Welcome to Geirangerfjord cruise port, a crown jewel of Norwegian fjords nestled in the Sunnmøre region in the western part of Norway. The spectacular Geiranger Fjord has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named by Lonely Planet as the best travel destination in Scandinavia.
Located in the Stranda Municipality, Geirangerfjord is a branch of the Storfjorden (Great Fjord). Sailing into the fjord is an unforgettable sight that you cannot compare with any other! I visited this stunning place years ago and I still remember how amazing it was when we sailed in.
In this Geirangerfjord travel guide, I give you an overview of Geiranger cruise port along with 7 best things to do on a cruise to this breathtaking cruise destination.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Haugesund, Tromso, Bergen, Stavanger, Olden, Oslo, Alesund
Geirangerfjord Cruise Port
1. Geiranger Cruise Terminal
The port of Geirangerfjord is located in the small village of Geiranger, tucked between towering mountains and breathtaking scenery. A small Geiranger Cruise Terminal can accommodate one cruise ship at a time, however, the majority of large cruise ships tender and transfer cruise passengers to the pier via tender boats.
This cruise terminal is adjacent to Geiranger Ferry Terminal, from where you can embark on fjord cruises that depart approximately every hour. Geiranger Tourist Information is available on-site, providing visitors with useful information on things to do in the area, taxis, e-bike rentals, fjord cruise timetables, etc.
Right next to the pier is a large parking for tour buses ready to take you on shore excursions to stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and other points of interest.
Geiranger Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus departs every hour from the Geiranger cruise ship terminal to the iconic Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint. The circuit takes about 50 minutes and includes four stops.
Within a short walk from the pier, you’ll also find a restaurant, a cafe, a hotel, a small museum, and a grocery store.
Public buses are available, but this option is not recommended to cruise passengers as they do not run frequently.
2. Hellesylt Cruise Terminal
Cruise ships may also dock in Hellesylt cruise port, another small port located in Geirangerfjord, around 20 km/12 miles west of Geiranger village (the journey between the two cruise ports takes 1 hour 30 minutes because one part of it includes a ferry ride).
Hellesylt features facilities such as a tourist information kiosk, a few souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels/campsites. Public transportation, a church and a hospital are close to the pier.
Cruise ships may dock or tender. It often happens that only cruise passengers who booked shore excursions are allowed to get off the ship, only to join tour buses waiting to transfer them to the nearby attractions.
Other passengers continue to Geiranger port where the ship can stay longer. You will get this information from your cruise line beforehand.
7 Best Things To Do In Geirangerfjord Cruise Port
1. Geirangerfjord Sightseeing Cruise
While the Geirangerfjord is undoubtedly stunning from the land, experiencing it from the water offers a unique perspective that simply can’t be matched! Your cruise ship may be offering one, but there are also local tour operators offering fjord cruises.
These cruises usually depart from Geiranger dock and include a couple of hours sailing along the magnificent fjord, allowing you to admire the attractions and wildlife up close.
You will have the opportunity to admire the spectacular Seven Sisters Waterfall, the 410-meter (1,350 ft)-high waterfall that consists of seven separate streams that look absolutely breathtaking from the water!
Other scenic locations include the Brudesløret (Bridal Veil) and Friaren waterfalls, and Devil’s Crevice, a narrow and dramatic geological formation showcasing the forces of nature with its deep and steep fissure carved into the rugged landscape.
From the port, it’s often just a short walk to the designated pier where the sightseeing cruises depart. You can opt for a catamaran sightseeing cruise, a fjord safari on a high-speed RIB vessel, or a relaxing kayaking adventure.
If you prefer to explore independently, it’s possible to rent kayaks from local operators and embark on a self-guided paddling adventure. While this option requires a bit more planning and coordination, it offers the flexibility to customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace.
For those staying here for more days (or if you are staying overnight at port), full-day cruises to the famous Alesund located around 108 km/67 miles to the northwest are also available.
Explore Geiranger fjord cruises
2. The Seven Sisters Waterfall
The Seven Sisters Waterfall is a breathtaking natural spectacle nestled within a short driving distance from the port. The 410-meter (1,350 ft)-high waterfall consists of seven distinct cascades flowing down the steep mountainside, with an average free fall of around 250 meters (820 ft).
Legend has it that the “Seven Sisters” remained unmarried, while the waterfall on the opposite side of the fjord earned the name “The Suitor” due to numerous unsuccessful attempts to court the sisters.
From the port in Geiranger, it’s possible to reach the Seven Sisters Waterfall on a fjord cruise, but also by a combination of driving and hiking. Both cruise lines and independent tour operators offer organized excursions to the viewpoints from where you can admire the Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Explore Seven Sisters Waterfall tours and activities
3. Eagle’s Bend Viewpoint
Take a spectacular ride up the Eagle Road to see one of Geiranger’s most mesmerizing views – the Eagle’s Bend. This viewpoint, located high above the Geirangerfjord, provides jaw-dropping panoramic views that will take your breath away!
Also known as Ørnesvingen Viewpoint, this scenic overlook is located along Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route around a 15-minute drive from the port of Geirangerfjord. You can visit it by car or on a guided bus tour.
Check out Eagle’s Bend tours and activities
4. Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint
Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint is an iconic observation point located only a 10-minute drive from the cruise port, offering unparalleled views of the majestic Geirangerfjord and its surrounding landscape. You can either drive, take a Hop on Hop off bus, or hike up for about an hour to reach the viewpoint.
Perched atop steep cliffs, the viewpoint provides a breathtaking panorama of the deep blue fjord waters, dramatic mountainsides, and cascading waterfalls. This is also the best spot to observe the toy-sized cruise ships. A small parking is available on-site.
Explore Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint tours
5. Dalsnibba Mountain
Only 20 km/12.5 miles (a 40-minute drive) southeast of Geiranger cruise port is Dalsnibba Mountain, a towering peak that offers panoramic views of the Geirangerfjord and its surrounding landscape.
At an elevation of over 1,476 meters above sea level, Dalsnibba Viewpoint (Dalsnibba Utsiktspunkt) offers visitors a breathtaking vistas of the iconic Geirangerfjord, lush valleys, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Dalsnibba Mountain is best visited on a guided shore excursion, but you can also reach it by bus or car via the iconic Eagle Road (Ørnevegen). A cafe and a souvenir shop are available on-site.
Explore Dalsnibba Mountain tours and activities
6. Geiranger Church
Step back in time and discover the historic Geiranger Church, a wooden church rich in history located within a 15-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal. Built in the traditional Norwegian stave church style, the church originally dates from the 15th century and is surrounded by a small cemetery.
As you enter the Geiranger Church, you’ll be impressed by its rustic charm and stunning hilltop location overlooking breathtaking mountains and waterfalls. Keep in mind that the church may be closed sometimes, but both the exterior view of the church and its location make it worth coming!
7. Hiking Adventure
If you prefer a more adventurous and adrenaline-pumped holiday, a hiking trip will provide you with an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness that surrounds the fjord.
Many guided hiking tours are available, led by knowledgeable local guides who can provide insight into the area’s flora, wildlife, and cultural history.
These tours typically depart from designated meeting points near the port and transport participants to the starting point of the hike. Alternatively, for those who prefer to explore independently, there are numerous hiking trails accessible from the village of Geiranger.
From gentle paths that meander along the fjord’s edge to challenging climbs that lead to panoramic viewpoints, there’s a trail for every skill level and interest!
Explore Geiranger hiking tours and activities
Visit also our cruise port guides to Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Copenhagen, Invergordon (Inverness), Glasgow (Greenock), Tallinn, Stockholm
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