As mentioned in the previous entry, we arrived in Geiranger at around 4pm, had dinner, and decided to traverse the roads leading up to the Dalsnibba – Geiranger Skywalk. The sun sets late in Norway during summer, so we had to make the most of it. From the name itself, it was a very high viewing platform, about 1500 meters in height, located on the Dalsnibba mountain. It is dubbed as the highest fjord view by road in Europe!

Otw to Dalsnibba viewing platform

From the very beginning of the roadtrip to the destination, it was seriously an exhilirating experience. I thought to myself- would we make it? Should we turn back? But thanks to Carl’s newly acquired skills, we made it. We were amazed by the views, and I felt really small at that time – like an ant climbing up a hill.

Some sections with rails
Others with rocks

As you can see on the photos above, some sections of the road are protected by rails, while some parts are only guided by rocks. You can also guess that the temperature was dropping, spotting the snow cape on top of the mountains. Did I mention it was late summer when we did this trip?

Higher altitude

Driving along Road 63, we then turned towards the smaller toll road to the left, called the Nibbevegen. The fork is situated by the Djupvatnet lake, a 2-square kilometer lake at 1016 meters above sea level. If you are leaving Geiranger, you just continue driving road 63 around this beautiful big lake.

Djupvatnet (lake)

Nibbevegen was opened in 1939 as one of the most ambitious tourist roads in Norway. I could attest to that! Some sections seemed like it was leading nowhere! I even remember praying for the car not to stop while we were going up the mountain. XD According to VisitNorway, the road normally opens in May and closes in October. So glad we made it before the season ended.

The toll gate
Nervewracking Nibbevegen
Just keep climbing!
Probably the scariest section – on top and no barriers!

Ready to see the view from up there? I had to hold my bladder that time – cold, high, and the tourist senter was already closed at 18:30 pm. Anyway, we really enjoyed being at the top (literally). The Skywalk was officially opened in 2016. The platform was made of plastic, if I remember correctly, with holes in them so you can see the ground below. And there were glass barriers. From up there, you get amazing views of Geiranger and the Blåbreen glacier!

Hello Geiranger!
The winding zigzag road that leads to Dalsnibba
Stunning!
Just wow!
In awe!
Alive!

The Skywalk was a perfect place for me to take a break and start appreciating life again, or even more. The views were stunning, and I felt very proud of my husband who, in spite of his fear of heights, managed to take me there, to places I only imagined going to before. I felt free, alive and grateful.

Rejuvenated
Do you see where we parked? 🙂
By hikers

Dalsnibba was really another side of Norway one can feel very proud about. I was thankful that they made it accessible for anyone – not just professional hikers. I already said it before, when I arrived in Norway and had the chance to visit the Lofoten islands. Yet, I would say it again – Norway is a paradise!

View from the other side of the skywalk
Cheers to motivation!

The sun was still up when we drove back down to Geiranger. It was as thrilling as climbing up, as it required control and concentration on the part of the brave driver 😉

Driving down
Hello again, Djupvatnet (lake)!
Watch out! Low gear!
Cabins dotting the mountainside

What an experience to end the day with. Back in the camping site, we settled in the tent and called it a day. At midnight, I took a peek outside and found thousands (or millions?) of stars! It was pitch dark, but I could hear the rushing waters of the river nearby.

Wish I may, wish I might..
..all my dreams come true tonight!

I am happy to have experienced this roadtrip with my husband. Truly, there are still so many things to visit and experience in Norway (and the world). We’ll take it one step at a time. 🙂 Up next.. can you really say you have been to Geiranger if you didn’t sail the fjord? #spreadlove #positivevibes

ALL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON THIS ENTRY ARE MINE.

9 responses to “RoadTrip #6.4: Dalsnibba – Geiranger Skywalk, top of the world vibes @ 1500 meters above sea level!”

  1. Oh thanks so much.

    I do plan to visit Flam on train, seems too good to pass on.

    On the driving to Bergen, that’s the bit I was scared initially. Although I have been driving for more than 20 years, but I was left hand side driving (Norway is right hand side), and I am not sure about how good I can navigate Norway’s mountain road condition. But I want to try the Eagle Road nevertheless, that would be on Monday which I hope less tourists after weekend might help.

    I just checked that it will take 6.5 hours to reach Bergen from Geiranger, if I chose to drive from Geiranger to Bergen, perhaps I can stay a night at LOEN which is 3.3 hours from Geiranger?

    I am also taking note on your other suggestions! Thanks much.

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    1. You will pass the Eagle Road going to Geiranger. There’s no other way. Only road 63 passes by Geiranger, if I remember correctly. So, you will surely drive the hairpin bends. So instead of one day there, you can do Dalsnibba instead.

      I don’t know how scary the mountain roads can be for tourists. It can be at some points, but I’ve never heard of any road mishaps in those destinations. We love roadtrips that we rarely take a plane within Norway (except going to North Cape, Tromsø, and Lofoten). Only driving, and there’s so much to see on the way. You will see roadsigns to attractions, and the “rastplass” (resting areas) are usually located in scenic spots. And get ready for tunnels.

