The lookout at Flydalsjuvet offers one of the most spectacular views over Geirangerfjord. In fact, it offers several incredible views over the fjord from various angles. There’s even a throne you can sit on and feel like you’re on top of the world. But there’s one view that captures the imagination more than any other. You’ll see it on websites and postcards, but you won’t find it signposted when you reach the main lookout.
If you want to find the rock you can stand on for an amazing photo opportunity, you’ll need to stray a few moments off track.
Here’s how to find Geiranger Rock, at the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint.
Safety warning
The rock above Geirangerfjord is unfenced and has a huge drop. You don’t need to go close to the edge to get a good photo - it only looks that way.
Always stay back from the edge and don’t visit in wet or icy conditions when the rock will become slippery.
Visiting Flydalsjuvet
The lower viewpoints
Flydalsjuvet is divided into two parts: the lower viewing area and the upper, and they’re separated by a short walkway. The upper viewpoint can be reached within minutes and offers a spectacular panorama from up high.
Visit this one for a fab overarching view before returning to explore the lower lookout, where the rock is also located.
Before you visit the rock it’s very much worth exploring the rest of the lower lookout. From the parking area you can walk first to the main viewpoint straight ahead, which takes just a minute to reach, and has a bench seat to enjoy the view from.
There is a further lookout just to the left which has stone steps and a handrail to help you, as it’s a little steep - but again just takes a minute.
After this head left along the trail from the bench seat (right if approaching from the car park). Within a couple of minutes you’ll reach the Queen’s Chair (opened by HRH Queen Sonja) aka Fjordsetet, or the Fjord Seat.
This is a large wooden chair with a spectacular view over the fjord, similar to those red chairs you find in many Canadian national parks.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sit and relax with the majestic view, but more often than not, it’s just a photo stop because everybody wants to take a turn and you can’t really linger. Either way, it’s worth a look.
Although a path continues down from the chair, this is not the route to the Geiranger rock. It is however, a quiet area that few people visit if you’re looking for some solitude.
How to find the Geiranger Rock photo spot
From the car park at the lower viewing area (where the toilets are located) you need to head left. You’ll see a miniature wire fence that you need to step over.
Now generally speaking we never recommend hopping fences, but even guides bring their customers here, so we’re making an exception.
The fence is so tiny is seems pretty token really - in contrast to the large fences around the main lookouts, which shouldn’t be crossed.
You’ll head into a little patch of forest on a path heading downhill. There are rocks and tree roots, but when dry it’s very easy, although it’s worth watching your footing.
In just 50m you’ll reach an open piece of rock and this is where the photographer needs to stand.
You’ll see the rock jutting out above the fjord and it’s just a few metres away. You reach it along a defined track, with a wall on one side and a big drop on the other.
The path is narrow, but not overly so. I didn’t find it scary, but it won’t be one for vertigo sufferers. If you hug the wall and the path is not slippery, it’s no different to many sanctioned hiking trails.
You’ll reach the rock - which is actually a large platform - in just a minute. As mentioned you don’t need to sit or stand on the edge to get a great edge of the world shot.
The angle is such that it looks like you’re on the edge anyway, so don’t risk it.
The view from here is great, although not as good as at the main viewing areas, which offer a more expansive look at the fjord.
This spot is more about the cool photo op and there’s nothing wrong with that! Just make sure you don’t go to the edge as no photo is worth a fall.
How to get to Flydalsjuvet
The Flydalsjuvet lookout is located just over 6km and roughly a 15 minute drive from Geirangerfjord. The car park is free of charge and is suitable for cars and campers. Tour buses stop at the car park above.
There are toilets at the car park.
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