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Geirangerfjord Is Under Constant Threat of Erosion Into the Fjord from Åkerneset

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Geirangerfjord Is Under Constant Threat of Erosion Into the Fjord from Åkerneset The fjord is one of Norway’s most visited tourist sites. This fjord is surrounded by some of the steepest moun- tains on the entire west coast. It is very narrow and has no habitable shore area. Foaming waterfalls plunge into the fjord from jagged peaks. The two most notable waterfalls in the Geiranger Fjord are Seven Sisters Falls and the Suitor. Both falls face one another across the fjord, and the Suitor is said to be trying to woo the sisters opposite. GeirangerFjord is under constant threat of erosion into the fjord from Åkerneset. Geiranger is a small tourist village in Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county in the western part Geirangerfjord of Norway. The nearest major city is Ålesund. Geirang- er is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and has been named the best travel destina- by Angel Biorn tion in Scandinavia by Lonely Planet. Since 2005, the Photos by D. Convertini Geirangerfjord area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Seven Sisters waterfall is located just west of Geiranger, directly across another waterfall called “The Suitor.” This third biggest cruise ship port in Norway receives 140 to 180 ships during the four-month tourist season. In 2012 some 300,000 cruise passengers visited Geirang- er during the summer season. The Geiranger Port has a cruise terminal, a Seawalk, and 3–4 anchor positions Both falls face one another depending on the size of the ships. Constructed in 2013, the Seawalk is a three-segment articulated floating pier, across the fjord, and the suitor 236 m long and 4.5 m wide on 10 pontoons, which moves (like a floatable jetwalk) to accommodate up to “ is said to be trying to woo the 4,000 passengers per hour disembarking from a single ship. Several hundred thousand people pass through every sisters opposite. summer, and tourism is the main business for the 250 people who live there permanently. There are five hotels and over ten camping sites. The tourist season stretch- es from May to early September. Tours of the nearby historic farms of Knivsflå and Skageflå are available from ” Geiranger. December 2018 | 3 You can spend the night at Westerås, sample the local Snaking its way up steep mountainsides, passing food served at the outdoor restaurant, whilst enjoying waterfalls, edged with stone railings, narrow, sometimes the spectacular view of the fjord below. nerve‐racking but always extremely fascinating, Trollsti- At Westerås farm, 320 meters above the Geirang- gen mountain road is an absolute “must see” attraction, erfjord, you can spend the night or enjoy local food and an alternative route for getting to the Geirange- served at the outdoor restaurant with beautiful views fjorden area. The road opened in 1936 and is a testimony of the fjord. Westerås farm has a long history, and it to superb engineering and construction skills using the has been discovered that people have been in the area simplest of tools from the hard thirties. all the way back to the Stone Age. The farm itself is The area’s unique natural surroundings were created registered in official documents from the 17th century. during a succession of ice ages, when glaciers carved There was activity at the farm until the summer of 1970s out deep fjords and shaped the high mountains – and it when summer tourism started. Today, the farm is run is not a coincidence that the Geirangerfjord today often by Arnfinn and Iris Westerås. Here, high up above the appears on lists of the most spectacular places in the fjord, they enjoy the company of sheep, goats and llamas, world. as well as tourists visiting during the summer. In winter One more thing: The healthy look of the inhabitants they are closed due to the risk of avalanges. The farm is of Geiranger comes not only from the fresh air – local an excellent starting point for hiking in the area, such as food made with fresh ingredients plays a vital part. to the Storseterfossen waterfall. Restaurants and eateries take pride in creating food with The famous and characteristic waterfall “The Seven a local twist and the taste match the scenic view from Sisters” is situated halfway through the fjord. When you your window table. The many small-scale manufacturers visit the Geiranger area, it is possible to stop at amazing of food and drink include Geiranger Brewery partly lo- viewpoints, such as Dalsnibba, Flydalsjuvet and Ørnes- cated in a boathouse and Hellesylt Boutique & Bar with vingen. On the Geirangerfjord & Norway in a nutshell® licorice-flavored meringues on the unusual menu. The tour you take a fjord cruise on the Geirangerfjord on now deserted fjord farms tell the tales of a different time board the Hurtigruten! On this tour you will also get to and way of life. You can visit some of the farms, such as experience a Hurtigruten coastal cruise with an over- Skageflå, Knivsflå, Blomberg, Matvik, Syltevik and West- night stay, the Raumabanen Railway, the Art Nouveau erås. Several hundred thousand people pass through city of Ålesund as well as the legendary Norway in a every summer, and tourism is the main business for the nutshell® tour. The best way to get close to the nature, 250 people who live there permanently. Brudesløret (the see the famous waterfalls and learn about the history bridal veil) is another waterfall on the fjord, thus named of the deserted fjord farms in Geiranger is by boat. You because it falls delicately over one rocky edge, and when can spend the night at Westerås, sample the local food seen backlit by the sun looks like a thin veil over the served at the outdoor restaurant, whilst enjoying the rocks. The two waterfalls face one another across the spectacular view of the fjord below. fjord, trying to woo the each other. You would have to be exceptionally blasé if you failed Facts about to be impressed by this astounding creation of Mother Geirangerfjord Nature, emphasized by the will of man to maintain a foothold on the steep mountainsides and glean a living here. • One of Norway’s most visited fjords Impressive waterfalls cast cascades of thundering water from almost vertical mountainsides. The famous • Spans over an area roughly 9.3 miles (5 km) long falls De syv søstrene (“the Seven Sisters”), Friaren (“the • Several waterfalls cascade the sides of the fjord Suitor”) and Brudesløret (“the Bridal Veil”) tease the cliffs with feather‐light sheer veils of mist whose mission • There are abandoned farms along the fjord is to create a never‐ending display of changing rainbows • The fjord is surrounded by high mountains to fill you with delight and wonder. For nature lovers, the Geirangerfjord has plenty to • Depth of fjord: approx. 260 metres offer. Experience the fjords and the waterfalls from one • Geiranger had 100 cruise ship calls as early as in 1905 of the many available sightseeing trips, go hiking in stunning surroundings or experience the fjords from a • Highest mountain: approx. 700 metres new perspective in a kayak. Other popular activities in • The Bridal Veil is named because it falls over the edge the area include fishing, rafting and cycling. Geiranger is in the process of being certified as a • Third biggest cruise ship port in Norway Sustainable Destination, a seal of approval given to des- • 140 to 180 ships during the 4-month tourist season tinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with • In June, the “From Summer to Winter” race takes place enjoyable experiences, Geiranger wishes to preserve the • Geiranger is in constant danger by Åkerneset local nature, culture and environment, strengthen social values, and be economically viable. The municipality • Falls reach up to 820 feet (250 meters) high and the travel industry cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place. 4 | Wealthy Fellow Magazine.
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