Geirangerfjord is the crown jewel of the Norwegian Fjords — a place of such extraordinary natural beauty that it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Stretching 15 kilometres inland from the open sea, the fjord is flanked by sheer cliff faces rising to 1,400 metres, with waterfalls cascading down the rock faces and abandoned mountain farms clinging to ledges high above the water.

The approach into Geirangerfjord is one of the great moments in cruising. As your ship rounds the headland and the full length of the fjord opens up before you, with the Seven Sisters waterfall on one side and the Suitor on the other, it is impossible not to feel a sense of awe. Most ships spend several hours in the fjord, giving passengers ample time to take in the scenery from the deck before docking at the small village of Geiranger.

The Seven Sisters waterfall is the most iconic sight in the fjord — seven separate streams plunging 250 metres down the cliff face into the water below. According to local legend, the seven sisters are being courted by the Suitor waterfall on the opposite cliff, who raises a bottle in a toast. The Bridal Veil waterfall, partially hidden behind a rocky outcrop, completes the trio of famous cascades.

Above the fjord, the abandoned mountain farms of Skageflå, Knivsflå and Blomberg tell a remarkable story of human endurance. These farms were inhabited until the early 20th century by families who lived in near-total isolation, accessible only by boat or a treacherous climb up the cliff face. Today they can be visited by boat or on foot, and the Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger tells their story in detail.

Shore excursions from Geiranger typically include the Eagle Road viewpoint, the Trollstigen mountain road and the Dalsnibba mountain plateau — at 1,500 metres, the highest viewpoint accessible by road in the Norwegian Fjords, with extraordinary views across the surrounding mountains and down to the fjord far below.