geiranger

  • Where to Stay in Geiranger, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective

    Where to Stay in Geiranger from a Tour Leader's Perspective

    Gerianger is one of the most popular places to stay when it comes to the Western Fjords, and I can completely understand why! This charming fjord village provides spectacular views, unique activities, and is within walking distance to some of Norway’s best hikes.

    However, Geiranger is also a huge tourist town, with hotels selling out months in advance. During the day, the town can feel overcrowded – especially when the cruise ships are in. However, Geiranger in the evenings and early mornings is wonderful, and as long as you don’t mind the crowds, you’ll love it here!

    There are so many hotels in Geiranger, with more popping up all the time. But where is the best place to stay? Well, I’ve stayed in Geiranger several times at various different hotels, so I’ve put together this handy guide to help you choose the right spot in Geiranger.

    Tip:When I was researching this guide, I put in a one-night stay in June (6 months away) and many accommodation options only had one room left, especially the good value ones. Some were even sold out.

    Affiliate links: None of the hotels recommended here are paid placements or have sponsored this article in any way. This guide comes from my years of experience travelling to Geiranger for work and holiday, and I’m simply choosing the hotels I believe to be the best choice. That said, if you book through the link provided here, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and that money contributes to this website. I appreciate any support I can get 🙂

    Price Range:

    Budget: Less than 1500 NOK a night
    Mid-range: 1500 – 2600 NOK a night
    High end: 2600 NOK a night

    I looked at one night in June in the following year from when I wrote this article to get my price list.

    In this article...

    Map of Geiranger

    High Up

    Why Stay Here?

    If it’s views you’re after, then I’d recommend choosing a hotel high up on the mountains. The advantages are that you get spectacular views, are close to the hikes, the museum, and driving in/out of Geiranger, but the disadvantage is that anytime you want to go into the village, there’s a bit of a hike waiting for you.

    Photo of Geiranger from the Flydalsjuvet photo spot. You can see Hotel Union in the bottom centre. The view in the photo is similar to what you’d get at Hotel Utsikten.

    High End

    Hotel Union

    If you want to stay in Geiranger, I’d say that Hotel Union is one of the best hotels here. This historic hotel began over one hundred years ago when tourism began coming to Geiranger, and the same family has owned it ever since. In the basement they have some of the most beautiful vintage cars that I’ve ever seen (and that comes from someone who doesn’t care for cars!) as the same family also brought taxis to Geiranger. The rooms are spacious, the hotel restaurant is excellent, and there’s even a spar with indoor and outdoor pools. You pay a premium for a room with a view out to the fjord, but I must say it’s worth it.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Hotel Utsikten

    Hotel Utsikten is the main competitor to Hotel Union, and is located very close by. “Utsikten” means “The View” and here you will get spectacular views out to the Geirangerfjord. Prices are very similar to Hotel Union, and here you’ll also pay a premium for a fjord view. Hotel Union is better as an overall package, but Hotel Utsikten has a much better view.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Mid Range

    Dalen Hytte

    Dalen is a little ways out of Geiranger, but it’s worth it for the price and views. A cabin with one bedroom and a private bathroom is 1300 NOK in the high season, which is crazy low for Geiranger. Don’t expect high end luxury, but for that low price you can park right next to your cabin and sit on your front porch enjoying views of the mountains. The accommodation offers even cheaper cabins with shared bathrooms, or you can opt for some glamping. While I’ve put this under the “mid range” category, this is definitely one of the best-value stays in Geiranger.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Fossen Camping

    Fossen is where I stayed in 2020 and I was impressed by the incredible views you get for the price. When researching this article, most of the cabins in summer were sold out so it was hard to get a price list. The cabins come with balconies overlooking the fjords and are relatively modern inside, though still with some rustic cabin charm. They have TVs inside as well as a kitchenette. You can park right by your cabin. 

    Click here to view rates & book

    By the Fjord

    Why Stay Here?

