Is Geiranger overrated?
I, myself, also asked the question. So I browsed on the internet after we have been to Geiranger and found a number of people who think the same, “Geiranger is overrated” (and that included my husband).
But, there must be something that makes Geiranger the destination of people from around the world, isn’t it!?
So, is Geiranger overrated?
- No, if you know where the gems are hidden in Geiranger!
- Yes, if you have limited time and spend time only in the centre area.
- No, (the centre is not so bad neither) if you don’t have so high expectation.
- Yes, if you heard about all the reputation and how magical the place is, but no specific places mentioned (as the first in the list).
- No, if you are a (first-time) tourist.
- Yes, if you have lived in Norway for a while, haven’t met as many people, and now have to encounter overloads of people in one place.
My answer is ‘it depends’ and it consists of a lot of ‘if’ sentences. Other than what I’ve listed above, you can form your own a conditional if-clause.
Geiranger is actually a beautiful place with these stunning (famous) waterfalls and mountaintops. However, it is a proper tourist-place, even during the time of coronavirus pandemic. I couldn’t imagine how it would be like when tourists from around the world were here at once.
From my personal experience, the two viewpoints with the view over Geiranger; Flydalsjuvet and Ørnesvingen, were packed with cars and travellers. The mini town-centre was also full of people. The parking was tight and filled with all types of cars when we were there. Food and coffee were a bit overpriced, even we are used to the price here. The boat trip and rental service were even more expensive. We met, you know, these typically senseless tourists who did whatever they wanted, like parking in the middle of the road and ran down for snap some photos or a motorhome who drained water in a rest stop.
These made me wanted to run away from Geiranger as soon as I got there. Or…maybe I am just too used to the Norwegian’s way of (lone-wolf) life!?
I do not think that Geiranger is overrated at all. The scenery there has its own charms and I will definitely visit Geiranger again. Next time I would spend more time there and focus more on hiking to the mountaintops or waterfalls in the area, maybe with a tent, for a day or two.
To sum up, I still think Geiranger is still the crown jewel of Norway and is worth a stop, even when you have limited time. I would also recommend doing a little research on what you would like to do in that time-space; kayaking, RIB boat, fishing, hiking or sightseeing, to fit your plan best.
However, ‘if’ you would like to revel in the enchanted Geiranger to the max as its reputation, invest in more time and energy there. Here are things to do in Geiranger. Perhaps those who think it’s overrated may change their mind!