Hiking in Geiranger – Skageflå Farm and the Seventers
If you’re visiting Geiranger and want to combine fjord views with a bit of history, the hike to Skageflå farm is one of the absolute highlights.
This trail gives you the best of both worlds: a sense of adventure along a steep mountainside and one of the most iconic views in all of Norway – the abandoned farm of Skageflå with the Seven Sisters waterfall as a backdrop.
A Farm in the Sky
Skageflå was once a working mountain farm, perched high above the fjord on a ledge that feels almost impossible. Families lived here until the early 20th century, completely isolated from roads and neighbors. In Norway we even have an expression for such places: “Der ingen skulle tru at nokon kunne bu” – where no one would believe anyone could live.
The story behind Skageflå
Life on Skageflå was hard but productive. The farm had both cows and goats, and the sunny slopes provided rich pastures compared to many other mountain farms in the area. Milk was turned into butter and cheese, which had to be transported down to the fjord – often by lowering goods with ropes down the steep cliffs. Local guides love to tell stories about how even livestock were led up and down the mountainside, a reminder of just how tough and daring everyday life was here.
In 1916, Skageflå was finally abandoned after a major rockslide made life too dangerous. Today the farm is carefully preserved, and walking among the old buildings you get a real sense of both the beauty and the struggle of life on the edge of the fjord.
Getting There by RIB – A Fjord Experience in Itself
One of the most popular ways to reach the trailhead at Skagehola is by RIB boat from Geiranger. Not only does it save you time, it also doubles as a sightseeing tour of the fjord. With speed and spray you’ll skim across the water, slowing down by the famous waterfalls – the Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil – before being dropped off right at the foot of the trail. It’s a thrilling start to the hike, and a reminder that in Geiranger, the journey is as memorable as the destination.
The Hike to Skageflå
The hike to Skageflå begins at Skagehola, a tiny landing spot at the foot of the cliffs, only accessible by boat. From here, it’s about 2 km uphill with 250–300 meters of elevation gain. The path is steep, with sections clinging to the rock face, but it’s well-marked and secure. If you have a fear of heights, you’ll definitely feel it in your stomach – but the trail is safe and manageable for most hikers.
As you climb, the view just keeps getting better. At your back is the glittering Geirangerfjord, and across the water the Seven Sisters waterfall thunders down the cliffside.
The Panorama at the Top
Reaching Skageflå feels like stepping into another world. Suddenly the narrow trail opens up onto a small plateau, where the farm buildings sit surrounded by one of the most spectacular views in Norway. From here, you see both the fjord stretching into the distance and the Seven Sisters cascading straight down the cliffs opposite.
It’s said that this is one of the favorite hikes of the Queen of Norway – and once you’ve stood here, it’s easy to understand why.
🚽 Fun fact: “Do” with a View
At Skageflå you’ll even find a toilet – a traditional utedo tucked inside one of the old farm huts. The door is marked simply with “Do” (Norwegian for toilet), and while the facilities are basic, the view outside is absolutely five-star. Only in Norway can even a trip to the loo feel like part of the adventure!
How to Return
You have two options after visiting the farm:
- Hike back down the same way – but don’t forget to arrange boat pickup in advance, as there’s no road access from the trailhead.
- Continue over the mountain back to Geiranger – a longer and tougher option, but one that rewards you with even more panoramas of the fjord.
We decided to take the steep path back down, and we had arranged for the same rib boat that brought us out to pick us up. Walking down the path is even more exhilarating than walking up, but the view, in return, is absolutely breathtaking.
📌 Hike Info: Skageflå
- Start: Boat from Geiranger to Skagehola trailhead (tickets available at the dock in Geiranger)
- Distance: ~2 km one way (to the farm)
- Elevation gain: 250–300 meters
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours up, less down (but plan extra time to enjoy the farm, the views and the boat transfer – We left Geiranger at 10:30 and returned at 15:00)
- Difficulty: Moderate – steep but safe trail
- Highlights: Standing at Skageflå farm with the Seven Sisters waterfall as your backdrop
💡 Tip: Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. On a sunny day, there are few places in Norway more magical for a picnic.
Why Hike to Skageflå?
This isn’t just another hike – it’s a journey into both nature and history. You’ll walk where farmers once carried supplies on narrow ledges, stand at a farm that looks impossible, and gaze at one of Norway’s most iconic panoramas.
For anyone visiting Geiranger with hiking shoes in the camper or car, Skageflå should be right at the top of the list.
Want to explore more? Check out this Geiranger guide: Road Trip to Geiranger – The Complete Guide
Happy hiking!
– Anne Bente 😊
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