I’d say Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, so it’s definitely worth staying there for a few nights during your Norway trip! Unfortunately, most people seem to end up staying at a hotel in Geiranger, which is the most overpriced and overcrowded place on Geirangerfjord.
But there are so many gems along Geirangerfjord that are tucked away from the crowds and just so, so beautiful. Here are my favorite places to stay on Geirangerfjord – on any budget (including a Geiranger hotel, if you must).
The best luxury and boutique hotels on Geirangerfjord
Valldal Fjordhotell in Valldal
The brand new Valldal Fjord Hotel is close by both Geiranger and Trollstigen, yet it’s tucked away in a peaceful hideaway from the tourist crowds. It has an amazing view of the fjord and makes for the perfect base from which to explore both Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Check current rates and availability here
Hjelle Hotel in Hjelledalen
I’ve written about this hotel before and of course I have to mention it here, because it’s probably my favorite hotel on Geirangerfjord.
This historic inn is run by a family who has been living there since the early 1900s, and its location right on the turquoise Oppstrynsvatnet lake is perfect. There’s even a white sand beach! I also love that it’s far enough from Geirangerfjord to be away from the tourists crowds, but close enough for easy access. It’s also quite cheap by Norwegian standards! Check current rates and availability here
Hotel Union in Øye
This manor house turned hotel from 1891 is probably one of the most magnificent places to stay in Norway. Like, staying here feels a bit like staying on the set of an old period film! In fact, many royals and famous composers and writers have stayed here, including Kaiser Wilhelm, Princess Victoria, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Edvard Grieg, and Henrik Ibsen. Read about my stay at Hotel Union Øye here.
And at just 18 kilometers from Geirangerfjord, Øye is the perfect place to stay – near enough to the fjord for easy access, but also far enough to be away from the tourist crowds. Even if Øye weren’t so beautiful staying here would be worth it for the interior and history, but you’ll also have gorgeous views over Norangsfjord from the property. Check current rates and availability here
Hotel Union Geiranger
The Hotel Union Geiranger was totally rebuilt in 1979 so is quite different from the Hotel Union in Øye, but it looks equally spectacular. Overlooking Geiranger Fjord, this is a spa hotel with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna and hot tub – and of course lots of beautiful views! Check current rates and availability here
The best mid-range to budget hotels on Geirangerfjord
Hesthaug Gård in Norddal
These cosy little cabins are 16 km from Geiranger and offer stunning views out across the fjord. They’re also equipped with kitchens so you can cook for yourself, which will save a lot of money in Norway, and they’re incredibly affordable (as in, cheaper than a lot of hostels in Oslo and Bergen). Check current rates and availability here
Jordbærstova Feriehus in Valldal
This B&B is quaint and totally Norwegian, and the owners are very sweet and helpful. On the north of Norddalsfjorden, Valldal is a beautiful base on the fjords from which to explore both Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Check current rates and availability here
The best budget accommodation on Geirangerfjord
Stordal Camping in Stordal
These little cabins are a total bargain, and in Stordal you’re within easy reach of Trollstigen, Geirangerfjord, and Ålesund. Stordal itself is right on the water, and the cabins have a lovely view of the mountain. Just be sure to reserve these early, as they book up really quickly! Check current rates and availability here
Eidsdal Camping and Feriehus in Eidsdal
Conveniently just 3 km from the Eidsdal ferry port on Storfjord and a short drive from Geiranger, these cabins are simple but with beautiful mountain views. And while they’re already quite cheap if sharing with one other person, if you have a larger family or group they become an amazing bargain! Check current rates and availability here
Stranda Booking in Stranda
These cottages are really big and can house large parties, so they’re a great deal if you’re traveling with a big family or group. They’re a bit off the main road so you’ll need a car to get here, but that also means they’re in a lovely quiet location on the mountainside. Check current rates and availability here
Renates Reiser says
Many good tips! Personally, I just stayed in my tent at the camping in Geiranger when I visited last summer. Pretty cheap, and right in the center of it all. Unfortunately it was raining like crazy my first day and night there, and my tent is like the size of a cucumber, so it probably wasn’t the best option for that kind of weather.
Silvia says
Haha yup, that’s what Dan and I did last summer! It was really nice on the few days of good weather, but when it was raining I definitely missed the times I had gone before and stayed in nice inns, haha.
Denise Brownell says
I’m looking for places between Bergen and Trondheim from Sept 23-28th. Is it possible that some of the cottages and smaller inns will be closed for the season? I’m having a hard time finding places.
Silvia says
Yes, a lot of them do close down in the autumn, unfortunately. You could also try Airbnb if you’re having difficulty finding anything.
Nicole says
Hi! alot of these places are a few hours away from Geirangerfjord. Is that b/c I’m looking at directions in Feb and some of the roads close in the winter? Any idea?
Silvia says
Do you mean Geiranger, the town? I actually recommend staying somewhere quieter along the fjord (which is huge!) if you can, because Geiranger itself is super touristy and quite ugly!
Diana Lempert says
Hello – first thank you so much for all of your amazing articles – They have been incredibly helpful! I am curious do you feel like there is a dramatic difference between Geirangerfjord and Songnefjord ? Or are they somewhat similar ?
We are going to stay in Aurland per your suggestion for 2 nights – and I am trying to decide if it is worth it to drive up to Geirangerfjord and stay in Oye then to Alesund or if we should go to Bergen instead and explore something different from Bergen
Silvia says
They are somewhat similar. Personally I’m all about beautiful nature, so I would choose to go to Geirangerfjord and Alesund, but if you’re more of a city person then you will love Bergen.
Greg says
Hi,
I really enjoy reading your articles and in reading them have become more and more intrigued and excited about touring around Norway. I am looking for more information such as which places to visit and in which order plus any ideas on budget accommodations. We are flying into Oslo and renting a car for about 8 or 9 days. I want to visit Stavanger, Bergen, Flam, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord.