Storfossen Waterfall
Møre og Romsdal
Storfossen Waterfall is a remarkable natural feature located near the village of Geiranger in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It cascades dramatically into the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking fjord landscapes. The waterfall is part of the iconic scenery that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, especially during the summer months. Geirangerfjord itself is famed for its steep mountain sides, historic farms, and other spectacular waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and The Suitor, which lie close to Storfossen. The village of Geiranger serves as a hub for visitors who come to explore this natural wonder by cruise ship, ferry, or road. The area around Storfossen is renowned for its pristine environment and is a prime example of Norway's dramatic fjord topography. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall from various vantage points near the village and along Norwegian County Road 63. The natural beauty and cultural significance of the Geirangerfjord region make Storfossen a must-see destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes.
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Tip: The best time to visit Storfossen Waterfall is during the summer tourist season from May to early September when the weather is milder and cruise ships frequent Geiranger. It is advisable to plan visits around daylight hours for optimal views and to consider purchasing tickets for local tours to nearby historic farms in advance. Visitors should also be aware of safety measures due to the area's susceptibility to landslides, with sirens installed in the village of Geiranger as a precaution. Using the Geiranger–Hellesylt Ferry or Norwegian County Road 63 provides convenient access to the waterfall and surrounding attractions.
Interesting facts
- •Geirangerfjord, where Storfossen is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
- •Geiranger is the third biggest cruise ship port in Norway, welcoming up to 180 ships during the tourist season.
- •The nearby mountain Åkerneset poses a landslide risk that could create a megatsunami threatening Geiranger village, leading to installation of warning sirens.
- •The Seven Sisters waterfall and The Suitor waterfall are located close to Storfossen, contributing to the fjord's dramatic scenery.
- •The 2015 Norwegian disaster movie 'The Wave' is based on a rock slide scenario from Åkerneset impacting Geiranger.
History
Storfossen Waterfall forms part of the Geirangerfjord area, which has been inhabited and farmed since ancient times, with its name deriving from Old Norse reflecting the landscape's steep fields and fjord.
The region gained international recognition when Geirangerfjord was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, highlighting its natural and cultural importance.
Over the centuries, the area has evolved from a small farming community to a major tourist destination, with infrastructure such as the Geiranger Port and floating Seawalk developed to accommodate cruise visitors.
The waterfall itself remains a natural landmark within this historically rich and geologically active region.
Place Guide
Storfossen Waterfall Viewpoints
Several vantage points near Geiranger village and along Norwegian County Road 63 offer spectacular views of Storfossen Waterfall cascading into the fjord, ideal for photography and nature observation.
Geiranger Village
Serving as the main access point to Storfossen, Geiranger village offers accommodations, ferry connections, and local tours to historic farms and natural sites.