Breathtaking Geirangerfjord: Norway’s crown jewel

Geirangerfjord is often hailed as one of the most spectacular fjords in the world. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that wows visitors with its precipitous cliffs, majestic waterfalls and lush greenery. Old farms dot the verdant landscapes, glacier-topped mountains gaze down upon you from on high, and the charming village of Geiranger is your base camp for adventure.

Located south and inland from Ålesund and Åndalsnes in Norway’s Sunnmøre region, this spectacular fjord is a must-visit destination for those seeking to soak up some outstanding natural beauty. Not only is it a place of eye-popping visuals, but geology buffs will also marvel at the well-preserved rock strata easily spotted in the 800-metre-high valley walls.

With its towering mountains and traditional villages, Geirangerfjord is a true gem. And sailing with Hurtigruten, there is no need to book onto a guided boat tour to explore the fjord landscape. We’re happy to be able to take you there on our summer sailings aboard The Coastal Express.

Geirangerfjord has a fascinating history. It dates back at least 2.5 million years to the Pleistocene era, when the whole of western Norway was lifted up and tilted by tectonic action. Its topography was then formed over successive ice ages, when glacial activity carved out channels of deep, sub sea-level waters and sheer crystalline cliffs.

Today, the 15km-long fjord we see is a branch of the much larger Storfjord. It begins at the mouth of the Geirangerelva river, which is also the location of the popular Geiranger village.

People have lived in this area since around the time of the Vikings, with early settlers relying on fishing and farming to subsist. In the 19th century, farmers took to rearing sheep in the lush high pastures, and there remain some of these old farms scattered throughout the landscape.

A few of these historic smallholdings, such as Skageflå, are still productive and can be hiked to. Others, like Knivsflå, were abandoned due to the danger of falling rocks.

The opening of the impressively hair-pinned Geiranger-Trollstigen road in 1936 made it easier for tourists to visit, although cruising into its placid waters by ship is still considered the most scenic and relaxing way to arrive.

When you do, you may find the mountainous fjord landscapes somewhat familiar. That’s because Disney used Geirangerfjord as inspiration for the imaginary land of Arendelle in its hit movie, Frozen.

We visit the fjord in summer on the northbound leg of The Coastal Express. If you want to see the waterfalls at their best, the early part of summer is really the best time to visit Geirangerfjord. This is when the mountain snows are in full melt, and the streams, rivers and waterfalls are liveliest.

But other times of the year can be equally spectacular. Winter, naturally, is very cold, but seeing the Northern Lights dance above the dark waters and snowy mountains is something you won’t easily forget.

Spring, when the light returns, sees the pastures green-up as the snows melt. Autumn is a time of mellowness, when red and gold leaves rain down on the placid waters, and the scent of woodsmoke lures one inside for a cup of something warm by the fire.

From its tumbling waterfalls to the charming villages and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone, whatever the season. Visiting Geirangerfjord, the jewel in the crown of Norway’s fjords, will leave you with fond, lasting memories, and a camera full of photographs.