Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Geiranger is a popular destination in the Norweigian Fjords – and for good reason! It is hands down the most gorgeous fjord I’ve even seen. The town of Geiranger is small but a fun place to explore, but traveling up Geirangerfjord with waterfalls on either side is truly stunning. In this guide I’ll share some of the best things to do in Geirganger based on our visit to the area as well as where we recommend staying.
If I haven’t sold you on Geirganger yet – just skim through the photos below!
Looking for more things to explore in Norway? Start with our guide to Norway or see some of our other favorite international destinations. Here are few additional guide to Norway you might like:
Quick Overview of Geiranger, Norway
Most people visit Geiranger from a cruise ship – this guide will help you decide what to do with your time in Geiranger, but this town is also a great place to spend a night (or two).
The town itself is small but it has a handful of shops and restaurants and is a great place to walk around. Like most fjords, the land around Geiranger is steep and makes for some great hiking. The fjord itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for sheer cliff walls, deep blue water, and waterfalls that tumble straight into the fjord.
Incredible Things to do in Geiranger
Take a Boat Ride up the Fjord
You can’t visit Geiranger without taking a boat ride up the fjord. It is the best way to see the many waterfalls that drop and cascade from the steep cliffs into the water. There are many different tours that take people up the fjord. One option is to take the larger ferry-type boat but you can also take a more up close and personal trip on a smaller, zippier boat that gets right up to the waterfalls.
We ended up on the larger boat since we were traveling with my dad who didn’t want to get wet. We loved this trip! If you are coming from Alesund it is also possible to take a ferry all the way from here.
Kayak on the Fjord
Another great way to get out on the fjord is to kayak. This is a fun way to get out of the water and really experience the fjord. The only reason not to kayak is that you won’t be able to go as far and see all the waterfalls. If you are coming into Geiranger by boat than kayaking is a great choice.
This tour was the one we considered and gets excellent reviews.
Hike from Vesterås Gard Farm to Storseterfossen Waterfall: Geiranger, Norway
There are several good hikes to do near Geiranger. Below I describe the simplest hike right in town, but if you are looking to a more challenging hike, you might want to consider hiking to the Storsetserfossen (waterfall). To get to the start of this hike you can either walk or take a car/taxi up to Vesteras Gard Farm. The hike from here is steep but absolutely worth it! It follows a set of steep stairs and then you can walk down behind the waterfall itself.
I’ve written a complete guide about this hike.
You can also take a few other hikes from Vesteras Gard Farm that offer different views down the fjord. Dave and Finley also did a long hike up to Skageflå that was challenging but a great option if you have time and fresh legs.
Walk the Geiranger Waterfall Walk
Starting right from town, one of the best things to do in Geiranger is to walk up along the river past a series of waterfalls. The river is incredibly powerful and the walk is east to follow with railings and stairs.
You can see my full guide to this walk but it’s really a must if you in town for more than a few hours.
Stop off for some Food in Town
While Geiranger isn’t neccessarily known for it’s food, we had several really good meals in town. There are a few restaurants right in the main stretch of town and we enjoyed getting a coffee at Cafe Ole. Our favorite meal was at the small restaurant of Brasserie Posten. The food was surprisingly delicious and we enjoyed a nice dinner here.
Take a Scenic Drive
The roads around Geiranger offer a different persepctive on the fjord. You can see one of the roads in the image below that zig zags right down the cliffside. The other road out of Geiranger goes further up the fjord with more incredible mountain views. If you follow this road it leads up up over the mountains past some lakes and plenty of snow even in the summer.
If you drove here, taking a drive will give you the opportunity to visit one of the many scenic overlooks in the mountains above the fjord. If you don’t have a car you can find tours that offer bus or car tours up into the hills.
The best viewpoints in the area include:
- Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint
- Dalsnibba / Geiranger Skywalk (if open)
- Eagle Road (Ørnevegen)
Go for a Bike Ride
The final thing I recommend doing in Geiranger is to take a bike ride. This is a great way to see the fjord from above and get a little exercise. It’s best to rent and ebike unless you are a vert experienced biker.
It’s important to note that this ride is one a steep mountain road with tight turns and cars. If you are looking for a bike trip that is more relaxes for another day on your trip, I recommend biking Lake Lovatnet.
Rent an ebike in Geiranger.
Where to Stay in Geiranger
Geiranger is a small town and gets a lot of visitors each year. Most of the people are staying on their cruise ship, but there are several hotels in town. We stayed in Hotel Utsikten. This hotel is not right in the town so in order to get to it you will need to drive up the hill. This means it has a fantastic view of the fjord. The location is incredible and you can enjoy dinner or just a drink overlooking the fjord. The rooms in the hotel are nice and the hotel has an old and classic feel. Another hotel with a view if the Grand Fjord Hotel.
If you want to stay closer to the town itself, check out the Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa.
You can also find a few smaller cabins or houses to rent in the area. You can search for options on Booking.com.
Things to Know about Geiranger
Below I’m sharing a few things that are helpful to know when planning a trip to Geiranger
How to Get to Geiranger?
There are a few ways to get to Geiranger. The first is to come on a cruise.
The next most common way to get to Geiranger is to rent a car and drive (or get a driver). We rented a car from the airport in Alesund and spent 8 days driving around the country. The drive isn’t particularly difficult but has a few steep switchback sections and a ferry and takes about 2.5 hours. It is a beautiful drive!
The last way is to come to by ferry. You can book a one-way or round trip ferry ride. The boat takes about 3 hours to travel up the fjord and is a great way to enjoy the trip and take in the fjord. You can book tour directly here.
How Long do you Need in Geiranger?
We spent 2 nights in Geiranger. This was a great amount of time unless you want to do some additional long hikes. The town is small so you don’t need more time than this to check it out, do a boat tour on the fjord and take a hike. Geiranger makes a great stop on a Norwegian fjord trip. We went from here to Loen for a few days.
Best Time to Visit Geiranger?
The best time to visit Geiranger is generally between June and September, when the weather is milder, the fjord is accessible, and the waterfalls are at their most powerful thanks to snowmelt. This is also the most crowded time to visit. The biggest drawback to visiting Geiranger if you aren’t on a cruise is the number of cruises that stop here.
Shoulder season in June or September offers fewer crowds and still stunning scenery, though some tours or restaurants may operate on limited schedules.
Who This Geiranger Best For?
Geiranger is best for people looking for stunning views: photographers, hikers, and nature lovers. This is not a great destination is you are looking for nightlife.
Practical Tips
Parking in Geiranger is limited, especially on cruise ship days, so arrive early if you’re driving. The town is small and walkable, but having a car or taking a bus tour makes it easier to reach viewpoints and nearby hikes. If the weather turns rainy, bring a waterproof jacket and consider indoor stops like cafes or the local museums. We were there on a rainy day and it’s best to plan to keep active despite the rain.
Keep in mind that many trails and viewpoints involve steep paths or stairs, so wear good shoes and plan accordingly for accessibility.
