Alesund - Geiranger

Looking towards land, we now see Molja Lighthouse, guiding sailors safely home since 1858. Remarkably, this area contains some of the few buildings that escaped the devastating flames of Ålesund’s great fire of 1904, when almost the entire town was reduced to ashes. Here you'll find the Fisheries Museum, located in authentic maritime warehouses dating from the mid-1800s. The museum provides fascinating insights into Ålesund’s proud maritime heritage and the vital role fishing has played in the city’s history. Close by is Teaterfabrikken, a vibrant cultural venue housed in rustic, original premises, famous for its informal atmosphere and lively performances. Originally built as a factory in the 19th century, the building tells the story of Ålesund’s industrial past, long before Art Nouveau became the city’s hallmark. Together, these locations form an authentic time capsule, offering a glimpse into old Ålesund and standing as living reminders of how the city appeared before the catastrophe shaped its unique urban landscape of today.

Can you smell it? The fresh, salty sea air mixed with the scent of fish? In Ålesund, we like to say that this is the smell of money, and with good reason: The entire history and wealth of the city is built on the fish from the sea. Now we pass Aspøya and Skarbøvika, both outer districts of Ålesund, where several of Norway's largest exporters of seafood are located. From these quays, large quantities of fish are shipped out into the world every day, everything from fresh salmon – one of Norway's most important exports – to traditional whitefish such as cod and saithe. But perhaps best known of all is herring, the "silver of the sea", which historically made Ålesund one of the country's richest cities. As early as the early 20th century, fishermen flocked here to hunt for huge shoals of herring, and the city quickly became a center for herring fishing and export. Today, modern fish factories continue this legacy, with advanced technology that ensures that the fish is delivered fresh and of top quality to customers all over the world. When you smell the sea and fish, you also smell the scent of Ålesund's history, culture and prosperity.

On April 9, 1940, the alarm went off in Norway, and five long years of war followed. Now we pass Tueneset Coastal Fort, an important part of the extensive defenses that the occupying forces built around Ålesund. The harbor here was strategically very important, and served as one of Germany's largest convoy ports along the Norwegian coast. To protect the ships from Allied attacks, gun emplacements, bunkers and observation posts were built. The fort was to withstand any attacks from the sea and ensure safe traffic into Ålesund harbor. Today, Tueneset Coastal Fort stands as a strong historical monument from World War II. Volunteer forces have transformed the area into a museum and open-air recreation area where you can explore bunkers, gun emplacements and other traces of the war, while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea. Here you can walk around and get a unique insight into local history, while the area invites you to reflect on a dramatic period in Norway's past. On the other side of the fjord we see Godøya, which belongs to the neighboring municipality of Giske. The island is known for its beautiful nature, nice beaches and popular hiking areas with fantastic views of the Sunnmøre coast.

We are now passing Matvika, (Food Bay) and as the name suggests, this is a particularly fertile spot in the fjord. There were people living here right up until 1961, who subsisted on what the earth provided. The location was particularly favourable for the growing of fruit and large amounts of apples, pears and plums were harvested here. There were even more exotic fruits such as tomatoes and apricots grown here, but it was the goats that provided the main source of income. The farm had hundreds of goats who ran and jumped up the mountainside right up to the summer farm which was a thousand metres up the hillside. There the goats were milked according to traditional methods and the enterprising milkmaids produced both white and brown cheese from the milk. There was little winter fodder down by the fjord, and the resourceful farmers therefore made their very own zip line which was an amazing 1200 metres long for the transportation of hay. To put that into perspective the longest zip line in the Nordics today is in Flåm and is 1381 metres long. The Matvika zip line was reportedly built by as up to as many as 70 men from across the whole area. How many of them took the tour all the way down themselves is not known, but undoubtably it would have been an experience.

