Accurately acclaimed as "the most beautiful fjord in the world," Geirangerfjord invites exploration. The best and least expensive way to see the majesty of the fjord is to take a regular ferry service between the port of Hellesylt and Geiranger, which sails daily from May to September. An organized tour, however, gives you a greater view, by going closer to the banks.
The best jaunts are run by Geiranger Fjordservice (tel. 70-26-30-99), offering 1 1/2-hour sightseeing boat tours at a cost of 100NOK ($15/£8.20) per person. Bookings can be made at the tourist office. Departures are June to August at the rate of five times daily. From June 25 to the end of July, there is also a tour in the evening.
Geiranger is also blessed with having some of the finest excursions in the fjord country, notably to Dalsnibba, lying 21km (13 miles) to the south. Opened in 1889, this dramatic road goes through a valley hemmed in by tall mountains until it reaches a lookout point at 1,500m (4,920 ft.). There are many panoramic lookout points along the way, and you're rewarded with a dramatic view at the top. As one local told us, "This is the lookout point where Satan took Jesus to tempt him with the beauty of the world."
A second great excursion is the Flydalsjuvet, lying 4km (2 1/2 miles) south of Geiranger. This gigantic overhanging rock, opening onto the fjord, is the most photographed in Norway, especially by cruise-ship passengers. To reach it, take the signposted road to Stryn until you see the turnoff.
