The Geirangerfjord

UNESCO heritage and iconic fjord landscape

Geirangerfjord is known as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world – a 20-kilometre-long branch of the Storfjord, stretching between Hellesylt and Geiranger. The fjord is part of the West Norwegian Fjord Landscape, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason: the sheer mountain walls, abandoned farms, and wild waterfalls create an experience you’ll never forget.

At its deepest, the fjord plunges nearly 260 metres, while the surrounding peaks soar to 1,600–1,700 metres above sea level. The contrasts are immense – and awe-inspiring. Here, nature takes centre stage in a landscape that both surprises and moves you.

Waterfalls and fjord farms – a living history

Some of Norway’s most famous waterfalls plunge straight into the fjord along its steep sides. The Seven Sisters, with their seven slender streams, face The Suitor on the opposite side – while The Bridal Veil, with its delicate mist, is a stunning sight on its own. When the sun hits the water, you’ll often see rainbows dancing across the fjord.

Between the waterfalls, perched on narrow ledges in the mountainsides, lie the abandoned farms of Skageflå, Knivsflå, Blomberg, Matvik, and Syltevik. These places tell the story of a time when people lived off what they could harvest from the sea and the mountains – a life that demanded strength and courage. Today, the farms provide a historical backdrop to the grandeur of nature, and several can be reached on foot or viewed from the fjord.

Explore Geirangerfjord

The fjord is a highlight for anyone wanting to experience Norwegian nature at its most dramatic and beautiful, and a must-see on any journey through the fjord landscape. A great place to start is the Norwegian Fjord Centre, where you can learn about natural forces, World Heritage status, and life in a fjord village – the perfect introduction before heading out to explore on your own or with a guide.

The popular National Hiking Trail Fosseråsa leads from the village centre up to Storsæterfossen, where you can walk behind the thundering waterfall – a nature experience up close. Many also choose to go on a fjord cruise to get close to the waterfalls and farms, but you can just as well head up to viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet, Skageflå, or Dalsnibba to take in the landscape from above.

Here, you’ll experience Norwegian nature at its most powerful and breathtaking – at your own pace.