Norway’s fjords remind visitors exactly why we need to take care of our planet. The breathtaking landscapes are as unique as they are iconic, as mystical as they are atmospheric, and as tranquil as they are dramatic.
Nowhere is this better exemplified than in Geiranger, a cruise port known as the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian Fjords.
As you sail in to the sleepy port, where the doctor only calls on Wednesdays, you might imagine that not a lot goes on here – but there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy in Geiranger. It’s Norway’s most picturesque fjord and a must-visit for nature lovers.
7 Best Things To Do In Geiranger, Norway
Watch my full Norway travel video on Youtube
I was invited to experience some of P&O Cruises best shore excursions on my trip to the Norwegian Fjords. The activities ranged from hurtling down a mountain at high speed on two wheels, to sipping hot chocolate in an elegant restaurant in the sky with panoramic views of the fjords below.
It was an incredible trip; packed with memorable, bucket list moments that I’ll treasure forever. I don’t know what I was more blown away by: the stunning vistas or the amount of fun you can have in Norway!
Here’s my pick of the best things to do onshore in Geiranger when you take a Norwegian Fjords cruise.
1. Kayak on the fjord
The water is undoubtedly the best vantage point from which to view the fjords, and who wouldn’t want to tick kayaking through this incredible landscape off their bucket list?
I was a little nervous after flipping a kayak years ago in New Zealand’s winter, but any hesitation I initially felt melted away as I glided through the awe-inspiring scenery, with the steep mountains sheltering us on either side.
The water was calm, our only neighbours were jellyfish, and a quiet serenity hung over the fjord. We saw countless waterfalls carving their snaking paths down the craggy peaks that line the nine-mile long fjord, including the Seven Sisters Waterfall (she only had five sisters that day, because of the weather!)
It’s hard to believe that the fjord is 240m deep below you, when you’re slicing through its basin in a tiny plastic vessel.
Can you imagine sailing into this dramatic scenery? If you book kayaking in Geiranger as a cruise excursion, you’ll be on the water for around two and a half hours.
2. Visit a traditional Norwegian Summer Farm
Herdal Farm is a remote, working mountain farm located 100 metres above sea level within a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Despite the day’s work soldiering on, cruisers can book an excursion to visit the farm. This is one of the more unique attractions within easy reach of Geiranger, in Norddal.
The farmer greeted us warmly, and explained a little of the farm’s 300 year history as well as his fight to preserve it. We met some of his (several hundred) goats, then had the chance to learn all about how the farm produces goats cheese and caramels – followed by a tasting session, of course.
I think my favourite part of the visit was peeking into the workers’ houses, which are all seriously cute!
The colour palette out here is an artist’s dream. Nature’s greens and blues are interrupted only by the deep mustard, burnt ochre and occasionally, navy painted farmhand’s wooden homes. Just so serene.
3. Take in the views from Eagles Bend
Before the 1950s, the only way in and out of Geiranger during some of the year was by water. The opening of Eagles Road gave the village year-round access. We climbed out of our coach there to make use of its high viewing platform.
With eleven hairpin bends, driving on Eagles Road isn’t for the fainthearted but the views are worth it. From the highest hairpin, Eagles Bend, or ‘Ørnevegen’ as it’s known locally, you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Geiranger and the fjord below. You’ll even be able to see your cruise ship from above!
4. Eat lunch at Brasserie Posten
Okay, it isn’t exactly ‘epic’ in the traditional sense of the word, but I really can’t think of any better way to describe the meal I had at Brasserie Posten, a small restaurant nestled just a stone’s throw from the fjord. I wasn’t expecting to come back from Norway a few pounds heavier, but I’m not one bit sorry about it.
We feasted on a beautiful spread of local Nordic delicacies including a cheese platter that featured the ‘World’s Best Cheese 2016’ (I agree), a selection of cured meats, fish (obviously), olives, preserves, crispy duck and all sorts of other mouthwatering morsels. It was basically my dream meal!
I washed my lunch down with a refreshing glass of locally produced bitter raspberry beer. Definitely eat here if you’re in Geiranger.
5. Warm up with coffee at Cafe Ole
If you visit Norway’s fjords during autumn or winter, you’ll want to warm up in between epic on-shore activities.
We popped in to the welcoming Cafe Ole for steaming mugs of coffee and comforting plates of ‘Svele’, which is a type of Norwegian pancake. They’re super fluffy, stick-to-yer-ribs and well… absolutely the thing you’ll be craving after a few hours immersed in the great outdoors.
