Geiranger - ilivetotravel's travel log

Geiranger: Great Views and Waterfall

After a phenomenal and scenic ferry ride along the Geirangerfjord, I arrived in Geiranger. Our hotel was perched high up looking down to the town and the fjord – a perfect setting.

Geiranger, waterfall, geirangerfjord, hiking in norway, unesco world heritage site in norway — Looking down to the fjord

The visitor center for the waterfall trail (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is right across the street. One can do an easy walk along a metal sidewalk overhanging the terrain and see parts of the waterfall right there and up close, while also passing some local houses and viewing the end of the fjord straight ahead and down.

Waterfall hike in Geiranger

For those inclined for more of a hike, the hike to the Storseterfossen waterfall, can be started from right there. It is a 3.5 mile in-and-out up the side of a mountain. The trail can be covered with sheep droppings so that adds to the fun! It was not a perfectly maintained trail though I would learn throughout the next two weeks of my Norway hiking trip that that is standard.

Geiranger, waterfall, unesco heritage norway, world heritage, hiking in norway , Storsaeterfossen , geirangerfjord — Along the trail

Geiranger, waterfall, unesco heritage norway, world heritage, hiking in norway , Storseterfossen , geirangerfjord — They are watching you every step!

Anyway, hope this short post gave you a glimpse into Geiranger, made famous by the fjord but beautiful thanks to the waterfalls on the town. From here, we would we one day closer to start our great hike in Jotunheimen National Park!

Great Drives in Norway: Førde to Geiranger

I have so much to write about my trip to Norway! Finally completed my writing series about hiking in the Jotunheimen National Park. Now, time to turn to some of the other experiences from this trip. Here a glimpse into one of the coolest drives from the trip: heading from Førde to Geiranger.

Arriving in Førde and departing the next morning

Førde is a town of possibly around 11,000 folks. We arrived there after a 3.5-or-so hr drive from Bergen. We had landed from the US at a reasonable time after a very tight connection in Amsterdam (20 minutes!). Needless to say, our checked luggage did not run as fast as we did so then we had to sit at the Bergen airport waiting for the next inbound KLM flight 3 hrs later. Our start time was close to 4PM if memory serves me right. It was a relatively easy drive including a ferry ride at sunset.

Førde, Forde, Norway, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, driving in norway, norsk, noruega — Top: Late afternoon on the ferry. Bottom: Sunset over Førde

In any case, we got to Førde around 9PM and headed straight to dinner as there were not that many options that were palatable after such a long day after a trans-Atlantic flight. We enjoyed some beverages at the bar at the Scandic hotel we stayed at and then said our good nights to get a fitful night of sleep.

The next morning, before setting out for Geiranger, we took a quick walk around town just to stretch our legs, breathe some fresh air, and wake up. Førde is a small but not-too-small town which made it a perfect stop for us.

On the road to Geiranger

After fueling up, we hit the road. As the map below shows, it was to be a 4 hr drive or so. One must be aware that speed limits are much lower in Norway than back home so a certain distance will take longer there. And, do not be tempted to speed – the fines are huge!

The road is very scenic and the greens are so vibrant it does not feel real.

Førde, Forde, Norway, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, driving in norway, norsk, noruega, nature in Norway

A ferry ride to experience along Geirangerfjord

The final hour of our drive would actually not be a drive but a ferry ride that would take us down the Geirangerfjord into Geiranger at the end of it. To get on this particular ferry on our route, we need to get to the small town of Hellesylt. Maybe it is less than a small town but it certainly was charming at the feet of an impressive cascade.

Førde, Forde, Norway, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, driving in norway, norsk, noruega, nature in Norway, Hellesylt

This ferry not only offers transporting people and vehicles from one town to another, but also provides a very scenic tourist route. Along the edges of the fjord, one can spot abandoned farms and many tall waterfalls. Along the way, a recording provides some explanations in several languages. Though it can be cold and/or rainy, the best seat is upstairs and outside!