Alesund Shore Excursion: From Fjords to Trolls

This Alesund shore excursion, titled “From Fjords to Trolls,” offers a captivating journey through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. Priced at $193.48 per person and lasting approximately 7 hours 30 minutes, this tour takes travelers from the charming port city of Alesund into the heart of Norway’s dramatic fjord country and the legendary mountain of Trollstigen. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, witness the powerful Stigfossen waterfall, and marvel at Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants finding it accessible and engaging, though it involves some bus travel and outdoor stops.

An appealing feature of this experience is the option to include a delicious lunch, which seamlessly complements the sightseeing. It’s worth noting that Trollstigen — the famous mountain road — is closed for the 2024 season due to safety concerns, but the tour still features many other breathtaking viewpoints and highlights. The group size is limited to 45 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience, with multi-lingual guides often leading the way in English.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting 7 hours 30 minutes from Alesund with sightseeing, stops, and optional lunch.
• Explore iconic sites like Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, Stigfossen waterfall, and Trollveggen (Troll Wall).
• Drive along the spectacular Troll Road (Trollstigen), with a 30-minute stop at the plateau for panoramic views.
• Visit strawberry-growing town of Valldal and enjoy photo stops at Kokarsteinen bakery and Stordal Gamle Kyrkje (Rose Church).
• Tour features include multiple photo stops, stunning scenery, and insider stories about Norway’s mythical trolls.
• The 2024 Trollstigen closure affects the route, but alternative viewpoints remain breathtaking.

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Ålesund

The tour begins at the Storneskaia area, near the cruise port, where a local guide greets guests 15 minutes before departure. The group boards an air-conditioned vehicle that takes them out of Ålesund and into the scenic countryside. The group size is capped at 45, ensuring a comfortable and personal experience.

Travelers should be prepared for outdoor stops and bus travel, with most stops lasting between 5 and 30 minutes. The tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, but those with mobility challenges should consider the outdoor nature of some viewpoints.

Highlights of the Fjords and Trolls Route

Spectacular Fjord Views at Kokarsteinen and Storfjord

The tour kicks off with photo stops at Kokarsteinen to capture Storfjord, a striking fjord landscape. These 10-minute stops offer breathtaking views of the shimmering waters and mountain backdrops, perfect for photographs or simply soaking in the scenery.

Exploring the Impressive Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge

Next, the group visits Gudbrandsjuvet, an impressive gorge carved by glacial waters. The 15-minute stop allows visitors to marvel at the rugged cliffs and rushing waters, with plenty of opportunities for photos. This stop is a highlight for its raw natural beauty.

Driving the Iconic Troll Road (Trollstigen)

One of the most memorable parts of the tour is the drive along Trollstigen, a world-famous mountain road renowned for its stunning switchbacks and steep inclines. The 30-minute stop at the Trollstigen plateau provides time to take in panoramic views over the valley and the winding road itself. Note: Trollstigen is closed in 2024 due to falling rocks, but the plateau remains accessible, offering equally impressive vistas.

Viewing Norway’s Tallest Vertical Rock Face at Trollveggen

The tour also takes visitors to the Trollveggen, or Troll Wall, known as Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. A 10-minute visit to the Besoksenter offers insights into the mountain’s geology and legends while providing excellent photo opportunities.

Witnessing the Power of Stigfossen Waterfall

A short 5-minute stop at Stigfossen waterfall offers a close-up view of this powerful cascade, capturing the energy of Norway’s rushing waters. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a moment to appreciate Norway’s natural forces.

Visiting the Rose Church at Stordal

Before heading back to Ålesund, the tour stops at Stordal Gamle Kyrkje, known as the Rose Church. This 10-minute stop features a charming historic church, adding a touch of local culture and architecture to the day.

The Journey Back to Ålesund

Following the sightseeing, the group travels along the Rauma River, with scenic vistas along the way, relishing the lush landscapes. The tour concludes with a 10-minute drive back to the Storneskaia meeting point, where guests can disembark and continue exploring or prepare for their next destination.

Optional Lunch and Its Value

The lunch option is available for an additional fee, providing a filling meal at a local restaurant in Valldal or nearby. This seamless inclusion helps maintain the tour’s pace and ensures travelers are well-fed during the long day of sightseeing.

Practical Considerations and Accessibility

This tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so guests should plan accordingly. The tour is near public transportation and suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to enjoy the full experience. Weather conditions may affect visibility and access to certain viewpoints, especially in the mountainous areas. The Trollstigen road is closed in 2024, which results in route adjustments but does not diminish the overall scenic value.

Unique Features That Set This Tour Apart

What distinguishes this Alesund shore excursion is the combination of fjord landscapes, mountain scenery, and legendary Norwegian sites like Trollveggen. The expert guides provide stories about Norwegian trolls and local legends, enriching the experience with cultural context. The multiple photo stops and well-planned itinerary maximize sightseeing within the limited time.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is perfect for cruise passengers with a minimum port stay of 8 hours if opting for the non-lunch version. Those interested in natural beauty, mythology, and scenic drives will find it especially rewarding. It also suits travelers who appreciate comfortable transportation, informative guides, and stunning landscapes in one day.

Final Thoughts on the Alesund Fjords and Trolls Tour

The “From Fjords to Trolls” tour offers a rich glimpse into Norway’s striking geography and folklore, delivered through engaging storytelling and beautiful vistas. While the Trollstigen road is closed in 2024, the alternative viewpoints and highlights still make for a memorable day. The value for the price, given the scenery, commentary, and stops, is evident.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor exploration, photography, and learning about Norway’s legends. Experienced guides and comfortable transport ensure a smooth experience, even on a long day. For anyone eager to see Norway’s mountains, waterfalls, and legends, this full-day excursion from Ålesund offers a fantastic overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle from the Storneskaia meeting point in Ålesund.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Kokarsteinen for fjord views, Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, Trollstigen plateau, Trollveggen, Stigfossen waterfall, and Stordal Church.

Can I include lunch during this tour?
Yes, an option to include lunch is available, providing a filling meal at a local restaurant, making the day more seamless.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 45 travelers, ensuring a balanced group size for comfort and engagement.

Is the route affected by the Trollstigen closure?
Yes, Trollstigen is closed in 2024, but the tour still offers alternative viewpoints and scenic stops of similar appeal.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops range from 5 to 30 minutes, allowing enough time for photos and exploration.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
Most travelers can participate, but some outdoor stops may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What should I bring on this tour?
Bring comfortable clothing, camera, and rain gear if weather conditions are uncertain. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this tour is typically booked about 110 days in advance, especially during high travel seasons.

Is this tour operated in multiple languages?
It is often led by multi-lingual guides, usually in English, to accommodate diverse groups.

This Alesund shore excursion offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, local culture, and legendary stories, making it an enriching day for anyone visiting Norway.