We are now at the far end of the Borgundfjord, which takes you past the island and the district of Hessa. Closest to land you will see the popular Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe's largest and most unique saltwater aquariums. Here you can experience feeding in impressive saltwater tanks, meet penguins and seals, and explore a rich diversity of fish and sea creatures. Every Midsummer's Eve, the famous Slinningsbålet bonfire is lit at the very end of the island, and was once voted the world's tallest bonfire, and this spectacular event gathers thousands of spectators both on land and in small boats on the fjord. The Borgundfjord continues past along the center of Ålesund and inland towards the districts of Hatlane, Moa and Spjelkavik. The fjord is perhaps best known for the traditional Borgundfjordfisket, which takes place every year in February and March. Hundreds of fishing boats gather there for the big winter cod fishing - an event with deep historical roots, crucial to the local economy and culture. It is said that people could once walk across the fjord in dry shoes on all the boats from Ålesund to Langevåg on the opposite side. Langevåg is also home to the famous textile factory Devold, which has been producing quality woolen clothing for over 170 years. The Devold factory is not only a gem of industrial history, but also a popular destination where visitors can shop for quality products and experience the brand's exciting history.

Her ved inngangen til Storfjorden, Sulafjorden, ser vi nå Kvitneset forsvarsverk, strategisk plassert mellom Hareidlandet mot sør og øya Sula mot nord, med Ålesund i bakgrunnen. Dette var et omfattende anlegg, bygget av den tyske okkupasjonsmakten under andre verdenskrig. Anlegget inkluderte hele ni kanonstillinger, nitten brakker, fire bunkere og en rekke andre militære installasjoner. Kvitneset var en del av det som ble kalt Festung Norwegen – Tysklands store befestningsprogram langs norskekysten. Sammen med tusenvis av lignende anlegg fra Nordkapp i nord til Biscayabukta i sør, inngikk det i The Atlantic Wall, en enorm forsvarslinje mot en fryktet alliert invasjon. Herfra kunne tyskerne kontrollere innseilingen mot Ålesund og overvåke skipstrafikken langs kysten, en livsnerve for forsyninger og troppeforflytninger. I dag ligger ruinene som stille vitnesbyrd om en dramatisk periode i Europas historie. Området er populært for turer, med flott utsikt over havet og innseilingen mot Sunnmøre. Samtidig gir stedet en sterk påminnelse om krigens nærvær, og det selv i det vakreste omgivelser.

Once upon a time, there was a witch who was in love with an imposing man who dumped her in favour of a beautiful maiden from Geiranger. He proposed and soon he, his bride and the whole bridal party were on their way across the fjord to Stranda Church. The witch was very unhappy about this turn of events and when she saw the bridal party set off, she filled a bowl of water in her kitchen. She spun the bowl around and around at the same breathing and cursing feverishly. Out on the fjord the wind increased, and the waves grew and when the witch overturned the bowl, the boats with the wedding party onboard capsized and all were lost both man and mouse. This story can be read about in the local village book, it is claimed that the Parish Priest rowed out into the fjord and painted a white cross on the rock face down by the fjord, where we are now passing. Hence, this place is also known as ‘Korsen’ which means the cross. In Norway there were around 300 people sentenced to death for witchcraft and wizardry, but the witch that this story refers to, was not one of them. In the link below you can read the original judgement from 1614 against Anna Andersdatter from Hellebostad, who received a more lenient punishment.

What do the Suitor, The seven sisters and The devil’s column have in common? They are of course all tourist attractions along the Geiranger fjord. But in addition, they are also three tasty beers in the range of beers produced by the Geiranger brewery. The tourist village has a long tradition of beer brewing. All the farms had their own beer that was brewed for Christmas, often leading to a dispute over who had brewed the best beer. Therefore, a particularly serious competition was arranged at the Hotel Union where impartial people with a good palette for beer judged the beer of the year. The winner was crowned ‘Beer King of Geiranger’ a title up there with other prominent awards. The Geiranger brewery has developed these traditions further and produces exciting new beers that are available in supermarkets, outlets, and restaurants around the country.

