Another early start to get ourselves ready to head to the port, we enjoyed breakfast at the window one last time before walking to the ferry. It was a bit wet as we walked through town, but was nice and quiet.
The ferry ride itself was smooth and quiet (best possible environment for one seasick-prone lass). The trip was 3 hours, and we think our eyes only blinked a few times, particularly that last hour passing into the Geirangerfjord system and into Geiranger town.
Wow, just wow. We had seen photos and videos when doing our research into where to go, but nothing prepared one for it in person. The fjords were just spectacular, magical, awe-inspiring… we could go on, but pretty much just insert whatever equivalent adjective you desire. It was that, but times a billion. We are so, so, SO blessed to be able to visit them. Even though we got pretty soaked when viewing from the top deck, it was worth every chill, shiver, and longing for a hot shower.
As we went from the main Storfjorden into Geirangerfjord we saw many small towns, abandoned farms, amazing cliffs and waterfalls, including the famous Seven Sisters waterfall.
Stepping off the ferry and into Geiranger, we stored our bags at the visitor centre and found a cafe to warm up in. Not spending too much time in there as we hadn’t paid $10 for a coffee, we started walking up the main road, thinking we were walking towards the start of the waterfall trail. Turns out we went straight past it but ended up at the church which had lovely views of the town and fjord. We then continued up the hill to the Fjordcentre where we found a bench to have lunch and watch the clouds and weather roll into the mountain. After that we found a side street where we got perfect views of the town and fjord without having to hike 3ks up the mountain.
We did the waterfall walk down, which was a great rest for our legs from doing so many stairs up over the last few days, the waterfall was raging! We had one last look at the fjord before collecting our bags and boarding our ferry to Hellesylt. This was an hour and a bit ferry ride where we had great weather to start with, not so good weather then great weather. With the new weather we were able to go to the deck and more of a clear view than before, and even see some rainbows.
After arriving we walked through the town (very much like a Greenhead vibe, but in a fjord. For those family at home who know, you know). Catching the coach bus to Stryn was incredible too. Amazing valleys, rivers and lakes either side of us for the whole hour’s drive. When we arrived, we walked down the road through the main drag and there was a nice feel of a sleepy Sunday town.
We got to our Airbnb and were welcomed by our lovely host (and cat), then settled in after a shop at the local REMA 1000. We kept some of the local boys late (checkout chicks) by thinking it was closed a bit later… whoops!
After finally settling in, we had some dessert and headed to bed. A big day of sightseeing had us feeling like Mr. Bean when he tries to keep his eyes open with match sticks.
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