One Of Norway's Popular Fjord Villages Offers Captivating Views And Stunning Waterfalls

Norway's fjords are one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders. Carved over millions of years by vast walls of ice moving towards the sea, they form a gorgeous, unmissable landscape sure to impress any adventurous traveler. With their deep, sinuous valleys and icy water winding its way between perilous, snow-covered crags, it is easy to understand why a getaway to the picture-perfect getaway to Norway's fjords is on so many people's bucket lists.

There are fjords in other parts of the world, like Porteau Cove Provincial Park or Gros Morne Park National Park in Canada, but nothing compares to the sheer scale and magnificence of Norway's offerings. And while there are plenty of amazing spots around the country to find these fascinating and fantastic natural phenomena, it is hard to look past Geiragnerfjord, described by many as the "jewel in the crown" of the Norwegian fjords, and one of only two to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. The eye-catching scenery of the fjord, and its charming village of Geiranger, (named the best place to visit in Scandinavia in 2022), make it a wonderful destination for anyone looking for outdoor adventure and spectacular natural beauty.

The village of Geiranger lies at the eastern end of Geirangerfjord, near the west coast of Norway, the region that boasts the best of Norway's natural beauty. It is a remote, hard-to-reach area, with the nearest international airport of Ålesund being around three hours drive away. Many visitors arrive in Geiranger on a fjord cruise from Ålesund, and there are daily train and bus departures from Oslo and Trondheim, if you are comfortable with a slower pace of travel.

While Geiranger is a tiny, secluded village, with a population of fewer than 300 people, it is also Norway's third-biggest cruise port and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. During the summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors stay in the village to explore the glorious countryside and stunning fjords that surround it. The landscape of the region is exceptional, with towering cliffs, deep pine forests, and dramatic waterfalls cascading into the sea. The scenery was supposedly the inspiration for the Disney film "Frozen," and it feels wild and otherworldly all at once.

The best way to experience the majesty of Geirangerfjord is from the water on a boat trip. For many, this means a fjord cruise, staying on board a ship as it makes its way up from Ålesund, eventually arriving at Geiranger. But if you are based in Geiranger there are an array of shorter boat trips which are just as impressive. You can even hire a kayak and paddle under your own steam for a wonderfully serene experience.

Geirangerfjord is home to some of the most famous waterfalls in Norway, and they are the highlight of a trip for many visitors. The most impressive and most-visited set of falls is the Seven Sisters, seven individual cascades that tumble 1,345 feet down a steep cliff into the fjord below, and are best seen by boat. Across the fjord from the sisters is Friaren, the suitor, who is supposed to be attempting to woo one of the sisters, according to local legend. Another impressive waterfall near the town is the Storseterfossen, an immensely powerful cascade that can be reached on a hike, and which you can walk underneath.

While much of the focus on Geirangerfjord is on the water, the area boasts some of the best hiking in Norway and is a paradise for tourists who want to get out into the backcountry and explore. The hike to (and behind) the Storseterfossen waterfall is one of the most popular, but there are plenty of other great routes to discover. The Mail Route at Ljøbrekka, located at the opposite end of the fjord from Geiranger, is amazing. It's a steep trek that twists and turns its way up and over the steep summit of Ljøfjellet, following the historic route once taken by postmen in the 1700s. Another brilliant option is the hike from Skagehola to Homlong, which offers incredible views of the Seven Sisters waterfall.

For travelers who need even more adrenaline-pumping excitement in their itineraries, a canyoning adventure might be just the ticket. A guided tour through Gudbrandsjuvet canyon involves climbing, swimming, rappelling, ziplining, rope bridges, and a via ferrata balance bridge, as well as thrilling cliff jumps into the icy waters of the fjord!