UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s best getaways. Here’s why

Photo: Matt Lamers / Unsplash

Outdoors explorers will be in paradise in Geiranger fjord, where bright-blue waters, snow-capped mountains, and cascading waterfalls rule the landscape. Read on to find out why you’ve got to visit this UNESCO-protected Norwegian fjord.

If you’re seeking pristine nature and phenomenal fjord landscapes (which Norway – known as the Land of Fjords – is the most famous place in the world for), you should have your sights set on Geirangerfjord. 

The dreamy Geirangerfjord. Photo: Jesse De Backer / Unsplash

So, in a country with over 1000 fjords, what sets this one apart? It is, after all, UNESCO-protected; one of eight sights in Norway to be so designated.

It flaunts the coveted UNESCO World Heritage title with Norway’s great eight sites:

  • West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (2005); Natural
  • Bryggen (1979); Cultural
  • Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site (2015); Cultural
  • Rock Art of Alta (1985); Cultural
  • Struve Geodetic Arc (2005); Cultural
  • Urnes Stave Church (1979); Cultural
  • Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago (2004); Cultural
  • Røros Mining Town and the Circumference (1980, 2010); Cultural

Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, located in Norway’s famed west fjord region, are considered to be outstanding examples of Norway’s iconic winding waterways.

Today, we’ll be diving into the delights of Geiranger.

All about Geirangerfjord: Interesting facts and awesome experiences

Here’s our list of the best things to do around the stunning Geirangerfjord area:

Take in the amazing waterfalls – which sport funky nicknames, to boot. We recommend Brudesløret “the Bridal Veil”, De syv søstrene “the Seven Sisters”, and Friaren “the Suitor”.

See the fjord landscapes from the water! Travel via Geirangerfjord cruise boat or kayak for an unforgettable adventure.

Hike or cycle around the area to get extra up-close-and-personal with Geirangerfjord’s nature. Bonus: you’ll catch unbeatable vistas of your surroundings.

Experience the nearby Trollstigen Mountain Road, renowned for its twists and turns. You can, in fact, ride this road to the fjord.

Geiranger fjord
The view you’ll see as you hiking around Geiranger. Photo: Damir Spanic / Unsplash

Next, discover important facts about this fascinating fjord:

It’s been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2005.

This fjord, along with others of its kind, was carved out when glaciers separated from the land and drifted to the ocean.

Geirangerfjord is currently getting its certification as a Sustainable Destination, meaning a tourism destination that actively works to keep its environment, nature, and local culture intact.

Finally, let’s demystify the misconception of the “Geiranger tsunami”. This event didn’t occur in real life (thankfully, but contrary to what some believe), but was rather part of a 2015 fictional movie called Bølgen (“The Wave”) depicting the disaster in this area.

The storyline, however, wasn’t as far from reality as it may seem. Rather than a Geirangerfjord tsunami, there was a Tafjord tsunami that devastated a nearby region of Norway when parts of a mountain crashed into the Tafjord and caused massive waves.

So, where in the world is gorgeous Geirangerfjord? 

At the very end of Geirangerfjord sits the quaint town of Geiranger, Norway. Both are located in the southern fjord region of Norway’s wonderful west coast. 

A Geiranger, Norway map. Photo: Google Maps

Geirangerfjord is situated on the 62nd latitude north, which is too south for the aurora borealis and midnight sun to make an appearance, but in this area of the country, the natural wonders you’re chasing will likely be less celestial and more down to Earth anyway.

The position of Geirangerfjord makes for a cool but comparatively (to other locations on the same latitude) moderate climate.

Throughout the year, Geiranger temperatures range from -1 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius, the warmest temperatures belonging to the summer months. Temperatures in July range from 12 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius. Geiranger’s coldest month, December, sees temperatures averaging between -1 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius.

This fjord area gets its sunlight in different doses depending on the month, as well.

The shortest Geiranger days have barely five hours of daylight and they’re most prevalent in December. During June, on the other hand, daylight lingers in the region for almost 20 hours! The earliest sunrise in June is at 3:40 AM, while the latest sunrise, in December, is at 10:00 AM. The earliest sunset naturally occurs in December, at 3:00 PM, while the latest sunset occurs in June at 11:25 PM.

Wondering how to get to Geirangerfjord?

Geirangerfjord is accessible via road and air to and from Norwegian hotspots you may be traveling between. We’re bringing you all of the distance details.

In order of length: the distance from Geiranger to Ålesund is 110 km, from Geiranger to Flam 280 km, from Geiranger to Molde 308 km, from Geiranger to Trondheim 330 km, from Geiranger to Røros 360 km, from Geiranger to Oslo 430 km, from Geiranger to Haugesund 505 km, from Geiranger to Stavanger 630 km, from Geiranger to Kristiansand 710 km, from Geiranger to Bodø 1030 km, from Geiranger to Henningsvær 1275 km, from Geiranger to Tromsø 1500 km, and from Geiranger to the North Cape 2000 km.

You can get close to Geirangerfjord with flights, as well.

The closest large airport to Geiranger is Ålesund Airport, located 18 kilometers outside of the Alesund city center, and 120 km from Geiranger.

Alesund Airport has international flights to and from Alicante, Spain; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Copenhagen, Denmark; Gdansk, Poland; and Kaunas, Lithuania.

Domestic cities connected to Ålesund Airport are Bergen, Kristiansund, Oslo, and Trondheim.

If you’re planning a coastal road trip from the south and up through the western fjords, you might be wondering how to get from Bergen to Geirangerfjord. Bergen Airport is an 18-kilometer drive away from the Bergen city center, and around 400 km away from Geiranger.

To make your trip even easier, we’ve got you covered with the full lowdown on all of Norway’s airports here.

Geirangerfjord illuminated by sunshine. Photo: Skybluesrich / Pixabay

Have you visited Geirangerfjord? Or any other UNESCO sites in Norway? Write to us – we love to hear your experiences and thoughts! 

Source: Norway Today

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