      I’d also recommend staying in cabins in camping places, as they’re normally located in beautiful areas.

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      1. Thanks for all your advice!
        They are vey helpful for someone new to Norway.

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      2. One question from my wife….. what type of shoe wear is advisable? Do we need some sort of shoes which is water resistant? Thanks.

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      3. Tbh, I only wear sneakers. Only have two pairs of Hoka’s at the moment. I buy a pair of winter shoes every year before winter. I suggest wearing comfortable shoes for a lot of walking. Trails are usually dry in summer. I also suggest bringing a jacket and pants; it can be cold at certain times at certain altitude, especially if you come from a warmer place. It can also rain a lot – Bergen is known to have high precipitation. I saw many tourists in Flåm wearing bubble jacket in the middle of July.

        If you go to the woods, always check for ticks after. Good to wear a cap. Clothes are easy to find in tourist areas, like in gas stations and souvenir shops, so no stress. 🙂

        No problem. I really hope you and your family will have a great time here in Norway.

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      4. Thanks a bunch!

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  2. Thanks!

    Sounds scary to drive, but I am sure all is worth it!

    I am thinking of renting a car from Alesund airport, then spend 1 night in Alesund, and another 2 nights in Geiranger (to make the best of Geiranger), 1 night again in Alesund, before we fly to Bergen from Alesund. Do you think this arrangement makes sense?

    First time to Norway, in August, a family of 5 (3 kids 12-14yo). What do you think of the following itinerary? Any comments would be appreciated!

    Day 1 : reach Oslo
    Day 2 : Oslo town
    Day 3 : Oslo (Nature) – lake of Sognsvann / viewpoint at Vettakollen
    Day 4 : Oslo -> Alesund by flight, rent a car, spend a night at Alesund
    Day 5 : Alesund -> Geiranger, spend 2 nights there
    Day 6 : Geiranger
    Day 7 : Geiranger -> Alesund, spend a night
    Day 8 : Return car, Alesund to Bergen (by flight)
    Day 9 : Bergen (Train to Flam?, still checking what to do there)
    Day 10 : Bergen -> leaving Norway, or can extend 1-2 more days in Norway (still checking)

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    1. Before leaving Ålesund, I recommend the Aksla viewpoint, and the Aquarium.

      It’s super worth it – I really felt alive up there in Dalsnibba. 🙂 Geiranger is surrounded by mountains, so getting in and out involves ascending/descending roads with hairpin bends, or by ship. The cruise on the fjord takes only 90 minutes, so we managed to squeeze it in before leaving the place.

      As per your itinerary, it looks cool, and I’m excited for your trip. You can also consider the islets in the Oslofjord, just use the local ferry (cheaper) in Aker brygge and go island hopping. You can take the tram to Holmenkollen (ski jump) and walk to Sognsvann lake.

      I just realized that I haven’t blogged about Bergen. We were there in 2020, prior to COVID. You can do the Fløibanen (best during sunset, or sunrise). There are trails up there if you’re in for a hike. There’s also Ulriken cable car (didn’t do this because it was windy, so it was closed). We also took a short boat tour to Mostraumen (very beautiful fjord, with a glimpse of the second smallest municipality in Norway called Modalen, with only 300+ inhabitants).

      I would skip Flåm (lots of tourists in August!), but it’s your choice. I was there two weeks ago. We were thinking of staying for an overnight, but drove to Gudvangen instead, which was more peaceful, really beautiful place. And there’s a Viking village your kids can enjoy.

      If you could extend 2 more days, then you can opt to drive all the way to Bergen. 🙂 if you rent from a known rental, like Sixt, Hertz, etc, you can choose to pick up the car from Ålesund airport, and return it in Bergen airport.

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      1. Wow Mostraumen is beautiful!

        Now I think I might need to allocate more time to Bergen?

        I make some changes (assuming not driving after Geiranger), allocating time on Day 7 to Bergen & Flam.

        Day 1 : reach Oslo
        Day 2 : Oslo town
        Day3 : Oslo (Nature) – lake of Sognsvann / viewpoint at Vettakollen
        Day 4 : Oslo -> Alesund by flight, rent a car,

         Aksla viewpoint, and the Aquarium.

        Day 5 : Alesund -> Geiranger,

        Geiranger Village & Fjord activities

        Day 6 : Geiranger

        The Eagle Road

        Day 7 : Geiranger -> Bergen (return car via Alesund airport)

        Day 8 : Bergen

        boat trip to Mostraumen + other activities

        Day 9 : Flam (spend a night)

        3 hour Train from Bergen, short stop at a breathtaking waterfall
        Stegastein Lookout
        Bike Trip from Myrdal to Flam
        Fjordsafari
        Fjordcruise to Gudvangen

        Day 10 : Flam -> Bergen

        Day 11
        -> leaving Norway

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