In the tourist village of Geiranger in Norway, a quiet challenge towers over the tranquility of the fjords. Åkerneset, a dizzying mountain stretch, appears peaceful at first glance. But behind this idyllic backdrop, the mountain hides a worrying crack that is widening by up to 15 centimeters every year.
Geiranger, a place of indescribable beauty, lies in the heart of a fjord that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this village where time seems to stand still, between the walls of the white church from 1842 and the cobbled streets, the people of Geiranger continue their daily lives, remaining attentive to the mountain that dominates them. They know that the day might come when they have to leave home, but until that day comes, they choose to live to the fullest and enjoy every moment in this spectacular landscape that is their home.
The Geiranger Fjord currently © Andrey Armyagov for 123RF
These people have learned to live with challenges, to appreciate each day as a precious gift, and at the same time to prepare for the unexpected. It is an earthly paradise with famous waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, which tell legends of dancing sisters and spurned lovers. The traditional houses with their grass-covered roofs blend into a landscape where the bright green of the mountains meets the deep blue of the fjord water. Local legend says that Geiranger Fjord, with its shimmering waters and mist-shrouded mountains, is a place full of wonder and mystery. Perhaps it is this belief in the magic of the place, in its healing and renewing power, that keeps the residents committed. They do not see challenges as a threat, but rather as a constant reminder of the power and beauty of nature.
Despite their quiet beauty, the tranquility of the fjords presents a quiet challenge. Åkerneset, a dizzying stretch of mountains, appears peaceful at first glance. But behind this idyllic backdrop, the mountain has a crack that widens by up to 15 centimeters every year. The summit of Åkerneset could shift, throwing up to 150 million tons of rock into the deep waters of the fjord, causing a natural rise that could reach an impressive 80 meters high. Such a phenomenon would not only change Geiranger, but also neighboring villages such as Hellesylt. In 2016, a film called The Wave was even made about this idea of a scenario…that could very well become a reality any day.
The discovery of this crack dates back to 1983, but its existence has been known for much longer. Today, Åkerneset is one of the most monitored mountains in the world, equipped with a network of sensors and cameras that monitor every movement and every sign of possible change.
To respond to this challenge, Norway has set up a sophisticated early warning system. If unusual movements are detected, sirens sound, giving residents a few valuable minutes to seek shelter. Efforts are also being made to stabilize the mountain, particularly through drainage systems designed to reduce pressure on the rock.