Geirangerfjorden, Norway

Exploring Geirangerfjorden, Norway’s Stunning Fjords

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Our seven-hour drive from Oslo to Geirangerfjorden was so beautiful—sunny and 75 degrees, not a cloud in the sky—that we had high hopes for the coming days. Ellen had packed all sorts of trekking gear and picnic supplies for us both, with the intention to spend our entire time on the coast outdoors. So imagine our disappointment when we woke up to find this on the first morning:

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

It didn’t just sprinkle; it downright poured. But we had just two full days in Geiranger and refused to let Mother Nature foil our fun. Our hiking shoes and pants were waterproof; thus, we’d continue on with our mountain climbs regardless!

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

The hiking sticks, which were in a bucket at the start of the path, came in quite handy as we were slipping and sliding all over the terrain. At some points the fog was so thick, I wondered if I’d ever actually left San Francisco.

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

We took a pretty steep and muddy path that wound its way back down to one powerful waterfall.

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

Which we of course tempted fate and climbed behind with the aid of a single chain and some super slippery rocks—just because we could.

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

On the way back to the car, we rounded the corner to come face-to-face with the first hikers we’d seen all day.

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

Aren’t they cute? As we got closer, the leader eyed us wearily—I don’t think they knew what to make of us odd-looking, lumbering things—until they jumped off the path on the slope to allow us to pass. Charming guys, those sheep. (Isn’t it odd how even after seeing whales, puffins, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes and more all in a five-day span, you can still be shamefully excited to see four normal ol’ livestock that you can find anywhere on the planet? Wait, that’s just me? Oh.)

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

After we made it back down post-hike, we went back to our cozy cabin and showered and spent the rest of the rainy day indoors reading in the warmth. But lo! The sun did come out again.

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

So we went to another lookout, snapped some more (sunny) shots and returned to the waterfront, where we proceeded to eat our weight in ice cream. Yes, life in Norway definitely doesn’t suck.

Geirangerfjorden, Norway

Only in Scandinavia are public toilets in parks this fancy and well-designed. Sheesh.

COMMENTS
  • August 21, 2009

    The color of the water in that first shot is so deep – what utterly fantastic sights! It all sounds like a wonderful (and sometimes wet but well worthwhile) travel adventure.

  • August 21, 2009

    Good golly, that’s a gorgeous place.

  • August 21, 2009

    Ooo..ooo..oooooohhhh….I’m bewitched.

  • August 21, 2009

    Love your shot with the stick. Look like you are on top of the world above the cloud. How neat! And wow! public bathroom looks like that in Norway?

  • August 21, 2009

    Livestock always adds interest to a place – those sheep are so endearing!

  • August 21, 2009

    Nah, you’re not alone, I actually get pretty excited every time I see most any kind of animal 🙂

  • August 21, 2009

    Definitely jealous!!! You know the 1st shot looks JUST like the Yangzi River in China. You would never be able to tell the difference between the 2. I’m so happy that you were able to have this experience. The sheep were super cute. 🙂

  • August 21, 2009

    Those pictures are stunning and Norway has officially moved up on my list of places to go. I love the second picture of you. And I get as equally excited when I see a cat running across my neighborhood as I do when I see whales and buffalo!

  • August 21, 2009

    The fog shots are great. They give a real feel for the location. The shots of the sheep are also cool. I wonder if there was a Sheepherder around.

  • August 21, 2009

    What a beautiful place to hike. Certainly worth going out in the rain to see that waterfall, especially up close. The sheep are a hoot. They look more surprised than you probably were.

  • August 21, 2009

    Those bathrooms are AWESOME.

  • August 21, 2009

    Gorgeous!!! It is like a hobbit land!
    The sheep crack me up . . . and those bathrooms are straight out of Dwell.

  • August 21, 2009

    gorgeous, gorgeous photos! i’d like one of those bathrooms, please…

  • August 21, 2009

    Norway really is a spectacular country. It has a lot of geographic similarity with the west coast of Scotland – with the mountains and fjords/sea lochs. I’m glad you didn’t let the rain spoil your fun!

  • August 21, 2009

    I wanna be there right NOW! It’s beautiful.

    But… My neighbors just got back from there last week and couldn’t get over the high prices. $18 for a martini? And 20 something for a hamburger. Maybe hiking is cheaper – HA HA

  • August 21, 2009
    k

    I had a slight obsession with Norwegian hiking pants. They looked so comfy and warm!

    The only animals we saw on our 4 days in the mountains were sheep and cows!

  • August 21, 2009

    Beautiful photos!

  • August 21, 2009

    First off, what a long name!!! Just pronouncing it is a trek:) Although the ride is amazing!!! Beautiful pictures, my favorite were the clouds gathering.

  • August 21, 2009

    Look at you, all hardcore with your stick! Seriously, is there anywhere you won’t explore?

  • August 22, 2009

    These photos are incredible! What an amazing experience {& great blog!}

  • August 23, 2009

    Nice succession of pictures. Makes me feel like I joined you for part of the trip. And what an ending! Phew, I’m suddenly exhausted. 😉

  • August 23, 2009

    That view of the fjord was really worth making a climb for – breathtaking

  • August 23, 2009

    How great that there were hiking sticks conveniently located at the trailhead. A stick is definitely helpful to have when climbing!
    Great shots. I’ve always wanted to visit Norway.

  • October 15, 2009

    These pictures are breathtaking. I have been wanting to visit Norway for several years now. My family is from Drammen. Would love to visit to see what they lived. Thanks for sharing.

  • October 24, 2015

    You didn’t visit Bergen while in Norway? You sure missed out the most beautiful city.

    • October 24, 2015

      Which is exactly why I plan to come back many more times 😉

      I’ve actually been to Norway three times now and love it so much! But I have plenty of the country left to explore.

  • July 20, 2020
    Karen

    Looks so beautiful even with the rain. Helping us to plan our (fingers crossed covid finds a vaccine!) trip to Norway next year.

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