You probably see one or two ferries on the fjord right now. The ferry route Solavågen - Festøy connects Ålesund and Ørsta/Volda with several ferries in traffic at any time. Today, people are particularly dependent on car ferries in Western and Northern Norway, where fjords cut deep into the landscape and make it impossible – or at least difficult – to get up or down the coast. Especially in Western Norway, with its many long fjord arms, travelers depend on ferries to get around. In this fjord alone, there are at least 6 ferry routes if we include the fjord arms. A ferry trip can be an experience in itself on the idyllic fjords of Sunnmøre. We have about 130 ferry connections in Norway and ferries are an important part of the Norwegian transport system. 20 million vehicles and 40 million passengers are transported on Norwegian car ferries annually.

Perhaps you are wondering why people settled in these impassable places? It sounds a little bit strange, but in Norway there was in fact a lack of space from the 1500s onwards. During that time, Geiranger was so populated that people could not find houses or land. The solution was for people to move to where they could be self-sufficient, often with their closest family. Therefore, we often see settlements along most of the green lungs of the fjord and farms right up the valley sides. The alternative was either to move further inland or out towards the coast. Inland there was not much fishing and along the coast not much of an opportunity for hunting, but here in the fjords there were both. Life along the fjord and up the sides of the valley, of course offered challenges, but also had many high points. Every Christmas the dark fjord was full of rowing boats on their way to Geiranger with lanterns on their sterns. This must have been a beautiful and ceremonious sight. On these farms they lived at one with nature for many generations, but gradually the life became too hard and from the beginning of the 1900s the emigration began. Today, most of the farms are in use as weekend homes or are rented out to tourists.

We are now sailing along Hareidlandet and passing Hareid. It is a lively small town that functions as an important commercial center on the southern side of Sunnmøre. Just a ten-minute drive away is Ulsteinvik, known as the heart of one of the world's most innovative shipbuilding industries. Here you will find, among others, Kleven Verft and Ulstein Group, both with a rich history and internationally recognized for their groundbreaking ship designs and advanced offshore vessels. Hareidlandet is one of the largest islands in Norway and rich in sporting achievements. In Ulsteinvik you will find the football club Hødd, which has been at the top of Norwegian football for decades, and won the Norwegian Championship in 2012, among other things. Ulsteinvik is also the hometown of world star Karsten Warholm, Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400 meter hurdles. Åge Hareide, known as both a national team coach and former top player in Norwegian and international football, also comes from Hareid. Together, Hareid and Ulsteinvik form an area characterized by both industrial strength and strong sports traditions – all surrounded by magnificent nature and beautiful fjord landscapes that reflect the rich history and future-oriented driving force of Sunnmøre.

Have you heard about the suitor who laid his sights on seven wild unmarried sisters, only to have his offers turned down by each and every one of them? Many believe that he became so depressed that he turned to the bottle and sought shelter in the waterfalls on the mountainside that we are now passing, and that is why according to local legend the waterfall has its characteristic bottle shape. On the opposite side of the fjord, you can see one of Norway’s most photographed landmarks, the characteristic ‘Seven Sisters’ waterfalls. From a distance, they look like the hair of seven women, hence the name. The waterfalls are an impressive sight, especially when the snowmelt is big and constantly feeding the waterfalls which on average are in free fall for an incredible 250 metres. And believe it or not, on a small mountain shelf, nearly right at the top of the seven sisters, is the abandoned and landslide prone farm of Knivsflå. It is a very popular tourist destination with its fantastic and spectacular view over Geiranger fjord, where at the same time you can get a feel for its unique history and how it must have been to live there in times gone by.

