Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
The view of the Geiranger Fjord is stunning and one of the best places to see it is above the fjord itself. This hike from Vesterås Gard Farm to Storseterfossen Waterfall offers incredible views of the fjord and ends at a powerful waterfall that you can walk behind. It’s a completely stunning hike and is moderate although a bit steep.
In this guide you’ll see the exact details for the hike Hike from Vesterås Gard Farm to Storseterfossen Waterfall as well as how to get to the trailhead. Whether you are visiting on a cruiseship and getting out for a hike or staying in town – this is one of the best hikes in Geiranger.
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Quick Look: Hike to Storseterfossen (Storsæterfossen) Waterfall and Vesteras Gard Farm
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Difficulty: moderate/challenging
Note that this hike begins at the Vesteras Gard Farm. To reach the farm from Geiranger you have a few options: walk (this is a long uphills walk) take a taxi or mini car, drive your own car (there is limited parking).
The trail is well marked and generally easy footing for most of the trail. The trail itself is steep in several sections. The highlight is reaching Storseterfossen, where you can walk behind the powerful waterfall for a unique and unforgettable perspective.
Getting to the Trailhead at Vesteras Gard Farm
The trailhead for the hike to Storseterfossen Waterfall starts at the farm. This means you need to get to the start of the hike. There is a small parking lot with a fee to park right at the start and there are several ways to get to the lot.
By Car
Driving is the most straightforward option. From Geiranger, follow the narrow road uphill toward Vesterås for approximately 5–10 minutes. The road is steep and winding, with limited passing areas, but it is paved and well marked. Parking is available near Vesterås Gard Farm, often for a small fee.
By Shuttle or Taxi
During the busy summer season, local shuttles and taxis run between Geiranger and Vesterås. This is a good option if you prefer not to drive on steep mountain roads or if parking is limited. Shuttle schedules can vary, so it’s best to check locally or ask at your accommodation. If you are getting off a cruise ship note that taxis can be hard to find.
On Foot from Geiranger
Strong hikers can walk from Geiranger up to Vesterås Gard Farm, turning the hike into a longer and more strenuous outing. This option adds significant elevation gain and time but offers excellent views over the fjord along the way. There is a trail but you’ll also end up walking on the road.
Distance: About 9 km (round-trip) if you walk all the way from the village of Geiranger to the waterfall and back on foot.
Elevation Gain: Around 550 meters (1,800 ft) of steady uphill climb from sea level up toward Storseterfossen via Vesterås Gard Farm.
Guided Tours or Cruise Excursion
Some guided hiking tours in Geiranger include transportation to Vesterås Gard Farm as part of the experience. This is a convenient choice if you want local insight, trail guidance, and logistics handled for you. If you’re visiting Geiranger on a cruise, certain shore excursions offer transportation to Vesterås Gard Farm or include the hike to Storseterfossen as part of a guided tour. Availability depends on cruise schedules and season.
Map of the Hike to Storseterfossen Waterfall and Vesteras Gard Farm
This map shows that hiking trail and you can also see the route to use if you are hiking up from Geiranger.
Details of the Hike to Storseterfossen Waterfall and Vesteras Gard Farm
The hike to Storseterfossen begins at Vesterås Gard Farm and follows a well-marked trail through forest, open hillside, and rocky terrain. The route is moderate although it does have a steady climb. Expect uneven footing, exposed roots, and stone steps in places, especially after rain.
The trail itself has long been a path used by locals to access the remote farms and mountain pastures above Geiranger. The farm: Vesterås Gard dates back several centuries with families raising livestock and cultivating small plots on the steep fjord-side hillsides. The trail has stone steps that were carved into the hillside by Sherpa workers making it easier to climb. It’s worth being careful on the steps as they can be slippery.
As you approach Storseterfossen, the trail becomes steeper and more dramatic, leading to one of the hike’s highlights—the ability to walk behind the waterfall as it thunders down the cliff face. We loved this part and since this was our first real hike in Norwary were blown away by the scenery.
Other Hikes in Geiranger
While I think the hike to Storseterfossen Waterfall is the best moderate hike in Geiranger, there are several other hikes worth mentioning.
If you are looking for something easier without the elevation gain that takes you to Storseterfossen Waterfall, you can continue past Vestras Farm – this takes you along a flatter path that offers viewpoints out across the fjords.
If you are looking for a challenging hike – there are a lot of options. Dave and Finley hiked to the summit of Keipen overlooking the fjord and had a fantastic hike.
Finally – you should also make sure to explore the Waterfall Walk in Geiranger. This is a raised path that goes along the waterfalls that flow through Geiranger. Bring your raincoat, but don’t miss this stunning, short walk.
Common Questions
Q: How long is the hike from Vesterås Gard Farm to Storseterfossen Waterfall?
A: The hike is about 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip from Vesterås Gard Farm, with an elevation gain of 850 feet (260 meters). It’s considered moderate, with some steep sections and stone steps.
Q: Can I walk from Geiranger to the trailhead?
A: Yes, strong hikers can walk from Geiranger village to Vesterås Gard Farm. This adds roughly 9 km (5.5 miles) round-trip and an elevation gain of about 550 meters (1,800 ft), making the hike more strenuous but offering spectacular views of the fjord along the way.
Q: How do I get to Vesterås Gard Farm?
A: You have several options:
- By car or rental mini/compact car – Drive the steep, winding road from Geiranger (5–10 minutes). Small cars are easier to handle and parking is limited.
- By shuttle or taxi – Seasonal shuttles and local taxis run from Geiranger. Check schedules, especially if arriving from a cruise.
- Guided tours or cruise excursions – Some tours provide transportation directly to Vesterås Gard Farm.
Q: What is the trail like?
A: The trail is well-marked and mostly easy footing, though steep in sections. Expect forest paths, open hillsides, exposed roots, and stone steps (which can be slippery when wet). The highlight is walking behind Storseterfossen Waterfall, a unique and unforgettable experience.
Q: How long should I plan for the hike?
A: From Vesterås Gard Farm to the waterfall and back, allow 2–3 hours. If starting from Geiranger village, plan 4–5 hours for a round-trip hike.
Q: Are there other hikes near Geiranger?
A: Yes! Options include:
- Easier walks along flatter paths past Vesterås Gard Farm with fjord viewpoints
- Challenging hikes like the summit of Keipen for panoramic fjord views
- Waterfall Walk – a short, raised path through waterfalls in Geiranger village
Q: What should I bring?
A: Sturdy hiking shoes, a rain jacket, water, snacks, and a camera for the incredible views. Walking behind the waterfall is wet, so waterproof gear is recommended.
