The Geirangerfjord is one of the places that inspired the filmmakers behind the Disney hit 'Frozen', and is renowned for its majestic nature. Unique fjord landscapes, frozen waterfalls and famous fjord farmsteads are just some of what you can see and experience. The Geirangerfjord is a popular tourist destination, especially in summer, but the world heritage site is perhaps even more beautiful and spectacular in winter.
Winter in a world heritage site
Winter
Last updated: 30.01.2024
© Jens H. Lyngstad / TIBE
Would you like to experience one of Norway’s mighty world heritage sites with frozen waterfalls, snow-covered mountains and the magical fjord light? If so, you should visit Geiranger in winter. During this cold and wonderful season, you can now travel by boat from Ålesund to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Fjord.
Guided fjord cruise
Allow yourself to be captivated in winter by the towering, vertical mountains that plunge impressively into the fjord. A guided cruise from Ålesund to Geiranger lets you experience the unique fjord landscape in the UNESCO fjord in Møre og Romsdal county. The tour starts in Ålesund, and sails through the Storfjord, the Sunnylvsfjord and the Geirangerfjord before the boat docks in Geiranger.
Winter experiences
There are a number of activities and experiences once you’ve arrived in Geiranger. Experience the iconic Flydalsjuvet viewpoint and the Norwegian Fjord Centre, which is the visitor and information centre for West Norwegian Fjords and the Geirangerfjord World Heritage site. The cruise is a one-day tour that returns to Ålesund in the afternoon. You may want to stay in the village to explore more of what Geiranger has to offer in winter.
© Jens H. Lyngstad / TIBE
Join us on a journey through time
The nature in Geiranger can feel overwhelming, but have you considered why the fjord landscape is shaped the way it is? Or pondered what life is, or was, like along the fjords? The fjord cruise from Ålesund is guided by Fjord Rangers from the West Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger, and the guides will give you an insight into the culture and life along the fjords.
This new activity programme offers an insight into how the fjord landscape in Geiranger has developed and how mankind has survived in the steep mountains and wild landscapes. The aim is for visitors to have the best fjord experiences and at the same time familiarise themselves with the unique world heritage found in Geiranger.
Opplev Geiranger
Spectacular waterfall walk
What do you think makes a walk unique? In Geiranger, you can explore Fosseråsa – Norway's very first national hiking trail. A national hiking trail is a defined area that is particularly attractive and offers very worthwhile experiences. The Fosseråsa trail is well adapted and each season offers a unique walking experience. The waterfall walk starts in the centre of Geiranger and continues up to Storsæterfossen waterfall – 550 meters above sea level. You may choose to walk only part of the way, such as up to the Fjord Centre.
© Jens H. Lyngstad / TIBE
Taking the walk with a Fjord Ranger will give you an insight into the history of the river and how the force of the water has shaped the world heritage landscape over thousands of years. Discover how the early pioneers in the village realised the possibilities of water power - a lesser-known tale in the history of Geiranger. The river changes from season to season. In winter, it may well be frozen, and there’s a real magical atmosphere taking the walk in twilight.
Light art in wild nature
‘Geiranger has a lot to offer even in winter. The darkness allows the opportunity to present light art, and there aren’t many such light-art festivals in Norway,’ says Ole Jørn Myklebust, project manager at Smart Fjord Culture.
The Fjord Geiranger Light Art Festival is a unique art and nature experience, and in 2024 the festival will take place from 16th of February until the 2nd of March.
Take a well-deserved break at Union Spa
Fancy a swim in a warm outdoor pool, or enjoying one of Norway's best spa facilities after a day out in the cold? Then it’s time to check-in to Hotel Union Geiranger, just a short walk from the Norwegian Fjord Centre. The family-owned hotel was built in 1889 and has an exciting historical air about it.
© Tone Molnes / Hotel Union Geiranger
Luxury with panoramic views
Find tranquillity and treat yourself to a unique experience at the nature hotel Kilsti Compact Lodge. The lodges let you live at one with nature and offer everything you need for a unique nature experience. With panoramic views, the lodges are beautifully situated by the Storfjord, just 30 minutes from Geiranger.
Find out more about unique accommodation experiences >>
An alternative place to stay with a fjord view, good food and various activities is Havila Hotel Geiranger, which is right next to the Geirangerfjord.
Overnatting i verdsarvområdet
Car ferry service on the Geirangerfjord
If you want to get to Geiranger by car, there is a car ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger running from 1st of March until 31st of October. You may want to take the car ferry one way, and drive Ørnevegen (Eagle Road) on the return journey.