Right here, in the waters we are now sailing through, one of the largest and most famous Viking battles in Norwegian history took place. We pass Hjørungavåg to the west, the place that has given its name to the Battle of Hjørungavåg, a dramatic battle that, according to the sagas, took place around the year 986. The battle was between the powerful Earl of Ladejarl Eirik and an invading Danish army supported by the feared Jomsvikings – legendary mercenaries from the Baltic region. According to the sagas, the battle was intense and bloody, marked by harsh weather and rough seas. Against all odds, the Norwegian forces managed to win a crushing victory, an event that consolidated Norway’s independence and strengthened the Earl’s power along the coast. Although historians still debate the details of the battle, its memories live on in local pride and culture. Today, you will find monuments and annual commemorations in Hjørungavåg that honor this important event. Now, as you look towards land, you can imagine the huge warships and hear the echoes of shields clashing in battle on the foaming waves.

Are you ready for an adventure? The Norwegian fjords are the perfect base for many activities that get the heart beating faster. You can find something for every taste regardless of physical form, and if you want to get moving the small villages and high peaks offer experiences that you won’t forget. Or maybe the fjord can tempt you with a small paddle tour, or you could whizz over the waves on an inflatable speed boat. Many of the small fjord roads are sheltered, comfortable cycle paths whilst the valley sides are excellent mountain biking terrain. Or perhaps you are tempted to try climbing alongside the Geiranger river, balancing on Nepalese bridges, or flying over gorges and waterfalls. And if that is not for you, there are plenty of other experiences to be had on the water, on land and in the mountains. After such intense experiences it can be good to wind down and get rid of the adrenalin and sweat, and what could be better than a little dip in the fjord before relaxing at one of the areas wonderfully varied overnight accommodation options. The possibilities are endless. Check out the link for some of the experiences on offer.

The fjord that flows inland to the east is the Vartdalsfjorden, a side arm of the mighty Sulafjorden. The narrow fjord cuts deep between steep mountains and creates a dramatic and beautiful natural arena that is typical of Sunnmøre. On the north side lies the village of Vartdal, a small community with strong traditions in fishing and agriculture. Vartdal is also known for its industrial history, including fish processing and later the plastics industry. Further inland we meet Ørsta, a powerhouse for the region with both trade, industry and an active outdoor life. Here the Sunnmøre Alps loom in the background, a paradise for mountaineers and ski enthusiasts. Even further east lies Volda, known as an important educational city with its university, strong media environment and rich cultural offerings. The city is also known for its annual documentary film festival, which attracts filmmakers from all over the world. The Vartdalsfjord connects these vibrant small communities, all with deep roots in the fjord, the mountains and the sea. When you look inland, you follow a thoroughfare that has been the lifeblood of people and trade in Sunnmøre for centuries.

Queen Sonja of Norway has for many years been the patron of the organisation the Norwegian Trekking Association. She is known as the trekking Queen and there is hardly a mountain top in Norway that she hasn’t visited. Indeed, the Geiranger fjord, villages, and mountains around are amongst the Queen and her family’s most visited destinations. In 1993 the King and Queen even celebrated their silver wedding anniversary here in Geiranger fjord, at the mountain farm Skagaflå, with royal guests from around the whole world. The guests, including 7 Queens, also took a trip through the beautiful Norangsdalen, which is now known by the nickname the ‘Queens’ route’. The Queen who is an art and outdoor enthusiast unveiled the design installation «Fjordsetet» in 2003 on one of her trips to Geiranger. In Oslo a sculpture of the Queen entitled “The Trekking Queen” was unveiled in 2017.

The beautiful, idyllic fjord you see stretching into the landscape is the Hjørundfjord, one of Norway's most spectacular fjords. Surrounded by the mighty Sunnmøre Alps, with peaks rising vertically from the water's edge, this is an area that takes the breath away from most people. The Hjørundfjord winds 35 kilometers inland between majestic mountains, with small villages and farms clinging to the steep slopes. Further into the fjord you will find the charming village of Øye, where the historic Hotel Union Øye has welcomed adventurers and royalty since 1891. From Øye, the beautiful Norangsdalen, known as "Norway's narrowest valley", leads you on towards Hellesylt. From there you can take a boat into the famous Geirangerfjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hjørundfjord is a paradise for nature lovers, with countless opportunities for mountain hikes, kayaking and authentic experiences close to nature. When you look inland here, you don't just see a fjord – you see one of Norway's most beautiful secrets.