    If you want to be within minutes walk of Geiranger’s attractions, experiences and shops, this is a good place to stay. However, keep in mind that it’ll be very crowded during the daytime. The views aren’t as spectacular as they are from higher up, but you’re choosing convenience by staying by the fjord. 

    High End

    Grande Fjord Hotel

    This hotel is located right by the fjord at the bottom of the Ørnesvingen switchback road. The views from the hotel are excellent and there is a highly recommended breakfast here. All rooms (except for the “Basic” category) offer views out to the fjords, and the room size is generous with coffee machines in all the rooms. Some rooms come with patios out to the fjord as well. The only downside is that it is about a 20 minute walk into Geiranger, but if you’re here in the high season this will be a nice escape from the massive crowds during the day. The hotel even has its own distillery – Geiranger Brenneri – and you can take a tour or try some gin and aquavit.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Mid Range

    Havila Hotel

    If you want to stay in the centre of Geiranger close to all the shops and restaurants, this is your pick. The rooms are well-designed but on the small side. The cheapest rooms are about 2,500 NOK a night, but I put this in mid-range as it’s the best option you’ll get if you want to stay in the heart of Geiranger.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Solhaug Fjordcamping

    This one is at the top of my list for where to stay next time I visit Geiranger. These modern cabins come with kitchenettes, TVs, a coffeemaker, and porches with views out to the fjord. Larger cabins have separate bedrooms, while smaller ones have bunkbeds. The cheaper cabins have shared bathrooms, while the more high-end ones (which are 2,400 NOK a night) have private bathrooms). The walk into Geiranger is around 10-15 minutes.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Budget Friendly

    Solhaug Fjordcamping

    Geiranger Camping is more of an RV-park than a cabin rental place. Located right by the waterfront and only a minutes walk from the ‘main street’, the prices are very low – just 290 NOK a night for an RV – and the views are excellent.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Neighbouring Villages

    Why Stay Here?

    If you have a car, I recommend staying out of Geiranger. By staying twenty minutes out of town, you save a ton of money on accommodation and will also have a more peaceful, authentic fjord experiences. There are some lovely places to stay in the surrounding areas, and the commute into Geiranger is beautiful. 

    High End

    Valldal Fjordhotell

    Located approximately 30 minutes and one ferry ride from Geiranger, Valldal Fjordhotel is a highly rated hotel with good-size rooms, amazing views, and excellent food. The hotel is approximately mid-way between Trollstigen and Geiranger, so if you’re visiting more to explore the nature, this could be a good pick. Valldal is also not touristy, so you’ll get a more authentic fjord experience.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Hjelle Hotel

    Hjelle Hotel is a charming historic hotel in a tiny village called Hjelle. If you want to avoid tourists, this is the spot for you. The hotel was established in 1896 by Thor Hjelle, who was only 20 years old at the time. The hotel is still run by the family who has been living there since the 1900s, and there’s a white sandy beach close by with some incredible hikes. All the rooms have a lovely historic charm and some come with balconies out to the fjords.

    It’s about a one hour drive into Geiranger from Hjelle.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Mid Range

    Hesthaug Gård

    Located in Eidsdal, around 20 minutes by car from Geiranger, these charming little cabins are perfect if you want to stay in nature. The cabins also come with kitchens so you can cook for yourself. Don’t expect luxury inside the cabins, they are very typical of how Norwegians stay when they are out in nature.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Petrine’s Gjestgiveri

    ‘Gjestgiveri’ is a word for an inn or bed and breakfast, and this one is absolutely charming. Located about 40 minutes from Geiranger by car, Petrine’s Gjestgiveri is in a quiet fjord village. There are 10 rooms here with good views in all directions, and there’s even a restaurant in the hotel. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, relaxing stay.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Budget Friendly

    Eidsdal Camping & Feriehus

    These cabins are located in Eidsdal, which is about a twenty minute drive from Geiranger. If you are a few friends or a family travelling together, these cabins are amazing value. The cabins are basic, but they have a cosy feel.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Nygård Camping

    Located on the Strynfjellsvegen scenic road, Nygård Camping is an excellent-value cabin stay. A one-bedroom cottage is only 1200 NOK (compared to 3000 NOK+ you pay for hotels in Geiranger) and the location is stunning. It does take about 45 minutes to drive to Geiranger, but there’s still a lot to do in the area.

