- Region: Møre og Romsdal
- Height above sea level: 40 m
Going for impressions to Norway , do not forget to visit the Geirangerfjord - a unique place in its beauty. At any time of year many tourists come here to admire the frosted turquoise waters, the immense blue sky and snow-white waterfalls .
Geirangerfjord on the map of Norway
Located in the most southerly region (county) of Norway, this fjord is only 15 km long and 1.5 km wide. It is one of the many branches of the great Sturfjord. It is here that the most famous and visited fjords of the country are located. Like the rest, the Geirangerfjord was formed due to tectonic movements of the earth's crust, subsequently becoming a visiting card of this severe northern country.
How best to view the fjord?
Without a doubt, the best view opens from the side of the ferry, cruise liner or pleasure excursion boat, which go here daily. Sailing past the centuries-old steep cliffs, you feel that you were in the Viking Age. Before the trip, care should be taken to charge the battery in the camera - it's a crime to miss such beautiful landscapes. In addition to large boats, you can go fishing on the fjord on a kayak or speed boat.
Experienced guides will show amazing waterfalls, flowing into the blue-green waters of the fjord. The largest of them is the Seven Sisters. The water in it falls from a height of 250 m, and the current itself consists of seven strands. Opposite him is a smaller waterfall, which is called the Bridegroom, and next to the third waterfall is Fata's bride. Each of the Geirangerfjord waterfalls has its own legends.
When is the best time to visit?
Geiranger-fjord is beautiful and we visit not only in the warm season, but also in winter. Jets of waterfalls freeze, and desperate climbers climb over them, and at the end of spring, when the snow on the top of the mountain is actively melting, the waterfalls become as full as possible - at this time of year they can be seen in all their glory. Not long ago the Geirangerfjord was included in the World Heritage List and was recognized as the most beautiful fjord in the world.
Surroundings of the fjord
Where the fjord ends, the village of the same name, Geiranger, is inhabited by only 300 people. There are no quays for cruise liners here, so one who decided to spend a few days in the settlement can change to a boat delivering visitors to the shore. Not far from Geiranger is located the settlement of Hellesilt - these are quite well-known villages in Norway.
There are cafeterias in which you can have a snack with simple and satisfying dishes. As entertainment, you can visit the fjord museum, which tells about all such Norwegian bays. You can stop in the village in one of the hotels , the largest and most comfortable - the Grand Fjord hotel.
A few kilometers from the village are equipped with observation platforms, from which a magnificent view of the waterfalls and rocky shores opens. Directly to them the buses with tourists come up, and uphill walking trails go up to the mountains, from where you can also admire the masterpieces of nature. The most convenient way to travel by own car is to be able to tour all points of view on the fjord.
Landslide in Geirangerfjord
It turns out that the most picturesque fjord of Norway lies in danger - the scientists found out that within the next 100 years the Akerneset mountain will collapse into the coastal waters, and the tsunami that has emerged will wash away the village of Geiranger from the face of the earth. How and at what point in time this will happen, no one knows. To protect tourists and villagers, even now seismologists are monitoring the movements of the mountain, installing on it ultrasensitive sensors.
How to get to Geirangerfjord?
Book tours to the Geirangerfjord, mainly in Alesund , and then take a ferry or bus. Numerous travel companies offer an interesting trip with an English-speaking guide. The distance from Alesund to Geiranger village is slightly more than 100 km along the mountain serpentine. On the way you will meet another attraction - the Stairs of the trolls . The journey by water takes about 2 hours.
Until August 17, when the tourist season ends, you can book tickets for buses unhindered. The ticket price is about $ 100. After this date, the buses no longer go, and the fjord can only be reached by car. In the village there are several shops and a fairly large supermarket. The cost of living in the hotel - $ 165 for a double room per night, but it's worth it. From its windows an enchanting panorama of the bay opens.