For around two weeks every year, a very special phenomenon occurs right where we are passing now. Melt water from the high Sunnmøre Mountains reaches its climax here when the water rushes down the mountain and creates what is known as the bridal veil. The waterfall of the same name then produces a beautiful fine spray, which together with the wind fans the water across the mountain road like a beautiful transparent bridal veil. If the sun is shining it creates an incredibly beautiful rainbow effect, which gets the tourists’ cameras clicking. There are seven other places in Norway that have waterfalls called the Bridal Veil, but this is the most famous and is ranked amongst the 50 biggest waterfalls in Norway. Directly above and next to the famous waterfall the mountain farms Megardsplassen and Horvadrag hang on two narrow ledges almost 500 metres above sea level. The last tenants left the farm in 1900, but considered moving back the year after, but by then an avalanche had taken all the houses and washed them into the fjord. Had they still been living there; they too would have followed their house down to the bottom of the fjord.

You will shortly see a gorge that reveals itself in the steep mountainside around 1200 metres up. It is said that it was the devil himself that made it, it therefore goes by the name the devil’s or hell’s column. Legend says that the devil sat on top of the mountain looking at the stars, but he fell asleep and when the sun began to rise, he got up in such a hurry to make it home that he took large parts of the mountainside with him. On the opposite side of the fjord, right down by the fjord edge, you can find the Syltavika Farm, and if you lift your gaze 400 metres above it, you can see the Blomberg Mountain farm. Both these farms, and many more in this fjord, have been restored and taken care of by the voluntary organisation the Friends of Storfjord. Their unique work contributes to preserving the history and in addition creates wonderful experiences for current and future generations.

To the east we see the Sykkylvsfjorden, which is a side arm of the mighty Storfjorden. Here we find Sykkylven, which is also known as Norway's furniture capital. Once there were 30 active furniture factories here with only 3,000 permanent residents. Today there are a few more, and Sykkylven has developed into a modern town, but the furniture industry still characterizes both identity and business. Among the best-known manufacturers are Ekornes, Hjellegjerde and Brunstad. Ekornes, with headquarters in Sykkylven, is particularly known for the brands Stressless and Svane. At a time when many have moved production to low-cost countries, Ekornes has kept parts of its production local - and thus continues a strong craft tradition. The furniture village has also left its mark internationally. In 2009, Sykkylven set a world record with the world's longest sofa, a full 890.25 meters long – built by the local furniture industry and set up as a spectacular symbol of the village's expertise and pride. Further along the fjord we pass Straumgjerde and the road that leads over Strandafjellet, towards Stranda and on to Hellesylt – the gateway to the Geirangerfjord.

Those who lived in the mountainside farms along the fjord many years ago must have had a head for heights. We are now passing the mountain farm Skageflå which was vacated around 100 years ago. It is idyllically located on a sunny mountain ledge 250 metres up the steep mountainside. Skageflå is one of 10 disused fjord farms on the Geiranger Fjord. Its spectacular position and the exposed and difficult path up, makes the farm the best known of them. As you can appreciate, it was not without danger to either live on or get to the farm. Today, the path that runs to Skageflå is safe. It has been repaired and secured in stages, over the last 150 years. In the past, the hardy fjord folk who lived there had to learn to deal with the dangers that lurked there. The children attended school in Geiranger in stretches of a few weeks at a time, and both learnt and partook in the demanding farm work when they were at home. The smallest children were secured with a rope so that they couldn’t get too close to the dangerous cliff edge. Today the farm is used as a holiday home and a tourist destination, but it is not for those who are afraid of heights.

