Getting ready for our Norway trip, we didn`t tag Norway's iconic fjord Geiranger on an offline map we were tagging some places of interest on. We actually wanted to omit Geiranger... And that is why:
Before the beginning of our Scandinavian road trip, we researched its most famous sights and found out the following. You should wait in a line to shoot a famous picture on a Trolltunga cliff. On a hike to another iconic cliff Preikestolen, you may encounter crowds that resemble a love parade by their density. There might be several cruise ships parked in Geiranger fjord at once. That didn`t sound like a great nature and wilderness experience.
It was a tip from a local farmer that brought us there in the end. We forgot that Gerianger was on our blacklist and were sure that it was some kind of a secret tip until we arrived there and spotted several busses at Geiranger viewpoint. Still, we managed to enjoy the famous fjord views beyond the crowds – and that’s how we did it:
Just behind the viewing platform, a small trail winds up ending after 800m at a waterfall. Shortly after it starts, you will find a small natural viewing platform with the same iconic view (maybe even better as it is closer to a bend in the fjord!). And you will be here completely alone.
You may also rent a kayak in the village and explore the place from the water. During the high season, it is better to come in the morning to secure a kayak.
Another thing you can do in Geiranger is to hike on the shore opposite to the famous viewing point. On the 2 hours long hike, you will also escape the crowds and enjoy the view over the Geiranger waterfalls.
One more trail starts in the Geiranger village and leads up the mountain, but it didn't entice us: it overlaps with a busy car road a couple of times. A better solution may be to rent an e-bike or one of the small electric cars in the village and drive the car road to the Dalsnibba Mountain. In Norway, the ranges are usually tunnelled, so driving up to the range over Geiranger is a rare chance to see and enjoy the mountain scenery from above.
There are several great Instagram worthy spots on the way to the top. The top of the range itself is an out of this world beauty! On a stony plateau, in front of the blue-coloured glacier, where a roaring waterfall starts, we found our favourite campsite on this trip. Our absolute ecstasy for this place was only cooled by the rain that changed a series of warm and sunny August days into apocalyptic fall weather. Here, on the top of the mountain, exposed to the strong winds and rain showers, you understand how tiny and insignificant a human is. But this is a state of mind we cherish and go to the mountains for.
PS: The following video is an experience report about exploring Geiranger:
