The Geirangerfjord
The fjord landscape, with the Geirangerfjord as its centrepiece, has been described as both unique and exceptionally beautiful. This has been confirmed by UNESCO by its inclusion on the World Heritage List.
You would have to be exceptionally blasé if you failed to be impressed by this astounding creation of Mother Nature, emphasised by the will of man to maintain a foothold on the steep mountainsides and glean a living here.
Impressive waterfalls cast cascades of thundering water from almost vertical mountainsides among them the famous falls, De syv søstrene (the Seven Sisters), Friaren (the Suitor) and Brudesløret (the Bridal Veil), or tease the cliffs with feather-light gossamer veils of mist whose mission seems to be to create a never-ending display of ever changing rainbows to fill you with delight and wonder.
See the Geirangerfjord from a bird's eye view.
Trollstigen Mountain Road
Snaking its way up steep mountain sides, passing waterfalls, edged with guard stones, narrow, sometimes nerve-racking but always extremely fascinating. This is Trollstigen, the road that is a testimony to superb engineering and construction skills using the simplest of tools from the hard thirties. Still capable of transfixing and scaring many of its travellers, a good 70 years after it was opened in 1936.
See Trollstigen from a bird's eye view.
Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge
Gudbrandsjuvet, half way between Trollstigen and Valldal centre, is an impressive system of whirlpools flanking a 5 metre wide and 20 metre deep gorge. According to an old legend, a man named Gudbrand jumped the gorge with his abducted bride.
There is a network of fenced walkways and bridges from where you can safely take in the spectacle. The gorge is easily accessible from main road rv. 63 between Valldal and Trollstigen.
Geiranger Fjordsenter
With exhibits based on the lives and livelihoods of the people of the Geirangerfjord, Geiranger Fjodsenter offers a unique and rewarding insight into the history, the colourful people and the fabulous natural scenery of the area.
The very latest technology is used to bring you information about the local flora and fauna, geological features including landslides and landslide areas, hydro-electric power development, road building, tourism and transport, folk life and nature. The interactive multimedia exhibit "From Mountain to Fjord" will show you the stunning natural World Heritage Site as it appears through the four seasons of the year.
You will be told this fascinating story and experience all the natural and cultural wonders of this outstanding area – all in the same place and at the same time.
Herdalssetra
The beautiful Herdalen with Herdalssetra lies 500 metres above sea level up from the village of Norddal and is within the UNESCO World Heritage area. The road runs along the waterside, and at the end of the path, grassy meadows spread out over the wide valley floor.
At the end of these meadows lies the unique Herdalssetra, which forms an intimate group of 30 old farmhouses. This is one of the largest community alpine farm centres for goat farming in Norway, and there is an unbroken tradition of alpine farming here stretching back in time more than 300 years.
You can stay in a farmhouse, buy a fishing license and hire a boat. The centre also has its own, simple farmhouse café (open in the summer season), where you can try traditional Norwegian "rømmegrøt" (sour cream porridge) with cured meats, goats' milk cheese and goats' milk caramel.
Flydalsjuvet
Flydalsjuvet offers an impressive view and is an excellent point for photography, with a view out over Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord with the many cruise boats. Some of Norway’s most popular travel photo images are taken here.
The view point is divided into two areas, one upper and one lower plateau, with a gangway running in between. On the lower plateau there is also an installation called "Fjordsetet" that was unveiled by HRH Queen Sonja in September 2003.
Flydalsjuvet is easily reached as it lies close to the road rv. 63, approximately 4 kilometres from Geiranger centre, towards Grotli.
Dalsnibba
The Nibbevegen Road takes you from Djupvasshytta Cabin at an altitude of 1,038 metres to the view point at Dalsnibba, at about 1,500 metres above sea level. It offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the fjord culture, breathtaking views of the wild, snow-capped peaks, pure, clean air, and a superb natural World Heritage Site – all at the same time.
The Nibbevegen Road, a pioneering road building project and the very symbol of tourism in Geiranger, was opened in 1939. The magnificent panoramic view from the mountain top encompasses the fjord and the surrounding peaks and highlands, and is an absolute must for any sightseeing trip to Geiranger. Nibbevegen is a toll road, which is normally open May - October.
Ørnevegen (the Eagle Road)
The steepest stretch of road up the mountain side from Geiranger towards Eidsdal on rv. 63. The road swings through 11 hairpin bends up from the Geirangerfjord and to the highest point on the stretch, 620 metres above sea level at Korsmyra.
The road was officially opened on 15 September 1955 and gave the village of Geiranger year-round road access. It was called the Eagle Road because at its highest point it passed through terrain that had traditionally been the domain of a large number of eagles. The name also reflects the wildness, the spectacular that tourists and others using the road will experience, especially if they stop at Ørnesvingen, the highest of the hairpins.
Facilities have been provided here for visitors to take in the magnificent panorama over Geiranger, the Geirangerfjord, De syv søstrene (the Seven Sisters Waterfalls) and the alpine farm Knivsflå, or to gaze down on the many cruise ships that traffic the fjord far below. The view point was upgraded in 2006, as part of the National Tourist Route.