    Check Availability & Prices

    Are there Airbnbs?

    There are Airbnbs, but please don’t consider booking one. If you want an apartment, consider one of the cabins mentioned in this guide. You can get much nicer quality hotels and apartments and don’t need to stay at an Airbnb. 

    Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Geiranger

    I think my best tip for booking in Geiranger is to consider what’s more important – proximity to activities or serenity in nature. From there, you can narrow down your search. Personally, I prefer staying out of Geiranger in a cabin in the mountains. But if I was to stay in Geiranger, I’d choose Hotel Union for sure. 

    Be sure to check out my Geiranger travel guide! Here you can find all my recommendations of things to do and see, plus practical information for visiting the beautiful fjord region. 

  • Drive it Yourself: Geiranger to Sandane via Stryn & Loen

    Drive it Yourself: Geiranger to Sandane via Stryn and Loen

    In June 2023 Sean and I set off for a weekend in the fjords. The goal was to film as much as possible while the weather was good. Originally I had wanted to do the Gamle Strynefjellvegen Tourist Road, but it was still closed because of snow. Oh well – it’s just an excuse to go back!

    This road was beautiful. I hadn’t been to this part of Western Norway for years, and was reminded of just how special it was. A highlight was the stretch from Loen to Utvik; easily the most beautiful fjord I’ve driven along.

    We chose Sandane to spend the night because of the historic hotel; it was a town I had never heard of but I had heard of the hotel. 

    In this article...

    Download this Guide

    All of our guides can be downloaded via our online store. 

    We offer downloadable versions of our self-guided drives on our online store. 

    Online Guide

    Downloadable Guide

    Watch on Youtube

    All of our roadtrips are available on YouTube to watch. They include information about the area provided in text and voiceover form, plus they show the drive in full (sped up in some spots!) so you can get an idea what the drive is like. 

    Geiranger to Sandane via Stryn & Loen

    Geiranger

    This drive begins in Geiranger, a popular village due to its incredible fjord. This is also the end of the Trollstigen Tourist Road, a very popular road in Western Norway. You can read all about Geiranger via our travel guide page. 

    Flydalsjuvet

    Scenic Overlook

    As you leave Geiranger there is a lovely viewpoint over the village and the fjord called Flydalsjuvet. It’s not to be missed!

    Knuten

    Historic Site

    Knuten (the Knot) is a section of the old road. It’s still the same as it was when it opened in 1882. It is a loop road used to get up/down the steep mountain. The road curves 270 degrees, and was designed to reduce the road graient for passing horses and people.

    It’s important to note that it’s very hard to see Knuten if you’re going down into Geiranger. It’s best viewed if going up from Geiranger.

    Cars are not allowed to go up, but people and bikes can.

    Dalsnibba Viewpoint

    We are now at the famous Dalsnibba Viewpoint. It’s a lengthy detour, but if you can see the mountain peaks, it’s well worth doing.

    Dalsnibba is a viewpoint located at an altitude of 1,746m. From the top, you can see Geiranger, the Geirangerfjord, and the road we’ve taken to get here. The view is unlike anything else. The road is only 5km (3 mi) off the main road, but it takes a long time as the road is narrow, has many hairpin bends, and often has a lot of traffic.

    The road has a toll as it is a private road. You can see updated prices via the link in the description. At the top you’ll find a café, souvenir shop, and incredible views. It is often very, very cold and very windy. Bring extra layers! Snow is common all year round.

    Innlandet County

    Skjåk Municipality

    Skjåk is a municipality in Innlandet. It’s part of the traditional region of Gudbrandsdalen. The name comes from an old farm.

