The Geirangerfjord - Fjord Norway

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Geirangerfjord is an arm of a larger fjord system that extends all the way to Ålesund. The fjord reaches a depth of 260 metres, while the steep mountains surrounding it rise to 1600-1700 metres above sea level.

Together with Nærøyfjorden, the Geirangerfjord and its surrounding area represent the western Norwegian fjord landscape on UNESCO's exclusive World Heritage List. The reason why the Geirangerfjord is included on this list is due to its exceptional natural landscape, including waterfalls, steep mountains, unique natural phenomena, and both terrestrial and underwater wildlife. Preserving this unique landscape for future generations is vital, and as a result, significant parts of the area are protected.

En fritidsbåt med tre mennesker som ligger på fjorden foran et fossefall, og et er et annet fossefall på andre siden også. — The best way to see the fjord is onboard a boat! |© Fred Jonny Hammerø / Møre og Romsdal fylke

Along the fjord, one can observe traces of farms high up on the steep mountainsides. Although all the farms have been abandoned, many have been restored and serve as important cultural heritage sites, providing insights into the local way of life. From the village of Geiranger, you can take a boat to Skagehola and hike up the steep trail to Skageflå, which is the most famous of the farms. From there, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the fjord and its numerous waterfalls. The most famous one is "The Seven Sisters" waterfall.

Fossen de syv søstre og Geirangerfjorden. — The waterfall the Sven sisters and the mountain farm Knivsflå.|© Lars Korvald

The Geirangerfjord all year round

All four seasons have their own unique character. From trickling streams and flowering fruit trees in spring, to roaring waterfalls and green mountain sides in summer. When autumn comes and colours the mountain sides in orange, yellow and red, the fjord’s mood changes and seems to become a little calmer. In winter, the beautiful blue fjord light between the snow-covered mountain peaks enters the village – where the sun barely reaches during midwinter. It rarely gets particularly cold so close to the coast, so you can often go skiing or snowshoeing in the mountains while the grass is almost green down by the fjord.

Skageflå hike with local guide

Join the spectacular hike to the abandoned ancient mountain farm Skageflå! Take breathtaking looks from unique viewpoints and listen to the stories of your local guide about the old life on the farm, the mountains and the people living at the Geirangerfjord nowadays.

What to do in Geiranger

The Norwegian Fjord Centre is a World Heritage visitor centre. Here, you can learn about the unique fjord landscape. The centre is located in the middle of a trail, Fosseråsa, which is Norway's first national tourist trail. Fosseråsa starts down by the fjord, winds its way along the river and up to the waterfall Storsæterfossen – behind which you can actually walk! In addition, you can go on a fjord safari by a RIB boat, rent an e-bike or e-car, test your limits by speeding down a zip-line, or just have a spa treatment and enjoy good local food and drinks. What about a piece of chocolate produced in Geiranger?

Norwegian Fjord Centre - World Heritage Visitor Centre Geirangerfjorden

Learn about the west Norwegian fjord landscape, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, at the Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger.

The National Hiking Trail – Fosseråsa

Fosseråsa starts in the centre of Geiranger and winds its way up to the waterfall Storsæterfossen, 550 masl. Along the way you will experience nature, close to forests, landscapes, and the wild forces of water.

Utendørs basseng ved Hotel Union Geiranger

Union Bath & Spa in Geiranger

Boasting 1500 m2 of well-being combined with beautiful views of the Geirangerfjord, Union Bad & Spa is one of Norway’s best spas.

Getting here

The road to Geiranger from the town of Ålesund is open all year round. You can take the ferry from Linge to Eidsdal and follow the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen down the hairpin bends of the Eagle Road (Ørnevegen) to Geiranger down by the fjord. An alternative is to take the ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger, which also runs all year round. The road stretch over Grotli from Lom or Stryn, however, is closed during winter. You can also take a fjord cruise from Ålesund all year round to Geiranger.

Norway’s fjords – the most famous fjords

Norway boasts some of the longest, narrowest, deepest and most beautiful fjords in the world, and the pristine fjord landscape is even inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Winter in a world heritage site

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.