The Geiranger cruise port will take you to some of the most impressive scenery in Norway. When you think of a Norwegian Fjords cruise, the scenery found by sailing to the Geiranger cruise port is what usually comes to mind. Geiranger is located near Geirangerfjord, which is the only Norwegian fjord that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the reason most people visit here. While the village of Geiranger is small and quaint, it’s the natural scenery sprawling out beyond the town that puts a Geiranger cruise stop at the top of places to visit for those wanting to see the Norwegian Fjords.
Some of that scenery includes massive waterfalls, towering fjord walls, powerful Mt. Dalsnibba, and incredible lookout points. A Norway cruise that stops in Geiranger will take you to this scenery and make it easy to explore thanks to shore excursions.
This pretty church dates back to 1842 and is situated atop a hill that overlooks Geirangerfjord. It is a tiny church made out of wood and has a charming octagonal design topped by a white steeple.
Geirangerfjord is the crème de la crème of Geiranger cruise scenery. The fjord has towering sides with waterfalls tumbling over the edge of the cliffs. When taking a boat ride through Geirangerfjord, you won’t want to miss seeing the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfalls and The Suitor waterfall. In addition to leisurely sightseeing boat rides, you can also explore the fjord in rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) and kayaks.
If you want to learn more about the history of the Norwegian Fjords, a visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger is worth a visit. You’ll learn about the culture of the people who live amongst the fjords and the history of the region through interactive exhibits.
If you came to Geiranger for the views, then you’ll want to go to one of the top scenic viewpoints during your Geiranger cruise port of call. Ornevegen (Eagle’s Bend Road) is a drive that’s not for the faint of heart due to its steep incline and hairpin turns, but it leads to a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the fjord. On the other side of town high above the sea are the viewpoints of Flydalsjuvet or Dalsnibba, which offer amazing views of the fjord and mountainside.
To learn more about Norwegian farm life, visit Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm, which is located about 30 minutes from Geiranger. The land has been farmed for 300 years, and you’ll be able to tour historic buildings as well as new additions. See the farm animals and learn how goat cheese is made, then eat some more local food items at the on-site café.
Fishing is a popular and unique activity to do when you cruise Geiranger. Book your fishing excursion on a wooden cutter boat with a guide who will tell you about the history of the fishing industry in Geiranger as well as give you further insight into its tiny community. Once you’ve arrived at a good fishing spot, you’ll get your chance to reel something in. If you catch something tasty, your guides will even barbecue it onboard.
Geiranger’s stunning natural scenery makes it the perfect destination for hikers. Try the two-hour round-trip hike off Geiranger’s main road that leads you to Westeras Farm. Go a bit further to see the Westerasfjellet viewpoint and Storseter Waterfall, the latter of which is a fun waterfall to visit since you can walk behind it. Another hiking excursion you can enjoy will have you taking a boat to Skagehola where you can hike up to Skagefla fjord farm for a gorgeous vantage point of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls.
For an unforgettable bird’s-eye view, take a helicopter ride over Geirangerfjord. You’ll see the fjord and its waterfalls in a way few people do and also get incredible views of the surrounding countryside, lakes, and mountains.
Cuisine in Geiranger and the rest of Norway is very heavy on fish and local meat. You’ll also find that berries are a large part of the diet, particularly the locally grown ones such as cloudberries, strawberries, raspberries, and lingonberries.
Don’t be surprised if the fish is served cold. This is a common practice in the area as its often salt-cured first or steeped in lye. Meats may also be different than you’re used to since reindeer and elk are frequently served.
For dessert, don’t miss out on trying a Norwegian waffle, which is served with jam and cream. It might also be topped with caramel-flavored goat cheese.
During your Norwegian Fjords cruise, Geiranger has some great spots where you can sample local cuisine.
Café Ole
For a smaller meal, head to this laidback restaurant where you can get a coffee and a hearty appetizer off the Nordic Tapas menu.
Friaren Bistro
Friaren Bistro is an à-la-carte restaurant that’s part of Hotel Geiranger and features both local and international dishes. Try some local cheeses and cured meats for a starter followed by Norway’s delicious fish soup, and then feast on elk medallions.
Brasserie Posten
This restaurant has a unique location in Geiranger’s former post office with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Here you can try some local cuisine with creative twists.
Restaurant Westeras
Get a true farm-to-table atmosphere at this restaurant located on a farm. You’ll have to take a taxi (or do a 2.5-mile hike!) to get there, but the views, ambiance, and fresh ingredients will make it worth the journey.
The remoteness of Geiranger and the Norwegian Fjords region makes it hard to believe people live there. The incredible reality is Geiranger is home to around 250 year-round locals, and the fjords of Norway have been inhabited for thousands of years. Despite the often harsh climate and surrounding wilderness, people have found a way to persevere in this rugged, wild landscape, mostly through fishing and agriculture, with tourism playing more of a role in the economy in modern times.
Since Geiranger is so small, there’s no cruise terminal right in town. Instead, your ship will dock offshore, and you’ll board a tender boat to get to the floating Seawalk pier. From there, it’s a quick walk to the center of town.
Public transportation is very sporadic. While there is a bus stop in town, you won't see it serviced more than once or twice per day. It’s a risky choice for cruisers to depend on since you’ll need to ensure you get back to the ship on time at the end of your day in port. However, there is a hop-on, hop-off bus that visits the most famous viewpoints and stops for 15 minutes of free time at each stop.
If you need transportation and buses aren’t going to work, taxis are available in Geiranger as well. As you might expect in a small town, taxi service is limited, so it’s wise to reserve one in advance of your day in port. Otherwise, your best bet is to visit the tourist information point on the tender dock.
Since Geiranger is so small, it’s not hard to find the shops—just head to the main pedestrian street. The souvenir to get in Norway is the country’s knitwear, which you can find at Tln Geiranger. This shop also sells troll figurines and other souvenirs. Another great place to head to get some local delicacies is Geiranger Sjokolade for some local jam and homemade chocolate in unique flavors like cloudberry.
Norway’s currency is the Norwegian krone. You’ll find an ATM dispensing Norwegian krone at the supermarket in town. There is also a place to exchange currency in the Fjordbuda souvenir shop.
