Experience the Highlights of Geiranger with Excursions.no
If you’re visiting Norway’s famous Geirangerfjord, a trip with Excursions.no offers a quick but memorable way to capture some of the most iconic views. For around $75 per person, you’ll spend about 1.25 to 1.5 hours exploring two of the area’s top lookout points, Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, with stops for photos and panoramic vistas. The tour departs from a central location in Geiranger, making it easy to join, and includes audio guides in eight different languages, which can be especially helpful for international travelers.
What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery and informative commentary, giving you a taste of Norway’s natural beauty without the need for a full-day commitment. Plus, the drive along the hairpin-bend Eagle Road is an experience in itself—though not for the faint-hearted! We also appreciate the easy access to two of the most photographed viewpoints in the UNESCO World Heritage area, perfect for snapping those postcard-worthy photos.
On the flip side, a consideration worth noting is that this tour lacks hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point. Plus, some reviews mention that the narrow, winding roads and tight turns can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or uneasy on steep, winding roads. This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with bus rides on mountain roads and who love quick, scenic snapshots rather than a lengthy, in-depth exploration.
Ultimately, this experience is ideal for cruise ship passengers or those on a tight schedule who want to maximize their time in Geiranger and get a sense of the area’s most famous sights. If you’re after authentic views and expert insights in a compact format, you’ll find this tour offers good value—and a memorable glimpse of Norway’s famed fjord landscape.
Key Points
- Quick and scenic: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want iconic views.
- Two main viewpoints: Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend provide stunning photo opportunities.
- Audio guides in 8 languages: Enhances understanding and appreciation of the area’s significance.
- Winding mountain drive: The route along Eagle Road includes 11 hairpin bends, a highlight for many.
- No hotel pickup: Participants must reach the meeting point on their own.
- Mixed reviews on guides and timing: Some find the commentary helpful, while others experienced delays or technical issues.
In-Depth Review of the Geiranger Highlights Tour
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What’s Included and What to Expect
Starting at the meeting point in Geiranger, this tour delivers a straightforward itinerary focused on two major viewpoints. The Flydalsjuvet stop is a favorite among photographers, offering what many describe as “fantastic photo opportunities of the Geirangerfjord”. It’s one of Norway’s most photographed spots, thanks to its dramatic cliff backdrop and sweeping views of the fjord below.
The second highlight, Eagle Bend on Eagle Road, is famous for its magnificent panoramic view of the Geirangerfjord and the iconic Seven Sisters Waterfalls. This spot is accessible via a drive that features 11 hairpin bends, which many reviews describe as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, especially on a bus that some felt was “too big” for the narrow mountain roads.
The tour also includes an audio guide in eight languages, providing relevant historical and geographical context. While some reviewers appreciated the commentary, others reported that the headsets often faded out, reducing the overall experience. Still, the guided narrative helps turn a simple scenic drive into a more educational outing.
The Experience of the Drive
The bus journey itself is a significant part of the adventure. Many travelers comment on the challenging roads—a series of tight, steep hairpin bends that require a skilled driver. The driver’s expertise is often praised, with one reviewer calling out “excellent driving skill” on the winding roads. Yet, this aspect is a double-edged sword. Some found the narrow, steep roads somewhat nerve-wracking, with one noting the bus “stalled” during a turn, and others called the ride “nerve wracking” due to the many hairpin turns.
The size of the bus is a factor here; smaller vehicles might offer more confidence on such treacherous roads, but the larger bus is necessary for accommodating up to 48 travelers comfortably. For those who love mountain roads and scenic drives, this is a memorable part of the experience, even if it might cause some discomfort.
Photo Stops and Viewing Opportunities
The 15-minute stops at each viewpoint are short but packed with opportunities to snap photos. Many reviews mention that these stops are just enough to get a good shot without feeling rushed. One reviewer notes, “there are 15-minute stops to take photos at each location”—which is enough time for most travelers to capture the views and soak in the scenery.
