TOUR H - GEIRANGER & HELLESYLT
Excursions
- 120 - 130
- 8 - 8 1/2 hours
- Limited capacity
- A little walking
From Olden we travel through Stryn, the administrative centre of the area, before a photo stop up on the Stryn Mountain Road, with a spectacular view! We continue through three tunnels before we reach Djupvatn - at 1,000 meters the snow stays for most of the year.
We now ascend the steep toll road that takes us up Mount Dalsnibba (1,500 metres/4,900 feet high). With each turn of the road the panorama unfolds - mountains and forests, streams and tiny towns clinging bravely to the steep hillsides. It is interesting to note that this route was open to traffic as early as 1889, when the construction was done entirely by hand, assisted by the hardy fjord horses. After our photo stop the trip down the valley offers a different perspective of the region. A stop at Flydalsjuvet provides a classic view of the Geirangerfjord – considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful fjord.
We descend to Geiranger and visit the Norwegian Fjord Centre, which will give us an introduction to what people who once lived along the fjord were like and how they lived. As we wander through recreated historical settings, we will gain a great sense of what life must have been like over 100 years ago. There will also be a short film. At the well-known Union Hotel close by we will enjoy a buffet lunch.
After lunch we will take an approximate one-hour fjord cruise from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Our boat takes us into the famous Geirangerfjord, surrounded by steep mountains, with deserted farms clinging to the sides, and majestic waterfalls such as The Seven Sisters and The Suitor.
Rejoining our coach we travel through the small yet important village of Hellesylt - where Henrik Ibsen was inspired to write his immortal drama Brand.
Passing the boundary between the counties of More og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane, we journey through another lovely valley. The incredible Horindalsvannet will then come into view – perhaps Europe’s deepest lake at nearly 610 metres (2,000 feet), with crystal clear water. We continue past the lovely Nordfjord and through Stryn, before following the Stryn River, known for its salmon fishing, as we travel back to Olden.
TOUR NOTES: There is walking involved at the Norwegian Fjord Centre, which is wheelchair accessible, but all participants must be able to board both the coach and boat unaided. There is also optional walking at the two photo stops. Please note that the road to Mount Dalsnibba can, under extreme weather conditions, be closed at short notice, in which case we shall go to Eagle Bends after lunch before the boat ride. Please note this tour includes a journey with hairpin bends, therefore it may not be suitable for passengers who suffer from vertigo. It should be noted that some cruise itineraries also call into Geiranger, so sights seen on this tour may also be seen on Geiranger tours. This tour can not operate for all Olden calls, due to the long duration.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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