Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the first of April until the end of September, Hurtigruten
coastal
steamers
also sail into Geiranger but only when en route to the North Cape.
The most frequently used public transport is a daily
bus
in summer running
from Åndalsnes (see below), which takes 3 hours and costs 140NOK ($20). For
the visitor wanting
wild fjord scenery
, the morning bus from Åndalsnes
goes on from Geiranger to Langvatn, and on the way back to Geiranger takes a
rather thrilling 10km (6
1
⁄
4
-mile) jaunt just for visitors. The bus goes up to the
summit of Dalsnibba at 1,500m (4,921 ft.), stopping at Flydalsjuvet (see below).
The return fare is 100NOK ($14) per person.
By
car,
it's also possible to reach Dalsnibba by toll road, costing 50NOK
($7.10) per vehicle. From Stryn, take routes 15/63 into Geiranger. The moun-
tain road, known as Strynefjellsveien, offers gleaming white snow and views of
glacier “tongues” well into the summer months. The final stretch to Geiranger
is called
Geirangervegen
and it takes you through 38 bends, offering fan-
tastic mountain and fjord views at every turn. The most dramatic routing is to
drive the famous Trollstigvegen from Åndalsnes (see below), a 2-hour scenic
drive along Route 63.
VISITOR INFORMATION
In the post office complex adjacent to the quay,
the
Geiranger Tourist Office
(
&
70-26-30-99
) is open only from mid-May to
early September. Hours vary, so call ahead.
SEEING THE FJORD
Accurately acclaimed as “the most beautiful fjord in the world,”
Geiranger-
fjord
invites exploration. The best and least expensive way to see the
majesty of the fjord is to take a regular ferry service between the port of Helle-
sylt (see above) and Geiranger, which sails daily from May to September. An
organized tour, however, gives you a greater view, by going closer to the banks.
The best jaunts are run by
Geiranger Fjordservice
(
&
70-26-30-99
), offering
1
1
⁄
2
-hour sightseeing boat tours at a cost of 75NOK ($11) per person. Bookings
can be made at the tourist office. Departures are June to August at the rate of five
times daily. From June 25 to the end of July, there is also a tour in the evening.
Geiranger is also blessed with having some of the finest excursions in the fjord
country, notably to
Dalsnibba
, lying 21km (13 miles) to the south.
Opened in 1889, this dramatic road goes through a valley hemmed in by tall
mountains until it reaches a lookout point at 1,500m (4,921 ft.). There are
many panoramic lookout points along the way. You're rewarded with a dramatic
view at the top. As one local told us, “This is the lookout point where Satan took
Jesus to tempt him with the beauty of the world.”
A second great excursion is the
Flydalsjuvet
, lying 4km (2
1
⁄
2
miles) south
of Geiranger. This gigantic overhanging rock, opening onto the fjord, is the
most photographed in Norway, especially by cruise-ship passengers. To reach it,
take the signposted road to Stryn until you see the turnoff.
SHOPPING
E-Merok Turisthandel
(
&
70-26-30-14
) has been selling gifts and souvenirs to
visitors since 1928 from its location in the center of the village overlooking the
fjord. Their specialty is Norwegian knitwear, including a fine selection from the
prestigious manufacturer Dale of Norway. They also sell items in silver and gold,
along with Norwegian enamel, pewter, and crystal, as well as souvenirs. In sum-
mer they remain open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Audhild Vikens Vevstove
(
&
70-26-32-12
) also has a large selection of gifts and souvenirs as well as
clothes, knitted goods, pewter, books, music, and other items.