The tourist village has a long tradition of beer brewing. All the farms had their own beer that was brewed for Christmas, often leading to a dispute over who had brewed the best beer. Therefore, a particularly serious competition was arranged at the Hotel Union where impartial people with a good palette for beer judged the beer of the year. The winner was crowned ‘Beer King of Geiranger’ a title up there with other prominent awards.

Up on the mountainside to the west you can now see Ytste Skotet, one of the most impressive and well-preserved shelf farms in Norway. The farm clings to the steep mountainside high above the Storfjord, without a road or modern conveniences. This was one of many so-called shelf farms – small farms that were located on narrow mountain shelves, often inaccessible and demanding to get to. Life here was hard, but also full of knowledge and adaptation. The farmers cultivated the land on steep slopes, kept livestock, and fetched firewood and water with raw muscle power. Transport was on foot or by boat – often with heavy loads over long distances. In winter, the farms could be completely isolated for weeks. Ytste Skotet was vacated in 1954, but is now restored and operated as a living museum. Here visitors can experience what life was like in earlier times – without electricity, machines or modern aids. All work is done by hand and with traditional tools. When you see the farm from the fjord, it is easy to be impressed by the courage, endurance and ability to survive in the steep and beautiful fjord landscape.

Here, between high mountains and deep fjords, you will find some areas with fairly flat land – rare and valuable pockets in the otherwise dramatic landscape. It was precisely in such places that farms grew up, and over time some developed into small towns. We are now passing Stordal, a good example of this. Stordal is located at the very end of the Storfjord and has long been a natural meeting point and trading place in the region. The area has a rich agricultural history, and the village is known for both its beautiful cultural landscape and strong craft traditions. In recent times, Stordal has also become known for furniture production, and the traditional craft lives on in modern forms. A distinctive feature of the village is Rosekyrkja – Stordal’s old church from 1789 – which is beautifully decorated with rose painting and historical motifs. The church is today a museum and symbolizes the village’s pride and history.

It is not difficult to understand why people are blinded by the magnificent and beautiful nature that they meet here in the fjord. However, something happens when darkness descends or when a thick mist comes down like an impenetrable blanket between the valley sides. Then myths and legends about huldrer, trolls, sea serpents and nisse spring to life. These are the traditional stories of these areas, and many of the tales have their roots in the local communities and continue to be exciting tales for both children and tourists alike. In Valldal, further into the fjord, legend has it that Olav the Holy rowed into these fjords and encountered a huge sea serpent. It was a real struggle, but after a hard battle, Olav defeated the serpent and slammed it into the rock face with such force that the serpent became stuck and the mark that it made remains there today. The precipitous firtree covered mountainsides have throughout the passage of time created strange formations that have fed people’s vivid imaginations. Right where we are passing now, you can see trolls on the rock face even in daylight. Just try! And we daren’t even tell you what you can see at night.

The boat now passes the Norddalsfjorden surrounded by lush valleys and postcard-perfect villages. Further into the fjord lie Eidsdal and Valldal, stops along the spectacular tourist route "The Golden Route", which connects Geiranger with Trollstigen and Åndalsnes. Valldal is known for its sweet strawberries and lush landscapes, while Fjørå has become a favorite destination for mountain bikers from all over the world. At the very end of the fjord we find Tafjord – a peaceful place with dramatic memories. On the night of April 7, 1934, large parts of the mountain Langhamaren collapsed into the fjord. The collapse triggered an enormous tidal wave that washed over the village. At its highest, the wave was almost 64 meters, and the destruction was catastrophic. As many as 40 people lost their lives, houses and farms were demolished, and the landscape was changed forever. The contrast between today's quiet nature and the violent event makes a strong impression. Here in Norddalsfjorden, people live close to the beauty of nature – and the reminder of its unpredictable powers. This is a landscape that both gives and takes, and that is never forgotten.