    After the last Ice Age, it’s believed reindeer followed the ice as it retreated north to Scandinavia. Skjåk is in the middle of the central migration route for the Scandinavian reindeer. There are ancient large hunting facilities and traces of settlements that show hunting and trapping was important here from the Ice Age until today. There are farm names that date back to the Iron Age. There is a hunting facility for moose from 220-570AD.

    The region is mentioned in the Viking Age and has a rich cultural heritage. St. Olav supposedly travelled through the valley when he was Christianising the villages. He christianised Lom, but Skjåk refused. As a result, the village was burned. St. Olav said: “It’s a pity to burn such a beautiful village”.

    There was a high population growth during the Middle Ages, and there were around 120 farms here just before the Black Death in 1349. After the plague, the population was more than halved. In the second half of the 17th century, the population recovered to the pre-plague numbers. Most of the farms in Skjåk were owned by the farmers. From 1730, the forest began to be exploited for the timber industry.

    You will then turn right, following signs towards Stryn. We did this trip in the low season so were not able to do the Gamle Strynefjellvegen Tourist Road, but if you are doing this drive from mid-June to early September, the road will be open. 

    Vestlandet County

    Stryn Municipality

    Stryn municipality is located around the innermost part of the Nordfjorden. Farming, forestry, fruit growing, animal breeding for fur and manufacturing is important to the region. Stryn is also known for its all-year glacier skiing at Stryn Sommerski.

    Strynefjellet

    Mountains

    Strynefjellet is a mountain range that separates Vestland and Innlandet counties. The mountain area is partly within the Breheimen National Park and the mountains are the main watershed between West and East Norway.

    Oppstrynsvatn

    Lake

    The Oppstrynsvatnet lake is the main outflow of the river Stryneelva, which flows west into the Nordfjorden. The village we are driving through is located by the lake. This is where you also find the Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre.

    Stryn

    The village of Stryn has a population of around 2,600 people. One of the fastest growing industries here is tourism because of the proximity to the national parks and popular areas like Geiranger. Stryn is the administrative centre for the region.

    Loen Skylift

    The Loen Skylift is an incredible cable car that rises 1000m (3300ft) above sea level. We covered it in a separate article, which you can see below. 

    Loen

    Loen is a small village located on the inner part of the Nordfjord. Loen is home to the historic Hotel Alexandra, which opened in 1884. It is named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The hotel has undergone a lot of development since it opened, and it is currently in its fifth generation of the same family running it. Loen Church is from 1838 and is located higher up in the valley, but historical records indicate that a church has been here since the early 14th century.

    Olden

    Olden is a small village with around 500 people. This is where the larger cruise ships dock that are heading to Loen or the Jostedalsbreen National Park. In 2019, 102 cruise ships came here. The Briksdalsbreen glacier is a popular hiking destination and is located about 25km (16 mi) from Olden.

    Innvik

    Village

    Innvik is a small village with around 430 people living there. At its peak, however, there were over 3,000 people living here.

    Utvik

    Village

    Utvik is a small village with around 332 people living there. The village is located on the southern side of the Nordfjord. Utvik has been an important communications hub for hundreds of years. The Royal Trondheim Postal Route was established through here in 1795, and at Utvik the postal workers would take a boat to the northern side of the fjord.

    Utvik developed as an important place for trade. There was an inn, pier, post office, bakers, dyers, and blacksmiths living here. Trade has existed here since the mid-17th century. Additionally, there has been a church in Utvik since the 14th century, though the church the village has today is from 1840. The altarpiece and pulpit are from 1617, while the church bells are from the Middle Ages.

    Today Utvik has a large production of fruit and berries.

    Gloppen Municipality

    Gloppen is a municipality located just south of the Nordfjord with around 5,800 people living there. Part of the municipality is located around the Gloppefjorden. Gloppen is one of the largest agricultural municipalities in Western Norway and accounts for 10% of Norway’s milk production.

    The word ‘Gloppen’ comes from the old Norse Gloppi and means “narrow opening”. The area was an important place in the Viking Age, and a number of burial mounds have been found here. Some of the oldest burial mounds go back to the 4th century. Karnilshaugen is West Norway’s largest mound – 7 metres high and a diameter of 50 metres. It was probably built as an astronomical mark as the mound is the last point to receive sun during the winter solstice.

