Geiranger Fjord is probably the most spectacular of the Norwegian Fjords regularly visited by cruise ships. My wife and I recently made our second visit to Geiranger: on this occasion on board the Celebrity Infinity.
The early morning sail along the fjord is well worth making the effort to rise early and witness the spectacular scenery and waterfalls on offer as your cruise ship glides along in the direction of Geiranger village…
With hardly a breath of wind, the surface of the water offers a good palate to capture the reflections of the steep fjord sides…
*****
*****
But a short distance from where the cruise ships anchor is the legendary Seven Sister’s waterfall…
On Celebrity Infinity the Captain gave permission for the Helipad, situated in the bow of the ship, to be opened in order that more passengers could enjoy the views ahead of the ship…
Eventually Geiranger, and the head of the Fjord, came into view…
Once past the Silversea’s Silver Cloud and Aida’s AidaSol, we had a grand view of Geiranger village and Mount Dalsnibba…
Generally Geiranger is a tender port operation however Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have invested heavily in a ‘SeaWalk’ – a flexi concertina floating walkway that propels itself to the ship once the ship has dropped anchor…
*****
*****
*****
What a briulliant piece of kit and so much easier getting ashore than having to endure a tender ride.
We had pre-booked through the internet a 2 hour coach tour to the peak of Mount Dalsnibba. We had chosen a tour time of 12.30 as a precaution against an early morning mist or cloud obstructing the views from the top. Booking online was no problem though it remained to collect our tickets from the local Tourist Information Office….
Worthy of note is the fact that, with four cruise ships in port, the queue to collect online purchased tickets was miniscule compared to that for those who were trying to purchase tickets for one of the many tours on offer…
Having collected our tickets and checked where the coach would eventually leave we now had two hours free time.
We headed off along the main road in the direction of the white church with a brief pause to admire the view back down the Fjord…
…before reaching Geiranger Kirkja in, at a rough guess, 15 minutes…
…with another unmissable view…
The Kirkja is open to visitors from 10.00 am.
We continued along the road in the direction of the Hotel Union….
…before crossing the bridge opposite the hotel to join the river walkway…
One can either follow the walkway to the left which leads to the Norwegian Fjord Visitor Centre, or to the right and follow the walkway downhill back to Geiranger: we chose the latter…
*****
*****
*****
*****
You can of course do this walk in reverse order, though those steps are pretty steep.
Our coach trip to Mount Dalsnibba was scheduled to depart at 12.30 from the pick-up point directly opposite the troll…
This is a popular tour and the coach was full. It is one of Geiranger’s ‘must do’ activities but a word of warning. The coach runs a tight timetable allowing limited time at the two stops. Just 5 minutes at the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint…
…and 15 minutes at Mount Dalsnibba peak….
There is an English commentary in the coach as it makes the 2 hour round trip. There are some great views going both ways including a now abandoned farming community…
and Lake Djupvatnet which is some 1016 metres above sea level and sits at the start of the ‘private toll road’ leading to the peak….
There are toilet facilities and a gift shop at the peak car park…
Our day in Geiranger was crowned with the addition of an invitation to the Senior Officer’s Cocktail Party on Deck 12, an ideal spot to watch the sail away…
*****
…though what we witnessed next was certainly the icing on the cake. Within about 10 – 15 minutes of sailing we arrived adjacent the ‘Seven Sisters’. Without any announcement the Captain executed a complete 360° turn in the quite narrow channel…
*****
*****
*****
There are of course many other activities in and around Geiranger. One that certainly looked popular judging by the number of times it passed Infinity was the Fjord Rib Ride…
…not to mention the ubiquitous HoHo bus…
Whatever you do, make the most of Geiranger – it’s one memorable place to visit.
Solent Richard's Cruise Blog 
I want to go.
Absolutely stunning photos Richard!
fantastic photographs – as always – and you wer so lucky with the weather visiting the Dalsnibba-peak, since when we were up there in June 2007, clouds were surrounding us and it started snowing… no view unless it was approx 5m away from you.
Many more wonderful moments for you and your wife.
All the very best to you both.
Fabulous photos! So relevant for me as I leave on 30 day cruise to the Arctic Circle July 28 on Queen Mary 2. Barbara and Richard … you guys are as beautiful as ever!!!
As you know, I loved Geiranger and had a lot of fun on the RIB safari that you got a photo of. It was a wonderful way to see the fjord!
You’ve made me want to go back to the Fjords now.
Wonderful as ever. Beautiful scenery. Must revisit as we have not been since 2008 on the dear old QE2. Thanks Richard love to you and
Lady B. x
Excellent photographs. We have done the coach trip up to Mount Dalsnibbia and it was a never to be forgotten experience! Those hairpin bends made me wish I had not taken the window seat. We are sailing on P&O Arcadia to the Fjords this June and your photos of Geiranger have ensured that this time we will walk up to the church and back by the scenic route! Thank you so much for the information.