This little cafe is the perfect place to experience ‘koselig‘, an otherwise untranslatable word which is best described as the Norwegian version of the Danish ‘hygge’; a feeling of cosiness and contentment. Bliss.
6. See it all from Dalsnibba
Norway is truly one of nature’s masterpieces, and once you’ve experienced Geiranger from the water, why not also see a birds eye view? Passing Lake Djupvatn, we enjoyed the comfort and warmth of our coach ride to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba.
On a clear day, you can apparently see for 100 miles. Unfortunately for us, the mist had decided to linger and we could barely see one mile ahead of us! It’s definitely airy up there, so wrap up warm.
Just a day later, our guide sent us all a photograph – the very place we’d stood with the wind whipping our faces was now covered in soft white snow!
This is Europe’s highest fjord view by road at approx 1500 m above sea level, so it’s definitely worth scheduling some time on top of the mountain if weather permits. The above photograph is actually the view from further down the road, which is beautiful enough!
7. Whizz through the hills on two wheels
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll probably know I’m not great with outdoorsy stuff like this, but Norway forced me out of my comfort zone in a good way. Happily, I loved the downhill biking activity and would recommend it as one of the best things to do in Geiranger if weather permits.
We donned high-vis vests, helmets and gloves at the Djupvasshytte Mountain Lodge and coasted down the serpentine mountain road from sky to fjord.
Traffic was quiet when we did our bike ride, so we pretty much had free reign – and with a guide leading us and a safety vehicle behind, we were all able to go at our own pace and just enjoy the scenery. I definitely recommend this excursion if the weather is good and you want to feel alive.
Read my bog post on what to do in Olden, the other cruise port I visited on my Norwegian Fjords adventure.
Essential Information For Your P&O Cruises Norwegian Fjords Cruise
This is a destination that’s best viewed from the sea. P&O Cruises offer a seven night round-trip Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton with departures throughout the spring and summer of 2020 on the Iona, who will sail her maiden season around the spectacular destination.
The cruise will stop in Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt, Geiranger and Bergen. You’ll also cruise past Innvikfjorden, Nordfjord, Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjorden and Storfjorden without docking. Prices start at £849pp and they offer a few different deals, so you can take your pick based on the type of cruiser you are. Tickets are available now.
I’ve cruised with the company before, when my mum and I enjoyed a Christmas Markets Cruise last year, and I can’t recommend the experience enough. Read my review of the P&O Christmas Markets Cruise to get an idea of what you can expect from a P&O Cruise.
Learn more about the Norwegian Fjords Cruise
About Iona
Iona is P&O Cruises’ most environmentally friendly ship yet. She’s set to be a beautiful vessel, with an elegant atrium ‘SkyDome’ as a focal point (imagine stargazing as you sail through the fjords!), and signature Conservatory Mini-suite cabins.
She’ll have eight speciality restaurants, a new foodie market concept called The Quays piazza and more than ten places to sip a drink with a view. In a first for the cruise company, all of her main restaurants will offer Freedom Dining. There will also be 18 (!) whirlpools, three outdoor pools and one indoors – more than enough for the vessel’s maximum of 5,200 passengers. I can’t wait to see her!
Exploring Norway? The Lonely Planet guide book is full of advice!
Please share this post with your cruise-loving friends, or with anyone you know would love to see the fjords! You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more pictures and travel tales.
My experience was sponsored by P&O Cruises but all opinions are my own.
chloedickenson says
This looks and sounds like an absolutely incredible adventure, Danielle! I’ve never been to Norway but after following your adventures of your trip, I definitely want to visit! The fjord looks so serene and magical! xx
PostcardsnPizza says
That first picture is just out of this world! You wouldn’t think experiences like this are only a couple of hours flight from the UK.
Melis says
Oh my word Dannielle, this looks like your most amazing trip yet! I can’t believe how varied it is out there and how much you managed to pack in. I went on a cruise to Norway years ago and literally had a day there, I can’t explain how much this makes me desperate to book another trip. Lovely photos as well!
catherine hooper says
Wow this looks amazing! my girls (7 and 10) were taken on a norweigan cruise this summer by my parents and they raved over it. was from north shields so very handy!
Ryan Biddulph says
Rocking post Dannielle. Thanks for sharing with us.
Kayaking and biking sound about right to me. What a freaking stunning spot these fjords are. Added to my travel list.
Ailsa lena says
This is a great blog. I am pretty much impressed with your good work. You put really very helpful information.
Nuno Ribeiro says
I was in Geiranger in May on board Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and i must say it was the must beatifull place i ever seen. Can’t wait to go back, but this time in the Winter.
Ailsa lena says
Very informative and useful blog!