    Sandane

    Sandane is a small town with a population of 2,500. The centre is fairly modern, but people have lived here for hundreds of years. The village has a high school, football team, gold course and small airport. The main square of the town is Heradsplassen, which has a monument of a copy of a wooden object that was found dating to the 4th century. The original is in the Historical Museum in Bergen. This is the only wood carving of its type to be found in Norway; similar objects have been found in Iran and Afghanistan.

    Sandane is home to the Gloppen Hotel, one of Norway’s historic hotels. The hotel was established in 1866 and is today owned by the hotel chain Classic Norway. It was extended in 1921 and now has a Swiss-style appearance. The highlight of the hotel is the kitchen. Gloppen Mat is the hotels own production kitchen in the back garden, and the restaurant only serves locally sourced food.

    If you liked this drive, or if you have any travel tips, please leave a comment in the section below!

    Previous Drive

    Trollstigen Tourist Road

    Before this drive, we completed the Trollstigen Tourist Road. 

  • How to Experience Dalsnibba Viewpoint in Geiranger

    Visiting Dalsnibba Viewpoint

    Geiranger is undeniably becoming one of the most popular places in Norway to see a fjord. The Geirangerfjord is UNESCO World Heritage-listed as it perfectly represents how a fjord is carved out from melting ice. In other words, the Geirangerfjord is the fjordiest of the fjords. And there is no better place to see the Geirangerfjord than from Dalsnibba Viewpoint.

    Termed ‘Europe’s highest fjord view from a road’, Dalsnibba viewpoint gives you an incredible view over the village of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. Located 1500m (4921 feet) above sea level, it’s a truly spectacular sight. It is somewhere I take private groups, and while I definitely think it’s worth making the trip to the top, there are some things you need to keep in mind.

    Table of Contents

    The History of the Dalsnibba Viewpoint

    Regarded as one of the most ambitious road-building projects ever seen in Norway, it’s unsurprising that it took almost one hundred years before the road went from idea to reality. The plan to build a road was first mentioned in the mid-19th century, however back then Geiranger was a tiny farming village. It wasn’t until cruise ships started to arrive at the beginning of the 20th century, and a little later the addition of motorised vehicles, that the road was put into action.

    Construction for the road began in June 1937 and around fifty men were working on the road. It took two years to build and had an unofficial opening in 1939. It was unofficial due to the outbreak of the Second World War, in which Norway was occupied and tourism became non-existent.

    It wasn’t until 18 July 1948 that the road was officially opened, and it tied in with the visit of the first tourist ship to visit the Geirangerfjord since the end of the war.

    Since its opening, the road has become increasingly popular, and due to a steep rise in tourism, the road has been asphalted and widened to two lanes to allow for tourist buses to go up. 

    What You See at Dalsnibba Viewpoint

    The view is undeniably incredible. For me, I like how clearly it shows how the landscape has been carved out by glaciers. The uneven mountains and rocks in strange places highlight this, and the valley down into the fjord is steep. You also see the village of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord.

    You can also see a glacier – it’s very small and not one of Norway’s famous ones, but it’s still great to see!

    Visiting Dalsnibba Viewpoint

    Travelling with a Car

    The drive from Geiranger to the viewpoint takes around thirty minutes, but note the road is very narrow and windy – be extra careful when making the trip. Follow the Fv63 out of Geiranger (past the Union hotel) and then turn off to the viewpoint. You’ll see the toll station right away.

    Note – on Google Maps the viewpoint is called “Geiranger Skysslag AS”, which is the name of the transport company who own Dalsnibba.

    The fee to enter is 330 NOK per car. You can buy a ticket online in advance, and the toll booth takes card or cash.

    Note! This price is continuously going up. When I wrote this article in 2021, the cost was 170 NOK for a car. Now it’s 330 NOK! I recommend checking their website directly for the most current price. Click here

    The short drive from the toll booth to the viewpoint consists of hairpin turns, and if you come across a tour bus it can be very tricky. Be careful and follow the bus drivers signals – if he tells you to drive past, drive past. If he tells you to wait, wait.

