Geiranger: Goat Farms and Waterfalls


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Europe » Norway
June 25th 2007
Published: June 25th 2007
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As we sail up Geirangerfjord this morning, the ship anchors in Hellesylt. Mountains with gushing waterfalls loom outside our window but it’s too cold for breakfast on the balcony. Some of the passengers tender to Hellesylt for overland excursions to Geiranger including one involving a scenic hike.

The bodyguards stay onboard to enjoy breakfast with Kathryn as the ship glides up the fjord offering views of isolated farms and one majestic waterfall after another. When the ship anchors at Geiranger, Alan, Janet and I take the excursion to Splendid Herdal Farm.

The bus motors up mountain roads that wind in and out of tunnels passing small villages in the mist and rain. The final approach to the farm is on a dirt road. Our Italian guide exits the bus twice to open and close gates on the road.

The farm is a collection of wooden cottages with grass roofs situated beside a gurgling creek. Waterfalls stream down the mountains that surround us although they are obscured by low clouds.

Sheep wander through the meadow, the bells around their neck clanging as they hurry to greet us. All of the goats are grazing on the mountainside beyond our view.

The owner and his wife describe the history of the farm and the goat cheese making process. Afterwards, their daughters host us in one of the cottages. Who knew goat cheese could taste so good?

Leaving the farm, the bus drives to Petrines country home hotel in the small village of Nordal. We walk upstairs to a dining area where the owners serve coffee, coffeecake and the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted, made from Herdal Farm’s goat cheese.

On the way back to the ship, the weather clears enough for a stop at Eagle’s Nest for the classic photo of our ship anchored in Geiranger Fjord.

As we sail away, Capt. Dag invites passengers to the bow area of the ship for waterfall viewing. He nudges the ship’s bow right up to the Seven Sisters Waterfall where the spray wafts over us to the sound of water thundering into the fjord. Another Capt. Dag experience.

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24th February 2010

goat farm
I am looking for a specific farm I stayed at 9 years ago which has a restaurant in a historic barn and rented out 3 or 4 dwellings. Separate little houses (more than hyttas) and the last of them was right on a cliff looking into the fjord. All I can say is that it was half way up the mountain toward Dahlsniba. And there were lots of goats and a hiking trail right out from the farm into the mountains. Thank you and hope you can help. Connie Isdahl King
24th February 2010

Connie, wish I could help you but I'm unfamiliar with any other goat farms in the area. I don't think this is the one. There was no restaurant and it was not that close to a fjord. Good luck with your search.

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