Scandinavian Discovery - Geiranger 22/7

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Thursday 22nd July

Geiranger, Norway

The Geirangerfjord
The fjord landscape, with the Geiranger Fjord as its centrepiece, has been described as both unique and exceptionally beautiful. This has been confirmed by UNESCO by its inclusion on the World Heritage List.
You would have to be exceptionally blasé if you failed to be impressed by this astounding creation of Mother Nature, emphasised by the will of man to maintain a foothold on the steep mountain sides and glean a living here.
Impressive waterfalls cast cascades of thundering water from almost vertical mountain sides among them the famous falls, De syv søstrene (the Seven Sisters), Friaren (the Suitor) and Brudesløret (the Bridal Veil), or tease the cliffs with feather-light gossamer veils of mist whose mission seems to be to create a never-ending display of ever changing rainbows to fill you with delight and wonder.

Trollstigen Mountain Road
Snaking its way up steep mountain sides, passing waterfalls, edged with guard stones, narrow, sometimes nerve-racking but always extremely fascinating. This is Trollstigen , the road that is a testimony to superb engineering and construction skills using the simplest of tools from the hard thirties. Still capable of transfixing and scaring many of its travellers, a good 70 years after it was opened in 1936.

Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge
Gudbrandsjuvet, half way between Trollstigen and Valldal centre, is an impressive system of whirlpools flanking a 5 meter wide and 20 meter deep gorge. According to an old legend, a man named Gudbrand jumped the gorge with his abducted bride. There is a network of fenced walkways and bridges from where you can safely take in the spectacle. .

Geiranger Fjordsenter
With exhibits based on the lives and livelihoods of the people of the Geirangerfjord, Geiranger Fjordsenter offers a unique and rewarding insight into the history, the colourful people and the fabulous natural scenery of the area.
The very latest technology is used to bring you information about the local flora and fauna, geological features including landslides and landslide areas, hydro-electric power development, road building, tourism and transport, folk life and nature. The interactive multimedia exhibit "From Mountain to Fjord" will show you the stunning natural World Heritage Site as it appears through the four seasons of the year.
You will be told this fascinating story and experience all the natural and cultural wonders of this outstanding area – all in the same place and at the same time.


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