Seven Sisters Waterfall, Fjords of Norway

Once I reached the end of Hornindalsvatnet, I had a fairly short journey through another valley to Hellesylt, where I boarded a ferry to Geiranger. The journey through the valley was straightforward. Although the road wasn't very winding, it was certainly narrow for two-way traffic—a common sight in mountainous areas. Brooks and creeks intersected the road, flowing beneath it to join the Horndøla River, which runs parallel to the main road before changing direction to pass under the old Horndøla footbridge. This 164ft (50m) long bridge, made of dry stone slabs using a cantilever technique, is nearly a century old and part of the Trondheim Post Road. This key postal and transport route, established in the 18th century, was an engineering achievement, extending more than 435mi (700km) across mountainous terrain and challenging waterways, navigable by horse, rowboat, or on foot.

Hellesylt is a small village located at the head of Sunnylvsfjord, and it is the gateway to Geirangerfjord, one of its branches. At 9.5mi (15km), Geirangerfjord may not be particularly long, but its striking beauty has earned it a UNESCO designation. The fjord's narrowness, less than a mile (1.5km) wide, is matched by the proximity of the mountains as they rise from the water. The highlights along the fjord are the many waterfalls cascading down from the mountain tops, with Seven Sisters Falls being the most prominent. The Seven Sisters have a drop of 1,350ft (410m) and are made up of seven streams, hence the name. Directly opposite is Friaren, meaning Suitor, a gushing stream that splits in two. Legend says that the Suitor is always playfully dancing with the Seven Sisters, trying to propose but never succeeding. As the ferry proceeds eastward, Bringefossen is at the fjord's bend, fed by the melted snow from the Gomsdalen Valley above. A little further on the same side is Gjerdefossen, the only waterfall in the fjord visible from Geiranger. 

The ferry ride itself was spectacular, offering stunning views of the fjord, but I imagine that a journey through the fjords on a cruise ship would be an even more immersive experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of their grandeur and beauty.