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
Hotel Union Geiranger
If you want to stay in Geiranger, the Hotel Union Geiranger is definitely the best hotel here. 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!
I stayed here with my dog summer 2022 and I absolutely loved my experience here. I splurged for a room with a view, which I felt was definitely worth it. And the breakfast here was one of the best I’ve had at a hotel in Norway.
Check current rates and availability here
Hotel Utsikten
On my most recent visit to Geiranger I couldn’t decide between the Hotel Union Geiranger and Hotel Utsikten, so I decided to book a night at each place to compare for you guys. Hotel Utsikten is cute small hotel with a quiter, more secluded vibe than the Hotel Union.
But to be honest, the Hotel Union was better in most ways – my room was way bigger (and cost the same), the breakfast was better, and there was a spa and pool. The one thing that was better at Hotel Utsikten was the view from my room. The Hotel Utsikten is a bit higher up from Geiranger, so the view is a bit tiny bit nicer. But you don’t get this view from the dining room, so I would only stay here if you upgrade to a room with a view.
Check current rates and availability here
Grande Fjord Hotel Geiranger
On the other side of Geiranger, about 2 kilometers from the center, the Grande Fjord Hotel has some of the best views of Geirangerfjord. I haven’t yet stayed here myself, but the breakfast is supposed to be fantastic, and they have a very inviting jacuzzi overlooking Geirangerfjord. Check current rates and availability here
Valldal Fjordhotell in Valldal
The 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.
I stayed here with my dog in summer 2022 and absolutely loved it.
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 one of my favorite hotels near 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! I only wish they were pet friendly. 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
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.
Courtney George says
Sylvia, I’m having a difficult time understanding the travel time from Alesund to Hotel Union Oye. I’ve seen 2hr5min and I’ve seen 7hrs–assuming it must be the difference between car and boat? Is there a boat/ferry? (your link isn’t working for this). We have three teenagers who will not want to spend 7hrs in the car! And we have reservations one night in Alesund and the next at Hotel Union Oye (limited availability to rebook at Oye in July!).
I’ve really been enjoying your travel blogs on Norway!
Courtney in Knoxville Tennessee
Silvia says
I’ve done the drive many times and it takes about two hours! You might be getting different times if you’re looking at Google Maps in the middle of the night (Norway time) because there is a very short car ferry on this route that I believe doesn’t run through the whole night. But if you’ll be travel during the day you’ll be fine.
victoria blyke says
Silvia, what about Grande Fjord Hotel in Geiranger? How does it compare to the Hotel Union as far as views and amenities?
Silvia says
Yes the Grande Fjord Hotel is beautiful! It’s on the other side of Geiranger and the fjord views are maybe even better. It’s a bit of a walk from the Fjord Center and waterfall walk, but I think that’s fine.
RUBY8000 says
what a beautiful view!