About This Hike
Fosseråsa is a signed National Hiking Trail linking Geiranger with Storsæterfossen. The published 3.9-kilometre, two-hour estimate starts at the Norwegian Fjord Centre; beginning at the harbour adds the lower Fossevandringen section and more ascent. From the village, 327 steps and corten-steel walkways climb beside the river to the Fjord Centre. The route then continues through deciduous forest and old cultural landscape to Vesterås farm at about 320 metres, before a stone-pitched trail built by Nepali sherpa crews leads towards the waterfall. At Storsæterfossen, a prepared and guarded ledge runs behind the falling water. Expect spray, noise and slick rock even on a dry day. Most walkers return on the same marked route. Gamleråsa is a rougher alternative over slabs and larger stones, while the road via Hole is another possible descent; neither should be chosen casually without checking the route and conditions first.
Highlights
- ✓ A prepared path runs behind Storsæterfossen, letting you stand between the rock face and the falling water
- ✓ 327 steps and corten-steel stairways carry the lower section up alongside the river
- ✓ Stone-pitched trail built by Nepali sherpa crews on the climb above Vesterås farm
- ✓ Norway’s first National Hiking Trail, authorised in 2019
Getting There
Use the signed public parking in Geiranger centre, including the ferry quay or the area by Joker, and follow the local payment instructions. For a shorter approach, the narrow road to Vesterås is not suitable for large vehicles; confirm parking arrangements with Vesterås Gard before driving up.
Municipality: Stranda (Geiranger), Møre og Romsdal
Trailhead: 62.101000, 7.206000 · Open in Google Maps
Before You Go
There are two sensible starting plans. From Geiranger village, Fosseråsa is a longer uphill day that includes the lower Fossevandringen; from the Norwegian Fjord Centre, the published 3.9 km, two-hour one-way estimate begins there. Choose the start before setting your distance and parking plan. At Storsæterfossen, use the guarded route behind the waterfall, expect spray and slick rock, and do not turn the rougher Gamleråsa descent into an automatic shortcut.
Information checked: September 2026, against Visit Norway's current National Hiking Trail guidance and Geirangerfjord visitor information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Use the prepared path behind Storsæterfossen and take extra care on wet rock and near the river.
- The main trail is marked and signposted; Gamleråsa is a rougher alternative with rock slabs and larger stones, so choose it only if conditions and experience are suitable.
- The access road to Vesterås is narrow and is not suitable for large vehicles. Use Geiranger’s signed public parking instead unless you have confirmed arrangements at the farm.
- The trail is normally walked in spring, summer and autumn. Check current conditions before setting out; parts of the route can be inaccessible in winter.
- Norway's open-fire ban applies in and near forest and open land from 15 April to 15 September