    Parking is ample at the top, and you park right in front of the viewpoint.

    You go back down the same way you came.

    Road-trip Guide

    You can get my road-trip guide for the Fv63 via the link below. 

    Travelling without a Car

    Several tour buses operate from Geiranger, and this may be a good option if you don’t want to risk your car, or perhaps you just want to sit back and admire the view.

    This bus operates purely to drive people between Geiranger and Dalsnibba, and it operates whenever there is a cruise ship in town. The total trip takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, and you spend 15 minutes at the viewpoint. They also stop at Flydalsjuvet, a photo stop closer to the village. The bus has recorded English commentary.

    Click here to view their website

    The public buses in Geiranger also drive up to the viewpoint. The local bus operates three times a day and stops at Dalsnibba for 20 minutes.

    Doing it on Your Own

    If you don’t want to do it with groups, you can hire someone to take you up there:

    • Take a limousine: Geiranger Fjordservice offers private cars to drive you to the top. They have two different paths to Dalsnibba – either Trollstigen or the old Stryn road. Prices start at 5,300 NOK (Link)
    • Take a Tesla: Geiranger Fjordservice also offers a sightseeing tour in a Tesla. Prices start at 3,600 NOK (Link)
    • Take a taxi: Geiranger Taxi also offers the trip to the top. Like Geiranger Fjordservice, it offers different tours. Prices aren’t listed on the website, but their tours look great. (Link)
    • Take an electric car: It is possible to rent a tiny electric car and drive yourself (or hire a driver) to go to the top. These look like fun! You’ll see them all around Geiranger. Prices start at 1850 NOK (Link)
    • Take an electric bike: If you are wanting a little more, it is also possible to rent an electric bike. Prices start at 230 NOK (Link)

    Walking: It is possible to park at the lower car park and walk up. In the last few years, the old walking path has been restored by Nepalese Sherpa, and it’s possible now to walk up. The walk is 400m but note – it is steep! You would still need some form of transport to get there; walking from Geiranger is very long and difficult.

    Cruise Ships

    Geiranger is a major cruise port, and it’s not uncommon to see a cruise ship in the harbour. If you are travelling on a cruise ship, they likely offer their own excursions to Dalsnibba, though you can save money by doing it yourself.

    If you are not travelling with a cruise ship, consider waiting until the evening to go up Dalsnibba; cruise buses can overpower the viewpoint and almost ruin the experience.

    You can find the cruise ship schedule here:

    port, and it’s not uncommon to see a cruise ship in the harbour. If you are travelling on a cruise ship, they likely offer their own excursions to Dalsnibba, though you can save money by doing it yourself.

    If you are not travelling with a cruise ship, consider waiting until the evening to go up Dalsnibba; cruise buses can overpower the viewpoint and almost ruin the experience.

    You can find the cruise ship schedule here: http://www.stranda-hamnevesen.no/cruise-calls

    The weather

    And now for the most popular talking point in Norway – the weather!

    Dalsnibba is located 1500m above sea level, and the west coast of Norway is known for being rainy. That means it’s very common to not see something from the top. Or maybe Geiranger will be covered in clouds, but you’ll have shining sun at the top. In any case, it’s very likely that you won’t see anything.

    Additionally, it’s very common for Dalsnibba to have snow all year round. Even if it’s not snowing, the weather can be considerably colder than in Geiranger, and it will also likely be windy. Bring a warm coat if heading up there.

    Check the weather on yr.no: https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdal/Stranda/Dalsnibba/

    In my experience, I’ve found that I don’t get much of a view about 50% of the time I go.

    Dalsnibba’s website has a webcam: https://www.dalsnibba.no/en/picture-gallery/

    Amenities

    The viewpoint has restrooms and a souvenir shop. The shop is pretty similar to the one’s down in the village, but it’s worth going in and saying hi to the staff!