Explore the World Heritage
We encourage you to explore the World Heritage. Listen to the rushing rivers and the swirling waterfalls! Feel the wind against your cheeks when you go hiking amidst the natural world heritage! Look for traces of the people who for centuries made their living in the most incredible places in the wilderness.
When you go walking in the world heritage landscape you will realise how important it is to protect the natural and cultural heritage that makes the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding areas such a unique region.
All the World Heritage villages provide access to exciting walks, and you will be able to find a route that suits your own abilities – ranging from short and easy strolls to long and more challenging hikes.
All the walks provide rich natural and cultural experiences.
Photo Martin Kristoffersen
Graded Hiking Trails in the Geirangerfjord World Heritage Area
All of the villages in the Geiranger area offer access to a number of great walks. All marked routes have been graded according to the national walks standard. It is important that you understand what the different gradings mean. This will make it easier for you to find a route that suits your abilities.
The descriptions below refer to walking, but the grading scale is the same whether you go skiing, cycling or paddling.
Trail signs marking graded hiking routes in Geiranger. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
Hiking Routes Around Geiranger and Neighboring Valleys
Hardly any other area offers as great a variety of walks as this. You can stroll along easy paths close to the village centre, like the Waterfall Trail in Geiranger, the Folkestien trail in Eidsdal or the beachfront promenade and the Bedringens Vei (Road to Recovery) in Valldal. At the other end of the scale, you can climb to the summit of Slogen, the most majestic of the Sunnmøre Alps. Or perhaps you prefer to take the Dronningruta route across the lofty Holegga ridge, from Herdalssætra to Geiranger?
The walks portal www.morotur.no provides excellent descriptions of numerous walks within the World Heritage Site and beyond. First select a municipality, then browse the walks. Walks associated with the villages of Geiranger, Sunnylven (Hellesylt), Stranda and Liabygda are listed under Stranda municipality. Walks associated with the villages of Eidsdal, Norddal, Fjørå, Valldal and Tafjord are listed under Norddal municipality (soon to become Fjord municipality).
Choose a route that suits your abilities. Enjoy your walk!
Alpine hiking adventures with breathtaking views of mountain lakes and fjord landscapes. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
Drone Use in the Geirangerfjord World Heritage Site
Drone flying is PROHIBITED within the boundaries of the landscape preservation area Geiranger – Herdalen. All use of drones (both for commercial and private use) requires an application. The application must be directed to the Geiranger – Herdalen Board of Landscape Pretection.
The CAA’s (Civil Aviation Authority) rules apply for the use of drones in all areas outside the preservation area and within the World Heritage site (the Geiranger village and the fjord area of Tafjord).
To see the map of the Geiranger-Herdalen Protected Landscape click: Here
For the rules of the Civil Aviation Authority for small drones click: Here
For more information and regulations about flying a drone can be found at the official page of Civil Aviation Authority: Civil Aviation Authority – Norway
The Waterfall Hike in Geiranger
Immediately past the Norwegian Fjord Centre runs the magnificent Storelva river, with swirling waterfalls and rapids rushing down the mountainside towards the fjord. Enjoy the view of the wild waters – and particularly the rumbling Storfossen waterfall – on the Waterfall Trail from the centre of Geiranger and up to or down from the Norwegian Fjord Centre and Hotel Union. The Waterfall Trail consists of 327 steps, with landings and lofty viewpoints, giving walkers the opportunity to safely take in the fascinating power of water up close.
Would you like to experience the Waterfall Trail in the company of a World Heritage Guide? Book here
Visitors can follow the waterfall steps in Geiranger, walking safely alongside the powerful river. Photo: Finn Loftesnes
Fosseråsa – Norway’s National Scenic Hiking Trail
Fosseråsa was the first National Hiking Trail to be certified in Norway in 2019. The route runs all the way from the centre of Geiranger to the Storsæterfossen waterfall, 550 metres above sea level. Walkers are treated to a wealth of scenic experiences along the way, with close-up views of gushing waters, sheltered deciduous woodlands and idyllic cultural landscapes.
