Geiranger: Excursions.no Geiranger Highlights

Traveling through Norway’s fjords is a dream for many, and if you’re headed to Geiranger, you’ll find a lot of options to soak in the scenery. One of the more popular choices is the Geiranger Highlights tour offered by Excursions.no, which promises a chance to see the area’s most famous viewpoints in just over an hour. We’ve looked into what this experience involves, what you can expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on iconic photos and key viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, which are often the highlight of many travelers’ itineraries. Plus, the inclusion of audio guides in eight languages makes it accessible for a wide range of visitors, adding some context to the breathtaking scenery. On the other hand, a notable drawback seems to be the short duration of stops and the often nerve-wracking drive along winding roads, which might not suit everyone’s comfort level.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Geiranger with minimal hassle, especially if you’re on a cruise or limited on time. It’s a good option if your main goal is to capture those famous views and gain some background via the audio commentary. But if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration or have concerns about narrow, winding roads, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Focus on two major viewpoints: Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, perfect for photography and panoramic views.
• Provides audio guides in 8 languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Short stops—15 minutes at each location—offer quick photo opportunities but may feel rushed.
• Winding, hairpin roads mean the drive can be nerve-wracking, especially for those sensitive to narrow, steep roads.
• No hotel pickup—you need to meet at the designated location in Geiranger.
• Cost-effectiveness depends on your expectations; it’s relatively affordable but may not include extensive sightseeing.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When considering a tour like this, it’s essential to understand what you’re getting. At just over $75 per person, this tour offers a compact, scenic ride with a focus on photo stops and viewpoints. You won’t get a full day of sightseeing, but you will get a taste of Geiranger’s most acclaimed sights.

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

The tour kicks off at the meeting point in Geiranger, from where your journey begins on a bus that navigates the winding roads leading up to the viewpoints. The first stop, Flydalsjuvet, is famed for its spectacular views of the fjord. It’s one of Norway’s most photographed locations for a reason—its dramatic cliffside setting makes for incredible photos, especially under good weather.

You’ll spend about 15 minutes here, enough to snap some pictures and take in the scenery. Many reviews note that the photo stops are well-timed—not too long, not too short. However, some travelers find the 15-minute window tight if they want to really soak in the view or get that perfect shot.

Next, the tour continues to Eagle Bend (Ornesvingen), which offers a magnificent overlook of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls and the fjord below. This spot is also a favorite for panoramic photos, with the added bonus of a drive through the scenic hairpin bends—11 in total—that climb the rugged terrain.

The Drive and Road Conditions

The journey between stops involves a drive along narrow, winding mountain roads, described by some reviews as nerve-wracking. The bus’s size and the steep, hairpin turns can make for an intense ride, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or uncomfortable with tight turns. One review humorously but honestly mentions that the bus had trouble making a turn, stalling briefly on one occasion.

It’s worth noting that the driver’s skill is praised in some reviews, with many appreciating the effort to navigate these tricky roads safely. Yet, a couple of travelers mention that the drive can feel a bit stressful, and the road’s narrowness might not be ideal for everyone.

Audio Guide and Commentary

The tour includes an audio guide in 8 languages, which helps provide context for what you’re seeing. However, a few reviews report that the headsets’ sound quality was inconsistent, and the narration was sometimes difficult to hear. A positive comment highlights that a guide on the bus provided additional commentary, which many found engaging.

Having some background about the waterfalls, fjord formations, or local history can enrich the experience. But be prepared for the possibility that the audio might not be crystal clear throughout, especially if you’re sitting farther from the speakers.

The Overall Value

Given the short duration and the price, this tour is a good option if you’re looking for quick highlights rather than in-depth exploration. Many reviewers appreciate the breathtaking scenery, but some felt the short stops and the nerve-wracking drive detracted from the overall experience.

It’s important to mention that the tour does not include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to be at the meeting point on time. The activity is designed to coordinate with cruise ship schedules, ensuring you don’t miss your departure.

What Travelers Are Saying

From the positive side, travelers like Sandy praised their “wonderful tour guide” and the “incredible bus ride” along narrow roads with many hairpin turns. They appreciated the magnificent scenery at every turn and felt the experience was worth the price.

On the flip side, frustrations surface around the length of stops and the quality of commentary. Timothy expressed disappointment that the bus was late by an hour and a half, causing him to miss the best time to view the fjord. Others found the headsets often didn’t work properly or the 15-minute stops felt too short for meaningful photos or exploration.

Considerations for Different Travelers

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic drives and doesn’t mind narrow, winding roads, you’ll probably find this tour quite enjoyable. However, if traveling on steep, hairpin roads makes you nervous or you prefer longer, more leisurely stops, this might not be your ideal choice.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is limited to 48 travelers, so it’s a relatively intimate experience but still prone to the occasional crowd. The lack of hotel pickup makes it essential for you to plan your meeting time carefully.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a solid snapshot of Geiranger’s most iconic viewpoints, making it a practical choice for those on a tight schedule or cruise travelers wanting a quick overview. The spectacular views at Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend are genuinely breathtaking and are the highlights you’ll remember most.

If you’re seeking a stress-free, extended exploration or are sensitive to winding roads, you might find the short stops and nerve-wracking drive less appealing. But if you’re comfortable with a short, scenic bus ride combined with photo opportunities and some background narration, this experience could be a good fit.

The value for money depends partly on your expectations—if you’re looking for a quick, guided snapshot with photo stops, it’s affordable. For a more immersive experience, you might want to explore other options or longer tours.

FAQs

Is there hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. You’ll need to meet at the specified location in Geiranger.

How long does the tour last?
The total time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, including stops.

What language options are available for the audio guide?
Audio guides are provided in 8 different languages, making it accessible for many travelers.

Are the photo stops long enough?
Most travelers find 15 minutes at each viewpoint sufficient for photos, but some feel it’s a bit rushed if you want more time.

Is the drive difficult?
The drive involves narrow, winding roads with many hairpin bends, which can be nerve-wracking for some but is handled skillfully by the driver.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Would this tour suit children?
While there’s no specific mention of children, the short duration and scenic stops might make it suitable for families, provided they’re okay with the winding roads.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Absolutely, the tour is adapted to cruise schedules, with a guarantee to return on time, provided you register your ship’s name when booking.

In the end, this tour strikes a balance between convenience and scenic highlights. It’s best for travelers who want a brief taste of Geiranger’s most photographed vistas without the fuss of a full-day adventure. Just remember that the drive can be a bit intense, and the stops are brief, so manage your expectations accordingly.