Do you see the road dancing up the steep mountainside? That is Ørnevegen (The Eagle’s Wing), today it is stamped as a National Tourist Route, which takes motorists through 11 tight hairpin bends 620 metres over sea level into the small fjord village of Eidsdal. The road was first opened in 1955 and gave Geiranger a much-needed year-round road, it got its name because it passes through an area which is home to lots of eagles. Then as today, the eagles with their enormous wingspans glide majestically high in the air studying the tourists below. From day one, motorists were fascinated by the beautiful view which revealed itself at the top of the road. Soon travellers from the whole of Norway were stopping on the turns to enjoy the spectacular views and before long tourists from Europe and the rest of the world made their entrance on motorbikes, cars, campervans, and busses. The authorities gradually made things more accessible for the tourists, and improved traffic safety by regulating and extending the upper hairpin bend. It has the name the ‘Eagle’s wing’ and is perhaps Norway’s most famous viewpoint. Today, tourists can walk out onto a glass floor, where they can see the world heritage fjord under them whilst at the same time having a panoramic view towards Geiranger and the seven sisters waterfalls. Maybe they can even see the trolls in the rockface on the opposite side of the fjord. Can you?

We are now approaching Stranda, a town beautifully situated between fjord and mountains, and known far beyond Sunnmøre for both food and nature. This is the home of Grandiosa – Norway’s best-selling frozen pizza – which is produced here in the Orkla factory. In addition to the pizza, Stranda is also known for the traditional cured meat Strandamør, a delicacy based on old recipes and smoking with juniper and mountain air. But Stranda is about more than food. Right behind the town rises Strandafjellet, a popular ski center that offers some of Norway’s best opportunities for summit tours and freeriding, with panoramic views of fjords and alpine peaks. The mountain is also a favorite destination for summer trips, with the gondola taking you high up in the landscape in a short time. Stranda is a good example of how tradition, industry and nature experiences meet. Here, people live close to the elements, with the fjord as a thoroughfare and the mountain as a playground. When you look inward now, you see a village that combines food enjoyment, outdoor activities and strong local roots – and that has managed to put both itself and its pizza on the Norwegian map.

Up on the mountainside to the west, you can now see Åkernesremna – one of Norway’s most feared natural hazards. This enormous mountain range is in slow but steady motion, and when – or if – it collapses into the fjord, it could trigger a catastrophic tsunami. The masses that could collapse are estimated to be 15 to 30 times larger than the landslide that caused the Tafjord disaster in 1934, in which 40 people lost their lives. Åkernesremna is several hundred meters long and up to 60 meters deep. The mountain masses subside several centimeters every year, and geologists monitor the area closely with advanced measuring equipment and alarm systems. If the landslide is detected in time, the population in the exposed areas can be evacuated before the wave hits. This dramatic natural hazard was the inspiration for the 2015 film The Wave, which shows how a landslide from Åkerneset can send a devastating tsunami towards Geiranger. The film is based on realistic scenarios and reflects how fragile the balance between idyll and disaster is in this powerful landscape. When you look up at the mountain now, you can almost feel the tension that rests over the area – a silent reminder of the unstoppable power of nature.

There are few places that can entice with such beautiful untouched nature. And for that reason Geirangerfjord is on the prestigious UNESCO list of world cultural and natural heritage sites. Here, you can also find Norway’s most spectacular viewpoints, regardless of which road you approach the village on. From the centre of the village, you can follow the road up the valley to two of them, Flydalsjuvet and Geiranger Skywalk, Dalsnibba. Flydalsjuvet lies in the middle of the valley and is equipped with glass plates, protrusions, and benches allowing visitors to make the most of the picturesque background of Geirangerfjord, where cruise ships look like small toy boats in the background. From here you can also stare several hundred metres down into the crashing Maråk river as it makes its way down the valley to the centre of Geiranger. Right at the top you will find the magical Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba, 1500 metres above sea level. From there you will enjoy Europe’s highest and most beautiful fjord view. The platform is built out over the mountainside and with a freefall drop of 500 metres you get the feeling that you are floating, even though of course, you are completely safe on the solid platform. All the viewpoints are a part of the National Tourist Route which has the aim of strengthening Norway as a travel destination.

