Top 10 Free Things To Do in Geiranger: Geirangerfjord in a Campervan 2024
Geirangerfjord is a famous tourist hotspot in Norway. therefore we are sharing the top things to do in Geiranger The absolute picturesque fjord has mountain views and endless WOW moments. This place is a must on any Norway road trip and bucket list. What is there to do in Geiranger Cruise port? We travelled Norway on a budget, so throughout our blog on Geiranger we share the 10 top FREE things to do in Geiranger Fjord. Below we also share how to drive to Geirangerfjord and where to park you campervan or motorhome in Geiranger.
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Where Is Geiranger and Geirangerfjord?
The fjord is nestled between two mountains. The only way down (and back out) of the fjord is via steep switch backs. We managed these fine in our LWB Sprinter, and it’s also worth noting tour buses regularly use these roads. We decided to enter early morning and leave late at night, this meant we missed most the traffic and we didn’t have to worry about meeting people on the sharp corners.
The fjord is located 2 hours from Lovatnet and is 3 hours from Ålesund, so makes it a perfect stop on any Norway Road trip.
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What To Do In Geiranger - 10 Free Things To Do
1. Hike Behind a Waterfall: Storsæterfossen
There are lots of Geiranger hiking trails, if you only do one Hike in Geirangerfjord I recommend this one. A steep 40-minute climb leads up to a stunning viewpoint. Follow the steps down and you can walk behind Storsæterfossen waterfall. You can feel the immense power of the waterfall as you get slightly splashed. A muddy but rewarding hike! Location 📌
Tip: this hike was really busy so if you’re in a camper head up early before the cruise ships arrive.
2. Explore Storfossen – A Waterfall With a Walkway
In the centre of Geiranger you can find Storfossen waterfall. There is a metal walkway with viewing platforms that take you up this waterfall that the town has been built around. There are 327 steps on the Storfossen waterfall walkway, and it will take you up to the Norwegian Fjord Centre. When we were there the waterfall was so powerful it felt magical. A hotel sits looming over the waterfall that somehow adds to the mystical feeling of the town. Location 📌
3. Hike to a Secret Viewpoint
Up the south side switchbacks, after about 10 minutes you come to a viewpoint and toilets. Follow the small path down and you will find a breath-taking view of the fjord. Explore further and you can find this secret viewpoint and photo opportunity. Location 📌
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his is one of the many famous waterfalls in Norway. On the Skageflå hike there are several viewpoints to see the sisters. It also means if you don’t want to hike all the way to the farm you can make this you goal. You can also get guided tours to see the falls Location 📌
5. Fishing
Dust of the rods and head out for some fishing at the dock in Geiranger. When we were parked, we saw many families throw their hand to some fishing here. We saw a boy catch a few fish so there is definitely potential.
6. Hike to Skageflå
The second hike on our list is a longer one from Geiranger. This hike starts off at Homlung which is the small town opposite. It is about a 30-minute walk from Geiranger car park to the start of the walk. This is another steep climb up a mountain to an abandoned farm and the whole Skageflå walk takes around 5 hours. (If you’re worried about the length of the hike there are a few old buildings about halfway which are great to view as well).
On this hike you will also see the famous Seven Sister’s Waterfall (number 4 on our list). This walk is long and difficult and again boggy in September. The walk takes you down to the farm where the buildings can then be explored. Location 📌
This was at the top of our list – to kayak a fjord in Norway. There are few more famous than Geiranger so that’s what we did. We have an inflatable kayak so we inflated it in the carpark and deployed it at the nearby campsite. As we only have an inflatable kayak we made our way just to the corner of the fjord (about 1 hour on the water). If you have a hard-shell kayak you could go further and even make it to the Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Tip: This is a busy fjord with cruise ships, ferries and guided tours. Remember to wear life jackets and consider the risks of your trip before you go.
NB: If you don’t have a kayak or bike they do guided tours. This isn’t free but worth it in such a stunning landscape.
8. Geiranger Church
Overlooking the town you will find Geiranger Church. A pretty white, octagonal Norwegian church. The site has a rich history which is worth reading about. Location 📌
9. Explore the Many Tourist Shops
There is no denying it Geiranger was the most touristy place we went to on our whole Norway Road Trip. There are plenty of tourist shops here. You can easily spend an hour exploring all the trinkets in the shops.
Tip: if you’re going to buy check out all the shops first the find the cheapest price.
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10. Take in the views at Geiranger Skywalk
Alongside the hikes and viewpoints we have mentioned there are many more viewpoints to be discovered around Geiranger. One of them is Geiranger Skywalk. Take advantage of the beauty and spend some time marvelling at mother nature. If you’re in a camper, make yourself a cuppa and take in the stunning landscape you have driven to. Enjoy it! Location 📌
Paid Things To Do In Geiranger
There are plenty of paid things to do in Geiranger as well, from little accessible cars to take you up the steep hills to the viewpoints, to chocolate shops, the Norwegian Fjord centre, shopping, paid cycling tours and more. We believe that Geiranger can be explored on a budget, but we did grab a couple of souvenirs for ourselves to support the local community there.
Is Geirangerfjord Worth It?
Although we don’t recommend that you skip Geiranger, for us, it was a little bit too touristy and remember we were out of season. We recommend if you’re going in your campervan or motorhome to go early and try to start exploring before the cruise ships arrive. When they arrive hoards of people overcrowd the town and hikes taking away from the natural beauty.
Where to Park your Motorhome or Campervan - Geiranger Free Parking
When not in our van We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
There is free parking located in the heart of Geiranger which is perfect for motorhomes with some larger spaces. We went in late September and although the car park was a little busy, we didn’t struggle to get a place.
As a camper, it is forbidden to stay overnight here (and it the national park) so there is a campsite located next to the car park. There are some free parking spaces further out if you’re only going for one day.
Top Things To Do In Norway
Norway, the land of giants and trolls, meandering roads, epic fjords and much more is a prime destination for a road trip, holiday or cruise. After spending 2 months exploring this Nordic country, we share our top picks from our time on the Scandinavian road.
Top Hike: Pulpit Rock
An outcrop extends over a deep fjord, as you stand on the edge of Preikestolen you’re above the clouds and high on life. A 3 hour trek that is worth every minute.
Epic Viewpoint: Rampestreken
Rampestreken is a 20m extended platform looking out over mountains and fjords, one section is even mesh so you can see the drop right below you. You can hike or catch a cable car here.
Top Waterfall: Trollkirka or Låtefossen
It was too hard to choose just one, so I’ve gone for two. Trollkirka is a waterfall inside a marble cave which involves hiking to a Trolls Church, and Låtefossen which is right on the road but just as spectacular.
Off The Beaten Track: Sleep in a Cabin In The Woods
Norway is a country of adventure, and what better way to experience this than sleeping in a traditional hiking or hunting cabin.
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Top Tips For Travelling Norway
If you’re visiting the Norway here are our top travel tips:
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute. Also don't forget Apple Airtags to track your luggage
Norway is vast, take it slow - don't feel the need to see everything if you only have a short time. Instead spend the time you have discovering the beauty and culture of the area you’re in… plus then you have an excuse to come back.
Hire a car or motorhome - in our opinion this is the best way to really see Norway. You get to drive down hairpin roads such as Trollstigen and explore the lesser known nooks of the country.
Be prepared for changing weather - it can be sunny one minute and snowing the next so pack for a range of temperatures and remember “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
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