. Such attractions provide as many activities as your imagination can imagine. It includes thrilling hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, cycling, boat & cruise trips, and many more.

Did you know that you can ski in summer at Stryn Summer Ski Resort?

It is 75 km (46.6 miles) and one hour and twenty minutes drive from Geiranger.

The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsvegen)

Atlantic Ocean Road connects the mainland over several islands with amazingly shaped bridges. This fantastic and unique road is around 152 km (94.4 miles) away and is three-and-half hours drive one way. Probably not the best option as a day trip from Geiranger but rather the next destination on your road trip in Norway.

Getting Around in Geiranger

Geiranger is so popular so no wonder that there are many ways to come in and out of it.

On foot: Geiranger is a small village, and you can explore it on foot. However, there are parts of the village on the slopes. These parts are different “animals” for walking.

By car, camper: However, to visit sights outside of Geiranger, you must have a vehicle, rent one, or take some busses.

Here are a few distance, time, and roads practical info:

• Oslo: 445 km (276 miles), 5 hours 30 minutes drive, Roads (E6 and 15)
• Bergen: 370 km (230 miles), 6 hours 30 minutes drive, Road (E39 and includes a ferry crossing)
• Ålesund: 110 km (68 miles), 2 hours 30 minutes drive, Road (E39 and includes a ferry crossing)
• Trollstigen 67 km (41.6 miles), 1 hour 45 minutes drive, Road (63, and includes a ferry crossing)
• Stryn: 75 km (46 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes drive, Roads (15 and 63)
• Dalsnibba Viewpoint: 20 km (12.5 miles), 40 minutes drive, Road (63)
• Flydalsjuvet: 4 km (2.5 miles), 8 minutes drive, Road (63)

Intercity Transportation

By bus: Vy Bus operates intercity buses in Geiranger, and you can check current fares information here.

It takes around 8 hours by bus from Oslo to Geiranger.

By ferry, or cruise: There are several ferry crossings between Geiranger and Hellesylt during the day. For ferry timetables and prices, please check the Fjord1 website.

By railway: Geiranger is not on the national railway network, unfortunately. The closes town with a rail network is Åndalsnes, some 86 km (53 mi.) north of Geiranger. From Åndalsnes, you can catch a train through the scenic Romsdal Valley to Dombås. Dombås has train connections to both Trondheim (to the north) and Oslo (to the south).

Check the VY (former NSB) website for timetables, tickets, fares, etc.

By airplane: Molde Airport is the closest to Geiranger. It is 112 km (70 mi.) by car and a three-hour drive north of Geiranger. However, we believe that Ålesund Airport, Vigra is a better option. It is 122 km (76 mi.) by car and a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Geiranger. SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe operate several daily flights to Oslo and Bergen.

Where To Park In Geiranger?

Geiranger is a small village with limited parking spaces, so it can be overcrowded during peak visitors’ time.

Most cars, campers, and bus drivers park near Joker grocery shop in the Geiranger center (turn left at Geiranger Hotel if you come from Oslo, Otta, or Stryn). Another option is to park near Geiranger Port at the beginning of the village on the right-hand side, providing you drive from Ørnesvingen Viewpoint. There is a small parking lot on the other side of the petrol station.

Where to stay in Geiranger?

Fjorden Campinghytter

We had a fantastic fjord cabin (Fjorden Campinghytter) watching over the Geiranger village. We do not know whether it was more beautiful during the day or the night with distant lights on the horizon.

It was more expensive, but we had kitchen facilities to prepare our food, so we saved on our meals budget. My wife prepared the fish my son and I had caught in front of the cabin.

We would highly recommend to anyone to consider this accommodation.

Several accommodation options are available to make your stay in Geiranger pleasant. Some offers are hotels, hostels, camping grounds, AirBnB apartments & holiday cottages.

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Geiranger’s Restaurants and Cafes you have to see!

The majority of restaurants are on the Promenade of Geirangers Ports. You cannot miss them since Geiranger is a small village. There was an excellent bakery on the promenade, where we bought our daily bread.

However, we bought our food in the Joker grocery shop near the big parking lot. As I have already explained, we booked a cabin with a small kitchen, so we prepared meals ourselves.

Best time to visit Geiranger

Norway is a country with unpredictable weather and especially in the mountains. The best chance of having sunny weather is during the summer. In our opinion, the best period to visit Geiranger is between June and September.

Take into account that most Norwegians take a summer vacation in July. So expect July to be high of the season and overcrowded.

As always don’t forget the Norwegian saying “There is no such a thing as bad weather only bad clothing.”

Costs of traveling in Geiranger

We have set a budget estimate that might be helpful while planning your own trip to Geiranger. In addition, we have a few tips for you that might save your wallet or cards from going in the red.

USD ($) – Budget

EUR (€) – Budget

GBP (£) – Budget

Tips: How To Lower Travel Costs In Norway

Here are some helpful tips for you:

Accommodation: Consider looking for accommodation outside of Geiranger and in its proximity like we booked the accommodation in the nearby village (Fjorden Campinghytter).

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Meals: Grocery shops (Joker, Bunnpris, Meny, Spar) have salad bars, barbeque, and hot food sections which are a lot cheaper meal options compared with restaurants. In Geiranger, there is only a Joker grocery shop but that is more than enough.

Another option is to prepare your own dinner and avoid spending money in restaurants. For example, we rented a cabin with a furnished kitchen and paid a little extra but saved on evening restaurant expenses.

Drinks: Tap water in Norway is drinkable, of excellent quality, and free compared with highly-priced soft drinks, beer, or wine. You can bring a bottle, refill it whenever you can, and save lots of money for other activities.

Snacks: We always have small packages of raisins that are very cheap. They are a good choice for quick energy boosts as needed.

We wish you an epic trip!