Geirangerfjord in Norway: photo, description, what to see, excursions, map 2021

The Geirangerfjord is a remote corner of Norway, which has recently been included in the UNESCO Natural Heritage List. It is known to many connoisseurs of the pristine beauty of nature.

beckoning fjord

The Geirangerfjord got its name from the village located at its foot. The dimensions of this natural masterpiece are impressive. With a length of 15 km in some places it reaches 1.3 km in width. It is believed that this is a continuation of the Storfjord, which is better known as the Great Fjord. The landscape is complemented by the Geirangelva River, which flows into the fjord and causes a lot of admiration for all those who have visited these wonderful places. The village below, which seems to be enclosed in the arms of rocks, is considered another local attraction. Its population at the moment is no more than 300 people.

It is believed that the unusual relief of this area arose under the influence of the last glacier, when the movement of ice caused the formation of high mountain ranges and deep fjord lowlands. Today, disputes continue about how this area looked before that time. It is believed that there were no mountains here, and part of modern Norway was covered by ocean waters. Some of the mountains that are located in this area reach 2000 meters, and the depth of some fjords is more than 700 meters.

Tourist center of Norway

The Geirangerfjord is rightfully considered one of the most attractive places for tourists. Here you can find everything that can cause true delight in almost any viewer and forever fall in love with this place. True, it can be called the most picturesque of all the fjords that exist on the planet. Just imagine, among the high mountains with huge snow caps, a small river flows somewhere far below. Like a blue-green snake, she does not at all strive to disappear from view, but, on the contrary, demonstrates all her beauty. And around this landscape, here and there, crystal-clear waterfalls fall from the mountains.

As for the waterfalls, they should be discussed separately. If you try to determine the most beautiful, most impressive waterfall on the planet, then, undoubtedly, such as the Victoria Falls pop up in your head. But all those waterfalls that frame the Geirangerfjord create such a divine and bewitching picture that you begin to doubt that somewhere on the planet there are more breathtaking views.

Colorful fjord waterfalls

Beautiful waterfalls have no less beautiful names. The most popular and beautiful are “Bridal Veil”, “Seven Sisters” and “Groom”. Unusual, right? A water cascade called “Seven Sisters” is located near the abandoned farm Knivsfla. Its waters rush towards the water surface of the river from a height of more than 250 meters. The main feature of this waterfall is that the water flows down in seven streams (hence the name) and creates the impression of such a natural “soul”.

If you pay attention to the rocky ledges just opposite this waterfall, you will see an equally breathtaking view of another waterfall, which is called the Bridegroom. He is not so tall and outwardly resembles a bottle. There is a legend about this waterfall. If you believe the legend, then the guy who unsuccessfully tried to win the heart of one of the sisters, after another unsuccessful attempt at courtship, found solace in a bottle.

Closes the top three of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway is a source called “Bridal Veil”. It is located on the western side of the Seven Sisters waterfall and is one of the three most famous and visited. Its waters do not fall from a height, but slowly flow down steep cliffs.

There is another local legend that is passed down from generation to generation and reveals the secret of these three waterfalls. In general, the Scandinavians have always been famous for their religious customs and no less exciting legends. So, once in these places lived seven beautiful sisters, to whom a courageous warrior from the Viking people came to woo. The girls received the dear guest and invited him to choose his future chosen one himself. By the next day, he was supposed to bring the veil and give it to his beloved. But the warrior could not decide to whom his heart lay most of all. To this day, he sits on the rocks with his veil and thinks.

Picturesque place of modern Europe

The Geirangerfjord, according to eyewitnesses, can be considered one of the most unique and picturesque places in modern Europe. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to its shores, dotted with glaciers and huge rocks. Dozens of farms are located on rocky ledges, as if forgotten by civilization. Many of them are abandoned and empty, and some have already been restored by the efforts of one of the local companies.

By the way, farms are of considerable interest to visitors. They enjoy spending time within the walls of once residential buildings, which can still tell a lot about their owners and about local customs of distant times. There are also farms that were built on rather small platforms and sheer ledges. It is quite difficult to get there and one cannot do without special ladders and equipment.

For sure, the best panoramas of the fjord open from many viewing platforms that can be found in different parts of the mountains. From here, a simply fabulous view of the river that flows below and the steep ledges that amaze with their impregnability opens up. Maybe once, among these rocks, in their kayaks, the Vikings, famous for their fearlessness, sailed to conquer the next cities and discover hitherto unknown lands.

You know, when you visit different countries, each local attraction can tell a lot about the traditions and unusual customs of the local population. But this place is not so easy. The Geirangerfjord is like a huge casket, in which many more secrets and intriguing mysteries are hidden, which, quite possibly, will still be revealed to many of us. But for now, they are securely guarded by a massive lock, the key to which has long been lost. There is something in the Geirangerfjord that you will not find in any other mass on the planet.

Excursions

Everyone who comes to the foot of the fjord for the first time, in any case, should take part in excursions to places that have the names “Eagle Road” and “Troll Road” (Trollstigen). The first attraction is a kind of mountain “slalom”, which originates at the foot of the fjord and rushes to the very top of the nearby mountain, to a height of more than 620 m. In total, this section of the road has 11 rather sharp bends.

No less impressive is the mountain serpentine Trollstigen, which can easily cause dizziness in everyone who dares to walk along it along many waterfalls and narrow turns that cut into ledges of rocks.

Not everyone dares to take such a risky excursion. But courage has been held in high esteem here since the days of warlike Scandinavians. Therefore, every daredevil will undoubtedly receive a lot of vivid impressions and a bunch of memories for the rest of his life. Try to overcome your fear of heights and approach the edge of the abyss. Believe me, a more colorful landscape that will open before your eyes, you are unlikely to be able to see anywhere.

From the water, any water tool that is in abundance here will help to appreciate all the delights of the fjord. Tourists will be happy to provide a pleasure boat or ferry. For larger excursions, you can buy a ticket for a cruise liner, which, slowly drifting between the rocks, will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy the wonderful pictures of these places.

There is also a special offer for lovers. Do you want to give your beloved a wonderful evening in a picturesque place? Or hatching a plan for an original marriage proposal? Then you won't find a better time! And the boats in the style of the ancient “Vikings” will bring an unusual touch to the solemn moment, emphasizing your extraordinary mind and a piece of marvelous history. Only an eagle circling alone in the blue sky will witness the solemn moment.

And, of course, an avid fisherman will also find his hobby here. The fishing here is amazing. You can cast a fishing rod in any of the many reservoirs or even go fishing on the river.

In general, we definitely recommend visiting the magnificent places of the Geirangerfjord, spending time with benefit and breathing in the purest air of the mountain peaks of Norway to the full extent.

Another interesting place in Norway is Preikestolen Cliff.