The Flydalsjuvet viewpoint provides a wide-angle shot of the fjord, while the Eagle Bend offers a more dramatic, rugged perspective. The views are breathtaking, and you’ll likely want to spend a moment simply taking it all in. The Seven Sisters Waterfalls are visible from Eagle Bend, providing a perfect photo opportunity of Norway’s famous cascade.
Authenticity and Guide Expertise
While the tour promises expert narration, reviews suggest mixed experiences. Some travelers like “Thomas,” who was praised for a “wonderful tour guide,” while others found the audio commentary to be faded or insufficient. This inconsistency can affect how much you learn about the area’s history and geology.
Timing and Pacing
The overall duration of the tour—about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes—is tight but designed to give a snapshot of Geiranger’s highlights. Some travelers felt the 15-minute stops are “short”, but adequate if your goal is just to get a taste rather than a comprehensive tour.
A notable downside mentioned in reviews is the potential for delays—one report mentions the bus being an hour and a half late, which can affect your plans, especially if you’re trying to catch a cruise or have a strict schedule.
Value for Money
At $75.39, this tour is priced in line with similar scenic excursions in popular cruise ports. It’s not the cheapest option, but it does include audio guides in multiple languages and several photo stops, making it a reasonably good value for those seeking quick, spectacular views. That said, some reviews suggest that the experience can feel expensive relative to the short duration and the challenges faced during the drive.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is best suited for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time who want a rapid introduction to Geiranger’s most famous viewpoints. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with narrow, winding mountain roads and are looking for easy access to iconic vistas without the hassle of longer or more complicated tours.
If you’re interested in photography and want the best photo opportunities with minimal walking, this is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, guided experience or want to explore the area more thoroughly, you might want to seek other options or combine this with a longer excursion.
The Sum Up
The Geiranger Highlights Tour by Excursions.no offers a compact, scenic glimpse of one of Norway’s most celebrated fjord landscapes. It’s a good pick if you value stunning views and famous viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, all packed into a manageable timeframe. The inclusion of audio guides in multiple languages adds educational value, and the expert driving ensures safety on the challenging mountain roads.
However, it’s not without its quirks. The short stops and mixed reviews about commentary suggest this isn’t for travelers who crave a detailed, leisurely exploration. The narrow roads and bus size can be nerve-wracking, especially for those uneasy with mountain driving. The lack of hotel pickup means you need to be punctual and organized.
This tour is best for those who want a quick, visually captivating experience with a taste of Norway’s iconic fjord scenery. It’s well-suited for cruise travelers or visitors on a tight schedule eager to tick off the highlights with minimal fuss. If you’re after a balanced dose of adventure and sightseeing, it’s a decent choice, especially if you’re comfortable with bus rides on winding roads and eager to capture classic views.
FAQ
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. You will need to meet at the designated location in Geiranger.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, including stops for photos.
Are there audio guides available?
Yes, the tour provides audio commentary in 8 different languages, although some reviews mention issues with the headsets fading out.
What are the main sights visited?
You’ll visit Flydalsjuvet, a premier photo spot overlooking the fjord, and Eagle Bend, which offers a sweeping view of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls.
Is the drive on narrow roads?
Yes, the route includes 11 hairpin bends along Eagle Road, which can be thrilling or nerve-wracking depending on your comfort with mountain roads.
Can I expect to have enough time for photos?
Yes, each stop is about 15 minutes, typically enough for photos and taking in the scenery, though some find the time a bit short.
Is this suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The experience involves bus travel on winding roads and quick stops, so consider your comfort with mountain driving and standing outdoors.
What should I consider before booking?
Be aware of potential delays, and ensure you’re comfortable with mountain roads and tight turns. Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point for a smooth start.
In the end, this tour provides an excellent snapshot of Geiranger’s most iconic sights—perfect for those who value spectacular views and swift sightseeing, without the fuss of longer excursions.
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