If you’re wondering if Geiranger is overrated, here is my list of where the gems are hidden in Geiranger!
1. Visit the three viewpoints
- Dalsnibba
- Flydalsjuvet
- Ørnesvingen
Flydalsjuvet and Ørnesvingen are free and easily accessible by driving while Dalsnibba costs 200kr for the entrance.
2. Fossevandring Geiranger
(Translated into English as ‘the waterfall’s walk’.)
This track is finely built alongside Storsæterfossen that flows through the city centre.
3. Fjord tour
Different price for different services. I would recommend the fjord ferry or kayak, as you can see the famous waterfalls at a good pace. (I had tried RIB boat tour and my opinion about it is written at the bottom.)
4. Hiking
Personally, I think the highlight of Geiranger’s are in these hiking routes;
- Vesterasfjellet and Storsæterfossen – this is a trail for tourist hiking, so it’s not so demanding and takes around 25 mins for en route. Here is the detail on the hiking route and length.
- Skageflå gård – (The word ‘gård’ means ‘farm’.) The farm is located 250 metres above sea leave and is the only farm where you do not need the boat to the start point. The hiking from Homlong takes 5-6 hour trail one way. I would recommend to bring a tent or to overnight in Homlong area. However, if you can start en route from the fjord and walking up there takes around an hour through the steep route.
- Knivsflå gård – The farm is located 250 metres above sea level. The farm is situated on the right side of the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall. The route to the farm can be accessed by boat/kayak only. It is a bit steep but takes just around half an hour to hike up.
- Blomberg gård – The farm is located 450 metres above sea level. The route is very demanding and steep, which takes around one hour to hike up.
- There are many more options for hiking around the area; for example, Vesteråsfjellet, Vinsåshornet, Laushornet and more.
- There are a variety of fjord-travel choices; kayak (480kr per hr), ferry (drop-off, 425kr for return), and taxi boat (750kr for 30 mins) or boat rent.
I think RIB boat is good for people who have limited time or like speed. We had tried it and, honestly, we did not have time to appreciate the view much. We saw the waterfall in the speed of light and time was well spent on creating excitement, which was not really that exciting. However, in the end, it comes down to what you prefer or is interested in. (RIB boat tour costs 395kr per person and lasts 50 minutes).
Let me know what do you think? Is Geiranger overrated or a simply heaven on earth?