Port options: Geiranger

[kinsetta]

We will be calling in Geiranger in early July. We are strongly considering a ship's excursion but generally have a preference for independent touring. We're particularly interested in Mt. Dalsnibba and the Norwegian Fjord Center. Have any of you done these independently? What transportation options did you find? We will be in our third week of cruising so don't want the days to be super-full -- just would like to have the opportunity to see this beautiful area at our own pace. Thanks in advance!

[TLCOhio]

We will be calling in Geiranger in early July. We are strongly considering a ship's excursion but generally have a preference for independent touring. We're particularly interested in Mt. Dalsnibba and the Norwegian Fjord Center. Have any of you done these independently? What transportation options did you find? We will be in our third week of cruising so don't want the days to be super-full -- just would like to have the opportunity to see this beautiful area at our own pace. Thanks in advance!

 

Geiranger and some of these other fjord port villages are very small, small. Unlike Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen, etc., they don't have the wider range of transportation options, nor a handy variety of attractions right there. Mt. Dalsnibba (nearly a mile up) is a big, big distance from sea level and this tendering location. In this area, getting "up country" can be important to see a wider range of scenic beauty. Ship tours are not perfect, but they can get you "around" and solve many of your logistical needs. Things are not cheap in Norway, also, whether for private tours and/or by a ship excursion.

 

We did a wide range of stops along this great Norway coast. In some places, you can do independent trips, but it harder in this port, especially if you want to do things in a time-efficient manner. Below are some of my pictures for a little sampling. More on the full live/blog noted below. What ports are you visiting, your overall schedule?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 71,301 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

This is the super scenic view from immediately above Geiranger that shows the Silver Cloud and Costa ships tendered. A little before this picture, we were to go to Mt. Dalsnibba as a photo stop from this 4,920-foot vantage for the snow-covered surrounding mountains, icy glaciers, crystalline lakes and Geirangerfjord far below. We went there, but it was totally “socked in”. It was so thick, you could barely find your bus on this day on top of the big mountain crowded with lots of buses from the Costa ship. But this view, at a lower level, makes up for that problems and provided a wonderful vista.:

 

 

 

From the Geiranger overlook vista, there are great memories you can capture and take home. Here is a closer look at a couple of people out on one of the lower look-out points.:

 

 

 

Next to the Videseter Hotel on our way to Geiranger, we saw this spectacular waterfall at this scenic high mountain elevation location. You can see how small is the hotel/dining building at the top to the right of waterfall to give an idea on the massive scale for this natural wonder.:

 

 

 

At the end of our visit to Geiranger, our last fjord stop, here was this cute troll to whom our friend Sharon decided to give a little hug and big chin tickle.:

 

 

 

After being tendered from Geiranger, we sailed out and passed by two super famous waterfalls. YES, yes, we saw lots and lots of waterfalls on this trip, but these two were among the “best of the best”. First is the “Seven Sisters”. Next shown is directly opposite in this narrow fjord and is called several names, including “The Suitor”. The majesty for these feats of nature is pretty amazing.:

 

 

 

[kaisatsu]

You can walk up the fjord center on your own. It's a fairly easy walk and takes maybe 20 minutes? Just follow the road up the hill, and if you want partway up there's a shortcut trail off to the left that leads up to the church and cuts out some of the switchbacks on the road.

 

To do Mt.Dalsnibba on your own, you'd either need to book a private excursion (I saw some listed at the tourist offices that I think were scheduled from 10 am to 3 pm) or rent a car. The road will probably be open by early July, but it's snowed in well into June.

[Charles4515]

You can walk up the fjord center on your own. It's a fairly easy walk and takes maybe 20 minutes? Just follow the road up the hill, and if you want partway up there's a shortcut trail off to the left that leads up to the church and cuts out some of the switchbacks on the road.

 

To do Mt.Dalsnibba on your own, you'd either need to book a private excursion (I saw some listed at the tourist offices that I think were scheduled from 10 am to 3 pm) or rent a car. The road will probably be open by early July, but it's snowed in well into June.

 

We were going to book a private excursion at the tourist office when we saw a taxi. The driver took us up the Mt. and around the area for a reasonable price.

[kinsetta]

Thanks for all this helpful info. TLCOhio, we will also be calling in Bergen, Alesund and Eidfjord (see the question I also posted about that port.) We plan to go independently in Bergen with our focus on Bryggen, a couple of museums and the Floibanen. In Alesund we are very much looking forward to the Art Nouveau Centre and architecture as well as the local museum. We have a shorter day there, so want to be realistic about what we can see and do in the time we have. We are big believers in doing fewer things, savoring those experiences and planning to return! Thanks for your suggestions.

[TLCOhio]

Thanks for all this helpful info. TLCOhio, we will also be calling in Bergen, Alesund and Eidfjord (see the question I also posted about that port.) We plan to go independently in Bergen with our focus on Bryggen, a couple of museums and the Floibanen. In Alesund we are very much looking forward to the Art Nouveau Centre and architecture as well as the local museum. We have a shorter day there, so want to be realistic about what we can see and do in the time we have. We are big believers in doing fewer things, savoring those experiences and planning to return! Thanks for your suggestions.

 

Glad you're going to Bergen and Alesund. Both are nice and wonderful. Below are some notes on those two great, charming places. Try to go up to the mountain overview for Alesund. Below are a few pictures for these two super stars.

