Today was a picture-perfect day for what is often-cited as the most beautiful fjord in Norway, Geirangerfjorden.

The 10-mile fjord terminates in a tiny storybook village, and is a gateway to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Popular with Norwegians, as well as tourists, this UNESCO site has become a favorite stop for cruise ships, and the reason is clear.

We took a heart-stopping bus ride on numerous hairpin turns to reach Mount Dalsnibba, at 4,500’ with incredible views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and fjord far below. But the best photos were from Flydalsjuvet about 1/3 the way up. The faint of heart could stop right there.

Later, we changed our perspective, getting out on the water in a RIB boat (think Zodiac). It was a real experience to speed around the fjord.  It was not so exciting to get splashed with freezing salt water, although we were well-protected it thermal gear, resembling an arctic expedition team in bright blue suits. Our captain/guide was interesting, and told us quite a bit about the remote farms that, incredibly, are scattered along the cliff-sides.  It was a treat to be able to go right next to the Seven Sisters Waterfall, and because it was high tide, we had the incredible thrill of getting up close and personal with the Suitor Waterfall, literally up against the granite rock face as the thundering cascade roared down into the fjord.

We had seen these famous waterfalls on our sail into this spectacular fjord when our ship arrived, but getting this close was an amazing perspective.

From clouds to glacial water – our favorite Norwegian experience so far.

At the Top of Dalsnibba.

The Seven Sisters Waterfall.
A crack in a nearby mountain is being closely monitored by geologists. If is continues to grow, and the rock face collapses it will cause a huge tsunami that is predicted to devastate the area in 40 – 60 years.

Typical farm.