Do not be surprised that we return to talk about Geiranger , which I already said was one of the perfect European towns for a romantic vacation . It is in front of the Geirangerfjord , in western Norway , and it is one of those places that one defines as bucolic because of everything that surrounds it.
The fjord that bears the same name is simply spectacular. That makes its inhabitants feel like privileged people day after day, sharing the fantastic views with the thousands of tourists who set foot in this town to contemplate a jewel of nature that since 2005 has been on the Unesco list as Heritage. of Humanity .
A fairytale town adapted to tourism
In Geiranger life is savored calmly, especially during the months when there is less tourism. When there is, things change a lot, since during the four most intense months of the year its port receives the arrival of just over 150 cruise ships, something that explains why tourism is the main source of income for the 250 people who live there.
There are up to 5 hotels and more than 10 places where camping is allowed. As you can imagine, due to the high demand and the desire to preserve the area as unspoilt as possible, spending a night there is not exactly cheap, especially if you are lucky enough to contemplate the mountains that draw the shape of the fjord from your room.
When you put your feet in its streets you have several plans at your fingertips. The most popular of all is to find a viewpoint from which to obtain the best photographs of the fjord. You can also visit its wooden church with an octagonal shape, its tiny marina or shops like Geiranger Sjokolade , which you will go to without having to grab the map, since its blackberry-flavored truffles and its chocolate postcards will guide you deliciously to the door.
The more sporty can also make their visit coincide with the celebration of a half marathon and a cycling race that is held in those parts every year. The starting gun is fired at sea level, but participants must finish at the summit of Mount Dalsnibba , almost 1,500 meters above sea level, where it costs much more to get oxygen.
The Geiranger threat
To finish, and without the intention of getting scared and canceling your visit to Geiranger, say that the town lives with the threat of a natural catastrophe that would end it. Some experts say that the Ă…kerneset mountain could erode and end up falling into the fjord, causing a tsunami that would threaten the survival of one of the most idyllic towns in Europe.
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