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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