The trail consists of three distinct sections. The first leg is the Waterfall Walk up to the Norwegian Fjord Centre. From there, you continue to Vesterås farm on a path that winds its way up the hillside. There are several stone pitch sections, expertly constructed by Nepali Sherpas. You may well catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or a deer, and in the spring there is an enchanting chorus of birds.
The last leg takes you to the Storsæterfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading waters whilst feeling the untamed spray against your skin and listening to the rumble of wild forces. Dramatic scenery!
Read more at https://morotur.no/tur/fosseraasa-nasjonal-turiststi
Storsæterfossen waterfall is a highlight of the Fosseråsa hiking trail in Geiranger, where visitors can walk behind the waterfall. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
Ski Touring in the Alpine Fjord Landscape
Do you like skiing? Perhaps you enjoy being able to swap between touring and cross-country skiing, or between alpine and alpine touring skiing? If so, you should visit the Geirangerfjord area in the winter.
Strandafjellet is home to one of the greatest ski resorts in Norway, highly rated among those who enjoy off-piste skiing! Overøye ski resort at Stordal offers downhill skiing as well as tens of kilometres of prepared touring tracks in gently undulating mountain terrain. There are great cross-country tracks at Løvoll in Eidsdal as well as at Litleåsen and onwards to Rellingsætra in Norddal. If conditions are good, tracks are also prepared from Korsmyra to Haugsetsætra and Gråsteindalen, close to the Ørnevegen.
There is an abundance of summit walks, but you must always assess the risk of avalanches. If in doubt, talk to experienced mountaineers. Choose a route that suits your abilities!
For specific skiing advice, see www.morotur.no.
Ski touring in the alpine fjord landscape offers wide views of snow-covered mountains and a true winter adventure. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
Snowshoe Hikes in Fjord Valleys and Mountains
If you are a little wobbly on skis, snowshoes make a good alternative for getting out and about in the winter landscape. Several of the farmsteads in the area can be reached on snowshoes, and you can access wonderful viewpoints or simply potter about in the forest. If you are really fit, it is possible to reach some of the mountain summits on snowshoes. Most people prefer to use ski pole rods when using snowshoes as it helps to keep their balance and provide propulsion.
Remember to always check the risk of avalanches before you head out on a hike in areas that are prone to snow slides!
Snowshoe hikes let visitors explore the winter fjord landscape, with wide views of mountains and valleys around Geiranger. Photo: Martin Kristoffersen
Paddle the Fjords – Kayaking in the Fjord Landscape
Fancy exploring the world heritage fjords by kayak: quiet, peaceful, beautiful. The Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjord and Tafjord are all excellent for paddling. You may even paddle far enough to pay a visit to one of the old fjordside farms?
Safety is important when you are kayaking. Avoid getting in the way of larger boats, even if you have right of way. There is a risk of rock slips from steep mountain sides, so keep at a safe distance from the shore. Please note that if you tip over, there are many places along the waterfront where it is impossible to scramble ashore. Keep the necessary safety equipment in the kayak at all times and it is advisable not to go kayaking alone.
There are kayak rental outlets in both Geiranger and Valldal, and guides are available too, if you wish. You can also rent kayaks in Norddal.
Kayaking in the still waters of the fjord offers close contact with steep mountains and the quiet shoreline of the World Heritage Site. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
Winter Equipment Rental at the Norwegian Fjordsenter
Are you planning a visit to Geiranger, or are you already here and need winter equipment? At the Norwegian Fjord Centre, you can rent what you need to stay warm and enjoy outdoor activities. Our equipment is adapted to the Norwegian winter, so you can explore Geiranger comfortably and safely — even in the cold season. You can rent any of the following equipment:
- Thermal suit
- Snowshoes
- Crampons
- Poles
- Cross country skis, shoes and poles
- Kicksled with or without plastic skids
- Steering toboggan
Contact us at post@verdsarvfjord.no and we will assist you!
Snowshoe hikes take you high above Geirangerfjord, with wide views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Photo: Martin Kristoffersen
Walk Smart – Stay Safe Outdoors
Throughout the World Heritage Site the great outdoors is beautiful, but it is also wild and demanding. If you set out on a walk beyond your capabilities, you may trigger a search and rescue operation, and in a worst-case scenario, you may endanger the lives of others as well as your own. We want every visitor to the World Heritage site to experience nature close up, but we encourage you to abide by some important safety precautions:
- Let someone know what route you are taking.
