Geiranger Fjord is a remote corner of Norway that has recently been included in the list of UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites. It is known to many connoisseurs of the pristine beauty of nature.
Alluring fjord
The Geiranger Fjord got its name from the village located at its foot. The dimensions of this natural masterpiece are impressive. With a length of 15 km, in some places it reaches 1.3 km in width. It is believed to be an extension of Storfjord, which is better known as the Great Fjord. The landscape is complemented by the Geirangelva River, which flows into the fjord and arouses a lot of admiration among all those who have visited these marvelous places. The village located below, which seems to be enclosed in the arms of the rocks, is considered another local attraction. Its population at this time is no more than 300 people.
It is believed that the unusual relief of this area was influenced by the last glacier, when the movement of ice caused the formation of high mountain ranges and deep lowlands-fjords. Today, the debate continues about how this area looked until that time. It is believed that there were no mountains here, and part of modern Norway was covered with ocean waters. Some of the mountains that are located in this area reach 2000 meters, and the depth of some fjords is over 700 meters.
Norway Visitor Center
Geiranger Fjord is considered to be one of the most attractive places for tourists. Here you can find everything that can cause almost any spectator a true delight and forever fall in love with this place. True, it can be called the most picturesque of all the fjords on the planet. Just imagine, among the high mountains with huge snow caps somewhere far below the river flows. Like a blue-green snake, it does not at all seek to hide from sight, but, on the contrary, demonstrates all its beauty. And around this landscape, here and there, crystal clear waterfalls fall from the mountains.
As for the waterfalls, they should be discussed separately. If you try to determine the most beautiful, most impressive waterfall on the planet, then, undoubtedly, such as Victoria Falls will pop up in your head. But all those waterfalls that frame the Geiranger Fjord create such a divine and mesmerizing picture that you start to doubt that there are more breathtaking views somewhere on the planet.
Colorful fjord waterfalls
The beautiful waterfalls have no less beautiful names. The most popular and beautiful are considered "Bridal Veil", "Seven Sisters" and "Groom". Unusual, isn't it? The Seven Sisters water cascade is located near the abandoned Knivsfla farm. Its waters rush towards the water surface of the river from a height of more than 250 meters. The main feature of this waterfall is that the water flows down in seven streams (hence the name) and creates the impression of such a natural “soul”.
If you pay attention to the rocky ledges just opposite this waterfall, you will see an equally breathtaking view of another waterfall, which is called the "Groom". He is not so tall and outwardly somewhat resembles a bottle. There is a legend about this waterfall. According to the legend, the guy who tried to win the heart of one of the sisters in vain, after another unsuccessful attempt at courtship, found consolation in a bottle.
The third of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway is closed by a source called "Bridal Veil". It is located on the west side of the Seven Sisters waterfall and is one of the three most famous and visited. Its waters do not fall from a height, but slowly flow down the steep cliffs.
There is another local legend that has been passed down from generation to generation and reveals the secret of these three waterfalls. In general, the Scandinavians have always been famous for their religious customs and no less exciting legends. So, once upon a time seven beautiful sisters lived in these places, to whom a courageous warrior from the Viking people came to woo. The girls received a dear guest and invited him to choose his future darling. By the next day, he was supposed to bring a veil and give it to his beloved. But the warrior could not decide to whom his heart lies most. To this day, he sits on the rocks with the veil and thinks.
A picturesque place of modern Europe
The Geiranger Fjord, according to eyewitnesses, can be considered one of the most unique and picturesque places in modern Europe. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to its shores, dotted with glaciers and huge rocks. On rocky ledges, as if forgotten by civilization, dozens of farms are located. Many of them are abandoned and empty, and some have already been restored by the efforts of one of the local companies.
By the way, farms are of great interest to visitors. They enjoy spending time within the walls of the once residential buildings, which can still tell a lot about their owners and about local customs of distant times. There are also such farms that were built on rather small areas and steep ledges. It is quite difficult to get there and you cannot do without special ladders and equipment.
Surely, the best panoramas of the fjord open from many viewing platforms that can be found in different parts of the mountains. From here there is just a fabulous view of the river, which flows below and on the steep ledges, which amaze with their inaccessibility. Maybe once, among these rocks, they sailed on their kayaks to conquer new cities and discover hitherto unknown lands, famous for their fearlessness, the Vikings.
You know, when you visit different countries, each local attraction can tell a lot about the traditions and unusual customs of the local population. But with this place, everything is not so simple. Geirangerfjord is like a huge casket, in which many more secrets and intriguing mysteries are hidden, which, quite possibly, will still be revealed to many of us. But so far they are reliably guarded by a massive lock, the key to which has long been lost. There is something about the Geiranger Fjord that you will not find in any other mass on the planet.
Excursions
Anyone who comes to the foot of the fjord for the first time, in any case, should take part in excursions to places that have the names "Road of the Eagles" and "Road of the Trolls" (Trollstigen). The first attraction is a kind of mountain slalom, which originates at the foot of the fjord and rushes to the very top of the nearby mountain, at a height of over 620 m. In total, this section of the road has 11 rather steep bends.
No less impressive is the Trollstigen mountain serpentine, which can easily cause dizziness for everyone who dares to walk along it along many waterfalls and narrow turns, cutting into rock ledges.
Not everyone dares to take such a risky excursion. But courage has been held in high esteem since the days of the warlike Scandinavians. Therefore, every daredevil will undoubtedly receive a lot of vivid impressions and a lot of memories for his entire life. Try to overcome your fear of heights and approach the edge of the abyss. Believe me, you can hardly see a more colorful landscape that will open before your eyes.
Any water means, which are in abundance here, will help to appreciate all the delights of the fjord from the water. Tourists will be happy to provide a pleasure boat or ferry. For larger excursions, you can purchase a ticket for a cruise ship, which slowly drifting between the rocks, will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy the wonderful pictures of these places.
There is also a special offer for lovers.Do you want to give your beloved a wonderful evening in a picturesque place? Or are you hatching a plan for an original marriage proposal? Then you won't find a better moment! And boats in the style of ancient "Vikings" will bring an unusual touch to the solemn moment, highlighting your extraordinary mind and a piece of wonderful history. The solemn moment will be witnessed only by the eagle circling alone in the blue sky.
And, of course, an avid fisherman will also find his hobby here. The fishing here is amazing. You can cast a fishing rod in any of the many reservoirs or even go fishing on the river.
In general, we definitely recommend visiting the magnificent places of the Geirangerfjord, spending time with benefit and fully breathing in the cleanest air of the mountain peaks of Norway.
Another interesting place in Norway is Preikestolen Cliff.
