Geirangerfjord is a short but spectacular body of water. It is flanked on either side by sheer cliff faces that rise thousands of feet above the water and waterfalls tumble thousands of feet into the fjord. It is a narrow fjord and across one of the narrowest points, the Suitor waterfall pays court to the Seven Sisters waterfalls.
Nearby, is the Bridal Veil waterfall. Perched impossibly on the cliff faces are tiny ladder farms that can only be accessed by climbing. They are so far above the ship that they look like toys, It is amazing that anyone could ever get to them much less live there all year round. At the end of the fjord is a green amphitheater surrounding still waters that reflect the mountains and the sky. It is not uncommon for several cruise ships to be anchored there. However, the atmosphere remains one of quiet, pristine natural beauty. Geiranger is a small village with approximately 300 inhabitants. The attraction is the scenery. Some tours take passengers up into the mountains where they can look down at the fjord and valley below. Eagle's Bend and Flydalsjuvet are popular view points. Mount Dalsnibba,also offer panoramic views. Geirangerfjord branches out from Storfjord. Taking the other channel one comes to Hellesylt, which was an important port in Viking times but which is now a tiny village. Some cruise ships will sail down to Hellesylt before entering Geirangerfjord in order to put passengers ashore for all day tours that take them to Jostedalsbreen National Park and the Briksdal Glacier before bringing them to re-join the ship at Geiranger. |
Above: Some cruise ships tender guests ashore in Hellesylt
before entering Geirangerfjord for shore excursions that take them over the mountains to Geiranger. Below: The Seven Sisters Waterfalls is a high point of the cruise into Geirangerfjord. |
Cruise destination profile - Norway - Norwegian Fjords - Geiranger