More about Geiranger
Why go to Geiranger?
Geiranger is where passengers will find the too-stunning-for-words Gierangerfjord
Geiranger is more remote than other ports, and fog can seriously inhibit views
If you're lucky enough to be booked on a cruise that calls here, don't miss the fjords
Geiranger Cruise Port Facilities?
Nothing in Geiranger is too far away. The area immediately adjacent to the pier offers a tourist office (where you can book day-of tours), toilets, a post office, souvenir shops, bus pickup, taxi stand and food.
Good to Know?
Norway is very expensive. Be prepared for sticker shock if you're planning on dining in town or doing any shopping.
Also, the weather in Norway can be changeable, though bad weather can linger for hours before clearing up. Wear layers and bring rain gear -- even if it seems nice when you're preparing to debark. If you're booking any kind of tour in advance, make sure you're willing to go even if the weather is overcast or wet. On our day in Geiranger, many people reported the scenic overlooks to be fogged in with no view to be had.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Geiranger proper is about a five-minute walk end to end. If you want to reach the church, Fjordcenter, Hotel Union or hiking trailhead, it's a steep 10- to 15-minute walk up Geiranger's one real road.
By Bus: A City Sightseeing bus takes independent travelers to Geiranger's two scenic viewpoints, Flydalsjuvet and Ornevegen (Eagle's Bend). The tour takes 90 minutes, and unlike the company's omnipresent hop on hop off buses, the Geiranger version does not let passengers come and go as they please (though there's a 20-minute stop at each overlook).
By Taxi: Taxis are available on the main road by the pier if you wish to head up to Westeras Farm or another destination. They take both cash and credit cards.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). Check www.xe.com and www.oanda.com for current exchange rates. An ATM is located at the supermarket, and you can exchange currency at the Fjordbuda souvenir shop.
Language?
Norwegian is a varied language, with two written forms --Nynorsk and Bokmal. When speaking, Norwegians use their own regional dialects but generally can understand each other. Most people speak excellent English, as kids learn it in school from an early age. A few key phrases to know include: hallo (hello); tak (thank you); ja (yes); and nei (no).
Where You're Docked?
Ships tender to the Geirangerfjord Cruise Terminal, three short piers side by side. Amazingly, given the tiny size of the town, a maximum of five ships can call in Geiranger in one day, with a limit of 8,000 cruise visitors.
