Summer Fjord - Geirangerfjord - Norway
The Geiranger fjord is one of the most popular natural attractions in Norway and in the world. The depth of Geirangerfjord is about 260 meters while the surrounding mountains are about 1600-1700 meters high. The fjord is also known for its deserted fjord farms high up on the steep cliffsides and spectacular waterfalls.
The Geiranger Fjord is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located entirely in the Stranda Municipality. It is a 15-kilometer -long branch off the Sunnylvsfjorden, which is a branch off the Storfjorden.
The deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls, and lush, green vegetation.
The iconic Geirangerfjord is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the Nærøyfjord and it is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world.
Local culture in Geirangerfjord
The first stretch of the fjords contains many lively small towns and villages, such as Sula on the fjord’s north bank, and the settlements that once were centres for Arctic seal hunting.
The go-getter attitude in the local culture is best exemplified by the “furniture adventure” in Sykkylven and Ekornes. Many of the 7000 residents of these communities are involved in a thriving local furniture production sector that serves domestic and export markets. A bit further into the fjord, the 4 600 inhabitants of Stranda have made an adventure for themselves, supplying all of Norway with frozen pizza.
Mountains dominate the mid-section of the fjord, where human activity is restricted to small farms clinging on to the mountainside.
Impressive waterfalls cast cascades of thundering water from almost vertical mountainsides. The famous falls De syv søstrene (“the Seven Sisters”), Friaren (“the Suitor”) and Brudesløret (“the Bridal Veil”) tease the cliffs with feather‐light sheer veils of mist whose mission is to create a never‐ending display of changing rainbows to fill you with delight and wonder.
See it for yourself
For nature lovers, the Geirangerfjord has plenty to offer. Experience the fjords and the waterfalls from one of the many available sightseeing trips, go hiking in stunning surroundings or experience the fjords from a new perspective in a kayak. Other popular activities in the area include fishing, rafting, and cycling.
Snaking its way up steep mountainsides, passing waterfalls, edged with stone railings, narrow, sometimes nerve‐racking but always extremely fascinating, Trollstigen mountain road is an absolute “must-see” attraction and an alternative route for getting to the Geirangefjorden area. The road opened in 1936 and is a testimony to superb engineering and construction skills using the simplest of tools from the hard thirties.
One more thing: The healthy look of the inhabitants of Geiranger comes not only from the fresh air – local food made with fresh ingredients plays a vital part. Restaurants and eateries take pride in creating food with a local twist and the taste match the scenic view from your window table. The many small-scale manufacturers of food and drink include Geiranger Brewery partly located in a boathouse and Hellesylt Boutique & Bar with licorice-flavored meringues on the unusual menu. The food lovers of Geirangerfjord will give you a fresh view of nature right on your plate.
Find more information and inspiration about GEIRANGERFJORD on : .www.fjordnorway.com/geiranger
