The village of Geiranger lies tucked away at the eastern end of Geirangerfjord, one of the smallest of Norway's western fjords but also one of its most divine. At the opposite end is the former Viking settlement of Hellesylt, now a tourist town, and the fjord snakes between the two.

Fringing the fjord are lofty mountains dotted with abandoned farmsteads, and impressive waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters waterfall, with seven separate streams falling down the rock face. These features are best admired during a scenic cruise on the UNESCO-protected fjord - a voyage that ranks as one of Western Norway best travel highlights.

Yet cruising is not the only way to savour the scenery. There are also excellent walking trails around the town, with dizzying views across the fjord from rock overhangs. The approach to Geiranger by road is also memorable, driving along the Ørnevegen, the Eagle's Highway, a high mountain pass with lots of switchbacks.