Top 10 Geiranger Shore Excursions
The village sits at the head of the stunning Geirangerfjorden, which is a branch of the larger Storfjorden and you entrance into the port includes sailing within metres of 2 impressive waterfalls, the iconic Seven Sisters waterfall and the lesser known but still remarkable Suitor waterfall.
As a small village, there isn’t lots awaiting those arriving in port and whist for many that is part of its charm as you can simply stroll around and take in the incredible views, for some they want to head off and see what is on offer in the surrounding area.
To do that, most will need to take a shore excursion but just which are worth doing and what is actually on offer?
But just what are the top 10 Geiranger shore excursions? That is just what I answer in this list, which is based on my experience of visiting the port on a cruise holiday and the research I did before visiting there.
Shore Excursions In Geiranger
Mount Dalsnibba and the Eagle Road
As you arrive at the village, just after the two waterfalls, you may just spot a special looking road that climbs up from the fjord and to the top of the stunning Mount Dalsnibba.
By booking an excursion to take up to that road, you will wind up its hairpin bends, stop at the Flydalsjuvet viewing platform and then continue to peak of the mountain around 1,500 metres in the air.
All of the time you are in your coach or mini-bus, you have stunning views but also get within inches of a long drop that always adds to the occasion but don’t forget your camera and hope there are no low clouds as you could have views for miles or struggle to see your feet.
Self-Drive Car Tour
For this I am not talking about just hiring a regular car and setting of on adventure but rather the small green and black electric cars that are more like a fancy gold buggy with off road tyres.
These small vehicles make it easy to explore the narrow mountain roads around Geiranger and comes complete with an inbuilt GPS to direct you and an audio guide to fill you in on what you are driving past.
Nature Park
Whilst it may sound like somewhere that is a relaxing place to take in the scenery of the fjords, it is far from that although you are set to see plenty of the natural beauty of Geiranger.
The Nature Park is a dream spot for the more adventurous as you climb between trees, walk over Tibetan style bridges and zip-line over raging waterfalls all of which is just a short drive from the cruise port.
Fjord Cruise
If you didn’t get enough of cruising along the Geirangerfjord on your cruise ship, don’t worry, as there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy seeing it onboard a modern tour boat.
These electric ships allow you to really take in the peace and quiet of the fjord, take you right up close to the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls where you can really get a sense of scale form the smaller boat and you can also take in the incredible views all around you, which can often include eagles or seals.
The boats set off just a short stroll from the floating cruise pier but can often be pre-booked via your cruise line for those wanting to take advantage of onboard credit offers.
Wildlife RIB
Although the fjords offer a serene chance to simply sit back, relax and take in all of the stunning scenery but sometimes you just want to add a bit more excitement to that.
That is exactly what you can do by taking a Rigid Inflatable Boat ride along the fjord where you can feel every bump, get water spray in your face but also get within touching distance of the waterfalls and mountain sides that bank the fjord.
Goat Farm Visit
If you want to see what life was like in the hills surrounded the fjord for much of the last 300 years, this is the tour for you as goat farming has been a big part of this region for much longer than that.
Most tours will also head up the impressive Eagle Road, stop off near to the beautiful Eidsdal Lake and also give you stunning views of the Seven Sisters waterfall but it is your visit to the goat farm itself that is the highlight of your trip.
Herdal Summer Farm has been in operation for well over 300 years and as well as mountains goats, you will also spend time with some cows and fjord horses before getting to chance to try some homemade produce including milk and cheese.
Guided Hike
There are lots of incredible hiking opportunities all around Geiranger but with cruises having limited time to explore, having the knowledge of a local hiker can be hugely important.
Cruisers can choose from a number of providers and a few different routes but for me, a hike up to impressive Storseterfossen, a beautiful waterfall that you can stand behind and that whilst not a simple hike, is well within easy reach of most people who enjoy a Sunday walk.
Coach Tour
Take in the stunning views that surround you in Geiranger whilst heading to a local farm or hotel to try some local cuisine by simply booking a coach tour or the surrounding region. This is a great option for those with mobility issues or if the weather is poor, which is something that can often happen in Norway.
Many tours will also call into the visitor’s centre, from where you can stroll to a stunning waterfall complete with viewing platforms.
Clouds to Fjord Bike Ride
This is one for the more adventurous among you and also for those who are confident bike riders as this experiences sees you take a bus up the impressive Eagles Road, to the top of Mount Dalsnibba but unlike most tours, you leave your bus, jump on a bike and cycle back down the steep and winding road from the clouds and down to the fjord.
Bike Tour
A coach ride is the easiest way to see the scenery surrounding the village but for the best views and to really get close to the mountains and waterfalls, you really need to take a bike ride.
With hills surrounding the whole of Geiranger, that will likely seem a daunting thought to start with, even for regular cyclists, but by joining a guided tour on a electric bike, you can join the pack and when the lactic acid builds up in your legs, let the battery take the strain.
Geiranger Shorex
If you have booked a cruise holiday to Norway that is set to visit Geiranger and want to know what you can do whilst onshore there, this is the list for you.
It is also a good option for those who are wanting to visit Norway but who haven’t booked a cruise yet and are trying to decide whether you should visit Geiranger or not- the answer is yes by the way!