 

Alesund’s architecture is characterized by its turrets, spires, medieval-romantic frontages . and other whimsical touches that give this town its distinctive style. It is like something from a fairytale. On the night of January 23, 1904, the town, built largely of wood, was totally destroyed at night by gale-aided flames. Only one person died, but more than 10,000 people were left without shelter. Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm vacationed nearby and sent four warships with materials to build temporary shelters. The town was rebuilt in stone, brick and mortar in Jugendstil or Art Nouveau, the architectural style of the time. This design reflects a “romance with the past” and highlights Nordic mythology along its winding streets. To honor Wilhelm, one of the most frequented streets of the city is named after him. The town has an unusually consistent architecture, most of the buildings having been built between 1904 and 1907.

 

http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en

 

As the seat of Norway’s medieval kingdom of Norway for six centuries, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold encircled by deep fjords, towering mountains, and sweeping glaciers. Today's Bergen has much of the medieval flavor remaining around Bergen's harbor. We explored the cobblestone streets, saw its pastel-color wooden houses, bargained in some of the many artisans' workshops and visited the famous and always-entertaining Fish Market. You can watch the locals haggling over today's catch and enjoy a quayside lunch of freshly caught salmon or fish and chips.

 

Rated by Frommers as more scenic than Oslo, Bergen was the base of the medieval Hanseatic merchants. Those historic timbered houses are set around Bryggen or The Wharf, a center for crafts and workshops. Its prime row is mostly reconstructed 14th-century structures, some of which were originally destroyed by fire. Det Hansseatiske Museum depicts commercial life on the wharf in the early 18th century and is highly rates with well-preserved wooden structure. Its art museums are highly-rated with religious icons, local art, etc.

 

In the afternoon, after some of the big crowds had lessened, we took the Floibanen funicular railway to the top of a 1050-foot high peak for scenic views. This cable car has been operating for over 80 years and was refurbished in 2002. The Funicular Lower Station is situated 150 meters from the Fish Market. At the top of the Mount Floyen, there are hiking trails and places for lunch or dinner. The trip takes seven minutes and both cars are on the same cable going up and down. Mariakirken or St. Mary’s Church is the most outstanding Romanesque church in Norway. Bergen is Norway’s largest port and has a population of 252,000. Scenic Bergen completed our voyage with its dramatic backdrop of seven rounded mountains and cobble-stoned streets. It entices you to take memories and photos cherishing the land of the Norsemen.

 

Their good and helpful Tourism Office can be accessed on the web at: http://www.visitbergen.com/en

 

We docked at the fairly handy Skoltegrunskaien Pier. This put us within about a 10-15 minute walk of the main attractions at the market and warehouse area.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 71,301 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

This is the dramatic overview of Alesund from the Aksla vantage point along the western coast of Norway. This spot allows a nearly 360-degree view of this setting for this island city and the surrounding mountains and islands. It is at a 597’ height overlooking the five islands making up the scenic town.:

 

 

 

At a lower, street-level part of Alesund, here are some of the buildings along the central waterway, plus a nice statue.:

 

 

 

Here were a couple of Norway ladies in their special native costumes that were very unique and interesting at the Aksla viewpoint in Alesund.

 

 

 

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor, plus nearby scenic areas, etc.

 

 

 

Right near the Hanseatic merchant warehouse area is the Bergen Fish Market with lots of options to buy food to eat on site or just watch, enjoying the free “show” as people ask questions and buy the various fresh fish items.:

 

 

 

This view from the Bergen hilltop shows the central downtown shopping area (Torgalmenningen, the major square) and many various building rooftops. The red brick church at the top is Johanneskirken (St. John's church), built of red brick in a neo-gothic style in 1894. The church tower at the left is Korskirken, dating back to the latter half of the 12th century and whose name means “True Cross”. Lots of interesting and historic architecture in Bergen.:

 

[grayjay]

It's really easy to do the Mt. Dalsnibba tour on your own - the local tourist office offers a tour on a local bus at very reasonable prices. I'd also recommend to wait until the very day you're in Geiranger because if it's raining you won't see much anyway - we did that tour on a rainy day and it was fog and clouds almost the whole tour ( we liked it nevertheless! - Just a warning what to expect) The view from the mountain itself must be breathtaking.

Geiranger itself is not much of a village - a camping site, a few hotels, some scruffy souvenir shops and some nice walks along the coast line.

The trip up to the museum is easy - it's not far - but it's a small road and as you have to walk on the road itself it's dangerous in my opinion - loads and loads of cars and buses going up and down the mountain road all the time.

[kaisatsu]

The trip up to the museum is easy - it's not far - but it's a small road and as you have to walk on the road itself it's dangerous in my opinion - loads and loads of cars and buses going up and down the mountain road all the time.

 

I have the same opinion. Since the noise from the river is quite loud, I find it very disconcerting that I can't hear traffic approaching behind me!

 

However, this past visit I did find an alternate route that stays off the busy main road for the most part:

 

(Numbers correspond to the Geiranger Hiking & Information Map: http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/Alesund/Turkart/Hiking%20routes%20Geiranger.pdf )

 

After leaving the tender pier area (1), heading up towards the rest of the town, take a right as soon as possible and head along the waterfront towards Geiranger Camping (23). Cross the bridge over the river and turn left. Follow this little road up to the group of houses (to the left of 25). Turn left just before the big red barn, and wind your way uphill between the houses. Just before the last house (the white one in the top right of the cluster) there is a path leading off to the left up the hill. The trail can be rather steep in places, but it leads up to the group of houses higher up the hill. The path ends at another small road, and taking it to the left will lead to a bridge back across the river where this road meets back up with the busier main road. Turning right on the main road, the entrance to the fjord center is just a bit further on the right.

 

I've marked the rough path on the attached copy of the map.

[kinsetta]

Thank you so much. We usually tour independently but for some reason, for this port, I was thinking maybe we should do a ship excursion (probably because it is so small and I wondered about how many local options there would be.). But now with this info, we're back in our independent, serendipitous, value-priced groove! Thanks lots.