Geirangerfjord: experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site

It is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world: the Geirangerfjord! The 15 kilometre long fjord in central Norway attracts numerous visitors year after year. The breathtaking nature is particularly popular as a destination for hikes, cruises and boat trips. Find out about the best activities on the Geirangerfjord, where you can find the best accommodation and when the best time to visit the Geirangerfjord is here.

Holidays at the Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway. The beautiful surroundings are ideal for hiking, kayaking and camping. The fjord is home to the small town of Geiranger, whose population fluctuates greatly depending on the time of year.

In addition to campers and cruise tourists, people travelling on a road trip towards the North Cape are also drawn here.

The place has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. This is not only due to the unique landscape, but also to the measures taken by the Norwegian state to protect the region and preserve it for future generations.

Where is the Geirangerfjord?

The Geirangerfjord is located on the west coast of Norway about 200 kilometres east of Bergen and 280 kilometres northwest of the capital Oslo as the crow flies. If you are travelling by car from Gothenburg in Sweden, for example, a popular ferry destination, it will take you around 9-10 hours to make the 730km journey. Geographically, the fjord lies just north of Turku and at a similar latitude to the Faroe Islands.

Geirangerfjord: weather

The weather at Geirangerfjord tends to be cool even in summer. The average daytime temperatures range from around -6°C in January to 14°C in July, the warmest month on average. However, you should expect a lot of rainy days, especially in summer. Snowfall can also occur from October to May. Due to the high risk of avalanches, the fjord cannot be travelled by ferry in winter.

When is the best time to visit the Geirangerfjord?

The best time to visit the Geirangerfjord is from June to August. During this time, you can even swim in the fjord at water temperatures of up to 20°C. Travelling is also possible during the off-peak periods from May to October. A visit in winter is not advisable, as Geiranger and the fjord are sometimes completely cut off from the outside world due to the weather conditions. Especially if you want to go further north, you should be well informed and equipped in winter.

How deep is the Geirangerfjord?

At its deepest point, the Geirangerfjord is 260 metres deep. This impression is reinforced by the surrounding mountains, whose peaks are up to 1700 metres high.

Geirangerfjord: places of interest

The fjord farms

One of the most famous cultural and historical sights on the Geirangerfjord are the fjord farms. These old farms, whose location favours the mild climate and the polar day in summer, can now be visited in summer. They are closed in winter due to the risk of avalanches. Some of them also offer accommodation and local specialities.

The seven sisters

The so-called seven sisters are seven neighbouring waterfalls that plunge into the Geirangerfjord from a height of up to 300 metres. The name comes from a legend according to which a young man wooed seven sisters, but they all rejected him. He is said to have become an alcoholic, which is why the waterfall on the opposite side is said to be shaped like a bottle.

Geiranger and Ålesund: towns on the Geirangerfjord

There are several places on the Geirangerfjord that are also worth a visit. These include the village of Geiranger, for example, which is located at the end of the fjord. Ålesund, a small town near the coast at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord, is also worth a visit. The harbour town is particularly famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, which was built as a result of a fire in 1904.

Things to do on the Geirangerfjord

Hiking at the Geirangerfjord

The area around the Geirangerfjord is naturally ideal for outdoor activities. Hikes are also a popular activity for travellers.

However, a certain level of physical fitness is recommended for most of the routes, as they lead along the mountains.

However, when they reach one of the numerous viewpoints, hikers are rewarded with a wonderful view over the fjord and the neighbouring mountains and villages.

Exploring the Geirangerfjord by kayak

In addition to hiking on foot, kayaking is also a popular option. Guided tours and hire companies offer the opportunity to explore the Geirangerfjord either with a guide or on your own. Guided tours are particularly recommended for kayak beginners.

Boat tour in the Geirangerfjord

In addition to kayaking, you can also explore the Geirangerfjord on a boat tour, for example by ferry. Although this is less sporty, it will take you quickly and comfortably to all the striking spots of the Geirangerfjord.

Accommodation: these options are available in the Geirangerfjord

Holiday homes in the Geirangerfjord

If you want to spend a few days at the Geirangerfjord, a holiday home may be the right choice. The advantage of this is that you are independent, as you have more space and cooking facilities, but still don’t have to do without the comforts of a fortified house. This is particularly useful in the off-season due to the weather conditions.

Camping by the Geirangerfjord

An alternative to a holiday home, especially in the summer months, is a campsite. There are several campsites directly on the Geirangerfjord, from which you have a wonderful view. You can also rent accommodation such as hikers’ cabins there.

Journey: cruise, plane or car?

Geirangerfjord cruise: travelling by boat

The Geirangerfjord is particularly well known for being travelled by so many cruise ships. The cruises of Hurtigruten, a provider that specialises in postal shipping routes and often offers adventure tours at the various stops, are particularly well-known.

Travelling by plane

Travelling by plane is also possible. However, as there are no direct flights from the UK to the region, you will need to fly via Oslo to Ålesund to land as close as possible to the Geirangerfjord. From there, it is recommended that you continue your journey in the region in a rental car or motorhome.

Car: Travelling the Geirangerfjord by land

Travelling by car is also possible. Many people take a ferry to Kristiansand or Gothenburg, for example, and continue north from there. Alternatively, you can of course also travel overland via Copenhagen and Malmö.