- Hillwalking off the signposted footpaths requires considerable experience of the mountain environment. Make safe route choices!
- Make sure your footwear is appropriate for the terrain.
- Dress according to the weather. Bring some spare clothes. Be aware that the weather can change very quickly in the mountains. It is (much) colder on the hills than in low-lying areas.
- The banks of rivers and waterfalls are always slippery. There is a high risk of slipping and falling!
- Take care on steep inclines, particularly if the ground is unfirm (lichen, gravel, pebbles etc.).
- Take extra care if you venture out on high crags and unsecured viewpoints! You should also keep in mind that you may get dizzy. Falling can be fatal.
- Avoid steep snow-covered crevices. All walking on glaciers requires the use of glacier hiking equipment. Snow can cover up deep fissures.
- Bring sufficient food and drink on long walks.
- Learn how to use a map and compass.
- Memorise the phone number for the emergency services: 113, but note that many locations have no mobile reception.
Pause, plan, and refuel — the smarter way to hike in the Geirangerfjord World Heritage Area. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
The Fjord Access Code
Show consideration wherever you go
Help us preserve old fjordside farms, farmsteads, stone walls and other traces of the past. They enhance the visitor experience and add an important cultural dimension to the fjord landscape.
- Show respect and consideration. The fjordside farms and farmsteads are private properties. Contact the owner if you wish to look inside the buildings.
- Leave things be. Do not disturb any stones or walls, and never make piles or cairns. Never help yourself to firewood stacked on site.
- Make use of any toilet provided and never defecate in courtyards or on sites where other people will be walking.
- Take all your litter home.
- Never light a fire or a disposable barbeque in the vicinity of a building. Make use of the campfire facilities provided and make sure that the fire has been thoroughly put out before you leave. Heed the ban on open fires in woodlands throughout the summer season.
If you find anything amiss, please let us know.
Respect nature and the living landscape — a traditional drinking spot at Skageflå. Photo: Merete Løvoll Rønneberg
Right to Roam – Outdoor Access in Norway
The right to roam in woodlands and on mountains, along rivers and beaches and on the fjord – the right to outdoor recreation – is part of the Norwegian cultural heritage. However, this right to roam comes with a duty to look after nature, and the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act also stipulates that your actions must never inconvenience anybody else.
The right to roam does not include infields,such as cultivated farmland, tilled fields, grassland, enclosed pastures, gardens and young plantations.
In particular, please remember:
- Show respect and consideration for nature and for private property.
- Leave as little trace as possible, keep to tracks and paths, and comply with the travel rules in the protected areas.
- Tents must be pitched at least 150 metres away from any residential house or cottage, and never in an infield.
- Open fires are banned in woodlands between 15 April and 15 September.
- Show consideration for grazing livestock, and close all gates behind you.
- Due to grazing livestock in this area, all dogs must be kept on a leash between 1 April and 15 October. Outside of this period you still have a duty to keep control of your dog.
- A fishing permit is required to fish in lakes and rivers.
For further information about the right to roam and the Norwegian outdoor recreation legislation, see https://www.environment.no/topics/outdoor-recreation/access-rights/
The countryside is not a toilet
It is far from pleasant to come across toilet paper and human excrement when you are out walking, but this has become a bit of a problem in many places. Follow this good advice if you are caught short when in the great outdoors:
- Make sure to use the toilets you come across when out walking – even if you don’t feel the urge to go. Toilets may be few and far between.
- Make your way at least 60 metres off the path, and away from campsites, rivers and lakes. Dig a hole in the ground at least 15–20 centimetres deep, and defecate in the hole. You should preferably be using moss, leaves or similar as a wipe. If you insist on using paper, this must be unbleached and unscented. When you are done, cover the hole with soil, moss, leaves or rocks.
- Remember to wash your hands well after relieving yourself.
- In areas where the soil, rock or snow has a high mineral content, you should always carry the tools you need to bag your faeces for depositing in a proper toilet. This is due to the slow rate of decomposition.
Help us look after the countryside –leave no trace!