Don't be surprised that we talk about Geiranger, which I already said was one of the European towns perfect for a romantic vacation. It is in front of Geirangerfjord fjord, West of Norway, and it is one of those places that one defines as bucolic for everything that surrounds him.
The fjord that bears its name is simply spectacular. That makes its inhabitants feel privileged 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 World Heritage.
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 most intense four months of the year its port receives the arrival of just over 150 cruises, something that explains why tourism is the main source of income for the 250 people what 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 virgin as possible, spending a night there is not exactly cheap, especially if you are lucky enough to see the mountains that draw the shape of the fjord from your room.
When you set foot on its streets you have several plans at your fingertips. The most popular of all is to look for a viewpoint from which to obtain the best photographs of the fjord. You can also visit its octagonal wooden church, its tiny marina or shops like Geiranger Sjokolade, to which you will go without having to grab the map, since its blackberry-flavored truffles and its chocolate postcards will guide you deliciously to the door.
The most athletes can also make their visit coincide with the celebration of a half marathon and a cycling race that is celebrated in those parts every year. The starting gun is given at sea level, but the participants must finish at the top of the mount dalsnibba, almost 1,500 meters above sea level, where it takes much more to get oxygen.
The Geiranger threat
In closing, and without wishing to frighten you and cancel your visit to Geiranger, to say that the town lives with the threat of a natural catastrophe occurring that would end it. Some experts say Åkerneset Mountain could erode and end up falling into the fjord, causing a tsunami that would put the survival of one of the most idyllic peoples in Europe in trouble.
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