Norway. Geirangerfjord Ferry Cruise

  A breathtaking journey through the Geirangerfjord, from the dramatic cliffs of Hellesylt to the scenic shores of Geiranger and back again on two different ferries, under two completely different skies. A must-do for nature lovers and fjord explorers.

  Map of the Ferry Cruise...

  Our fjord adventure began in Hellesylt, where we boarded the largest ferry on the route at 18:00 in the evening. The weather was cloudy and windy, adding a dramatic mood to the journey...

  

  Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful nature and steep cliffs shaped by glaciers. The fjord is about 15 kilometers long and more than 600 meters deep in some places. The mountains around the fjord rise up to 1,700 meters high. The ferry trip between Hellesylt and Geiranger is one of the most popular ways to see the fjord, and it’s often shown in travel videos and postcards...

  As the ferry entered the narrow Geirangerfjord, we were surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The moody light only added to the raw beauty of the place - it felt like we were sailing through a scene out of a movie...

  Along the way, we passed several of the fjord’s famous waterfalls, each with its own story...

  The Seven Sisters  waterfalls – seven parallel waterfalls cascading down a steep cliff face...

  Across from the Seven Sisters stands a lone, powerful waterfall - The Suitor (Friaren). The story goes that this waterfall represents a suitor who tried to propose to each of the sisters - but was rejected every time. In frustration, he turned to drink, which is why the waterfall is shaped like a bottle! It’s a fun and romantic tale, and you can really see how the shapes match the stories when you cruise past them.

  As we glided through the narrow Geirangerfjord, dramatic cliffs rose on both sides, and waterfalls tumbled down from staggering heights. The fjord felt mystical in the mist, like a scene from a Norse legend. Along the way, we spotted the smaller ferry "Skanevik", which we would later take for our return journey - an unexpected but charming sight as it passed us in the opposite direction...

 Ljosurfossen (Light Surf Fall)... This is a narrower, powerful fall that comes crashing directly down into the fjord. It’s especially beautiful when the light hits the white water - hence its name. It’s often overlooked compared to the bigger falls, but it adds a wild energy to the scenery... 

 When we arrived at Geiranger, the tiny town was buzzing with life. A large cruise ship sat docked in the harbor, towering over the wooden buildings below. It was a striking mix of small-town charm and international tourism...

  We spent two full days hiking and exploring around Geiranger and two days later, we boarded the Skanevik ferry for the return to Hellesylt. This time, the weather had transformed - blue skies and golden light painted the fjord in completely different colors. The cliffs were no longer shrouded in mystery but glowing and green, and the waterfalls sparkled in the sunlight...

  Even though we were retracing the same route, the return journey felt like an entirely new experience. Aboard the Skanevik, a smaller ferry that sat closer to the water, we had a much more intimate perspective - closer to the elements, and closer to the magic of the fjord...

 We passed Gjerdefossen, a waterfall cascading gracefully down the green mountainside. When the sunlight hits it just right, it creates a shimmering mist filled with sparkles and rainbows...

  We actually saw that magical rainbow effect the day before, while hiking to Skageflå. It was one of those unforgettable moments where nature feels almost too perfect to be real...

  The Bridal Veil (Brudesløret) is an elegant, fine waterfall that flows gently over the rocks like a delicate veil. It’s said to resemble a bride’s veil blowing in the wind...

  The Seven Sisters is perhaps the most iconic sight in the Geirangerfjord. Seven separate streams tumble side by side down a steep cliff. According to legend, these are seven unmarried sisters, forever dancing playfully down the mountainside...

  The Suitor - waterfall on the opposite side... 

  The Seven Sisters waterfall cascades elegantly down the cliffside on the left, while directly across the fjord stands The Suitor, a single, more powerful waterfall said to be trying to woo the sisters from afar. It’s a stunning spot - definitely a nice view for a selfie...

  The houses in Matvika (peaceful little bay tucked into the rugged coastline) are traditional Norwegian farmhouses, nestled along the steep fjordside slopes. These are mostly small, rustic farms that have been part of the landscape for centuries...

  The ferry was quite comfortable. During the ride, we sat on woven chairs and enjoyed the views as the landscape slowly passed by - though we often jumped up to take photos when something especially beautiful came into view...

   We once again crossed paths with the large ferry - the same one we sailed on earlier when heading to Geiranger...

 We’re leaving the Geirangerfjord behind as our ferry trip comes to an end...

 Standing at the back of the ferry, we watched the fjord slowly fade into the distance, with the Norwegian flag fluttering proudly in the wind...

  This round-trip journey gave us two perspectives on the same magical landscape - one wrapped in mist and mystery, the other glowing under clear skies. Sailing through Geirangerfjord wasn’t just transportation; it was an experience we’ll never forget...