Welcome to Geiranger! Now and then words are inadequate, and this is one of those occasions, Geiranger cannot be described it must be experienced! The small fjord village surrounded by steep mountains, dancing river and majestic waterfalls surpasses most Disney Adventures. And we are not alone in that opinion. Few places in the world appear on so many lists of the world’s most beautiful destinations as Geiranger. People have lived here since the stone age, and today the village’s several hundred permanent residents are each year visited by nearly a million tourists over the course of the hectic summer months. Here you can wander through the small fjord centre comprised of boat houses and old wooden houses, enjoy a coffee or ice cream, or try the local chocolate and beer. Take a tour further over the valley along the foaming river to the Norwegian fjord centre and the legendary Hotel Union. And once you get started, you will find a string of cultural-historical, natural experiences just waiting to be found, whether you choose to discover them by boat, car, bus, cycle, or on foot.

We are now rounding Røneset, a small headland where mountains meet fjords, and where a special farm has captured the attention of all of Norway. Out here, without a road and isolated from the beaten track, lies the farm of the same name that became known from the NRK series No One Thought Anyone Could Live. The farm owner's simple lifestyle and love of nature touched many viewers, and the response was so great that he later got his own TV series. The farm at Røneset is an example of the many small farms we pass on this journey – farms where people have lived close to nature, in a life that required endurance, courage and sobriety. Here the fjord was the way of life and the mountains were the neighbor, and everything needed to survive had to be collected from nature or transported by boat. When you see the modest fjord farm lying there under the steep slopes, you can understand why such places both fascinate and impress. They tell a story about humanity's ability to find living space in the most unlikely places – and about a form of life that is rare today, but still inspires respect and admiration.

When you look around here – with mighty mountains, deep fjords and endless nature – you might think that there has always been plenty of space and opportunities. Yet it was precisely from here, from the Sunnmøre and Ålesund area, that many chose to leave everything and start a new life in America. Emigration really picked up after 1860. Small farms, a large increase in population, poverty, religion and hopelessness caused thousands to leave. Many from the coastal villages struggled to feed their families, and the lure of the "promised land" in the west became too strong. Between 1865 and 1915, over 800,000 Norwegians travelled to America – a significant proportion of the population. Many Sunnmøre people also set off across the sea, often from Ålesund on the first steamships. Most settled in the Midwest – Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa – where the climate and nature were reminiscent of Norway. They brought with them knowledge of fishing, agriculture and crafts, and built strong local communities. Today, there are countless descendants of Sunnmøring in the United States. The story of the emigration is a reminder of both hardship and hope – and of how far people were willing to go for a better life.

We are now following in the footsteps of Olav the Saint – Norway’s eternal king and a central figure in the Christianization of the country. In the year 1028, just two years before he was killed in the Battle of Stiklestad, Olav Haraldsson sailed into the Storfjord where we are now, on his way to bring Christianity to the fjord villages of Sunnmøre. We can find traces of him in several places, especially in Vegsund. Here is Olavskilden – what was once the most famous Olav tradition in outer Sunnmøre. A little up the hill from the sea we find the spring where Olav, according to tradition, drank and washed during his stay in the area. The water here was seen as holy and healing, a clear sign of the advance of Christianity. In Valldal, the legend of the “Serpent in the Mountain” also lives – a monster that, according to legend, was petrified after Olav’s blessing, as a symbolic victory over old pagan forces. Two years after this journey, in 1030, Olav fell at Stiklestad. When his grave was opened shortly afterwards, angels were said to have sung, and his hair and nails had grown. He was quickly declared a saint – and his name lives on in sagas, landscapes and beliefs.