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Fjord · Geiranger, Møre e Romsdal
Geirangerfjorden
The narrow arm of the Storfjord that ends at the village of Geiranger: 15 km between rock walls, waterfalls and farms hanging on the slopes. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Geirangerfjorden
The Geirangerfjord is about 15 km long, from Hellesylt at the mouth to the village of Geiranger at the head, and is surrounded by mountains rising over 1,400 meters. It was carved by glaciers and later flooded by the sea, and is one of the two Norwegian fjords designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Nærøyfjord.
The most common way to see it is by boat. The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt takes about an hour and usually runs from May to September; there are also short boat trips of about 90 minutes that depart from Geiranger, and electric boats. Along the way are the Sete Irmãs, the Pretendente on the opposite shore, and the Véu da Noiva, as well as the farms of Skageflå and Knivsflå clinging to the slopes, abandoned in the 20th century and now maintained by an association.
For those who want a closer look, there are guided kayak tours and RIB (inflatable boat) trips departing from Geiranger. The trails to the farms, such as Skageflå, start from points where the boat drops hikers.
In winter, the ferry to Hellesylt often does not operate, and the fjord becomes quiet, with snow on the slopes and waterfalls reduced or frozen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour on the ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt; 90 minutes on the round-trip boat tours.
Best time
From May to September, with the ferry and boat trips operating. The waterfalls usually have more water in May and June due to the melt. In July and August the fjord receives more ships and groups; morning and late-afternoon times are quieter.
How to get there
Boats depart from the quay at Geiranger, in the centre of the village, and from Hellesylt at the other end. From Ålesund, bus and car reach Geiranger in about three hours.
Tip
If you're driving, take the ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger as part of your route rather than a round-trip tour. Stay on the right side when leaving Hellesylt to get a close view of the Sete Irmãs.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Geirangerfjorden
How to visit the Geirangerfjord?
By ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt (about one hour); by sightseeing boat from the village; by guided kayak; or from above at the Flydalsjuvet and Dalsnibba viewpoints.
Does the ferry operate year-round?
The Geiranger–Hellesylt ferry usually operates from May to September. Check before you go.
What are the mountainside farms?
Old farms such as Skageflå and Knivsflå, which were located on platforms above the fjord and were abandoned in the 20th century. Some can be visited by trail.
Is the fjord a World Heritage site?
Yes — since 2005, together with the Nærøyfjord in the Sognefjord.