Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen – Land of Trolls

Discover Norway’s Land of Trolls on a 6-Hour Tour from Ålesund

This sightseeing tour in Trollstigen offers an exciting day out for those eager to explore Norway’s striking landscapes. Priced at $181.48 per person, the tour lasts approximately 6 hours and features multiple photo stops, scenic viewpoints, and iconic landmarks. Starting at Prestebrygga Cruise Pier, the tour is designed to fit cruise ship schedules, ensuring a timed return for passengers.

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, participants journey through charming towns, such as Stordal and Valldal, known for their strawberries, before reaching the Trollstigen Plateau. The tour includes stops at famous sites like Gudbrandsjuvet, the Stigefossen waterfall, and Troll Wall, providing a comprehensive view of this rugged region. While a section of the Trollstigen Road is closed for maintenance until July 2025, the tour still offers spectacular scenery and memorable experiences.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a full-day exploration with expert guides, scenic photography opportunities, and a focus on Norway’s stunning natural sights. Keep in mind, it involves a long bus ride—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of travel time. The small group size of up to 48 travelers ensures a comfortable and engaging experience.

Key Points

• 6-hour guided tour from Ålesund exploring Trollstigen and surrounding highlights
• Price of $181.48, with timed for cruise ship schedules
• Multiple stops including Gudbrandsjuvet, Stigefossen, and Troll Wall
• Scenic hairpin bends on Trollstigen Road with unmatched views from the plateau
• Weather-dependent: some sections might be closed due to maintenance or weather conditions
• Small group size ensures personalized attention

Starting Point at Prestebrygga Cruise Pier in Ålesund

The tour begins at Prestebrygga, the main pickup point close to cruise ship docks in Ålesund. This Art Nouveau city, spread across several islands, provides a picturesque setting for the start of the journey. Travelers board an air-conditioned vehicle, ready to leave behind the urban scenery for Norway’s mountain landscapes. The tour is designed with cruise ship schedules in mind, featuring a back-on-time guarantee to ensure timely return.

Scenic Drive Through Stordal and Valldal

After departure, the vehicle passes Sjoholt and makes a quick photo stop at Kokarsteinen, along the Storfjord. These five-minute stops offer perfect opportunities for capturing the fjord’s beauty. The journey continues through Stordal and Valldal, areas famous for their sweet strawberries during the season. The drive itself provides sweeping views of lush valleys and rugged terrain, setting the tone for the day’s adventures.

Exploring Gudbrandsjuvet: Norway’s Spectacular Gorge

The first major photo stop occurs at Gudbrandsjuvet, a breathtaking gorge with a powerful waterfall. This 15-minute stop is ideal for snapping photos of the dramatic rock formations and rushing waters. The scenery here combines natural weathering with vibrant greenery, making it one of the most visually striking points on the tour. Visitors should be prepared for a short walk to view the gorge, but no entrance fees are involved.

Reaching the Trollstigen Plateau for Panoramic Views

The highlight of the tour is the Trollstigen Plateau, where a 45-minute stop offers unparalleled views. From the foothill viewpoint, travelers can see the famous 11 hairpin bends of the Trollstigen mountain road. The viewpoint provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a perfect spot for photos. There is a cafeteria where food and drinks can be purchased—though this is at your own expense—allowing for a break and refreshments amid the stunning scenery.

Descending Past the Stigefossen Waterfall

As the tour descends from the Trollstigen Plateau, a brief stop at the Stigefossen waterfall allows visitors to admire this powerful cascade up close. The 5-minute stop offers excellent photo opportunities, with the waterfall’s spray often adding a misty effect. The waterfall’s majestic presence underscores the region’s natural strength and beauty.

Visiting Troll Wall and Mountain Climbing Hotspot

The last stop is at the Troll Wall, also called Trollveggen, a vertical rock face known worldwide for mountain climbing and base jumping. The 10-minute stop here is great for viewing the imposing cliff and understanding why it’s a magnet for adventure athletes. This spot complements the journey’s theme of rugged, dramatic landscapes and provides a chance for striking photographs of one of Europe’s tallest vertical rock faces.

Impact of Road Maintenance and Weather Conditions

A key consideration for this tour is that a section of the Trollstigen Road is closed for maintenance until July 2025. If booked before this date, the tour reaches the viewpoint on the mountain from the south side but does not drive through the famous hairpin bends. This means viewers miss the iconic drive but still see all the other scenic highlights.

Weather also influences the experience, with some reviews noting poor weather can obstruct views or cause sections to be inaccessible. In such cases, guides do their best to adapt, but travelers should be prepared for the possibility of altered plans or limited visibility.

Practical Logistics and Group Size

The tour operates in small groups up to 48 travelers, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere and attentive guide service. The meeting point at Prestebrygga is easy to find, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort. As the tour is not inclusive of hotel pickups, travelers need to meet at the designated location in Ålesund. The activity includes a full day of sightseeing with timed stops that balance exploration and travel time effectively.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $181.48 per person, this tour provides access to some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery in a well-organized package. The inclusion of multiple photo stops, a scenic drive on Trollstigen, and expert guides adds value, especially for cruise ship passengers needing a reliable and concise excursion. While some attractions may be inaccessible due to road closures or weather, the overall experience remains engaging and visually stunning.

Customer Feedback and Typical Experiences

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, with guide Anna frequently praised for her storytelling and local insights. Travelers appreciate the spectacular views and find the stops at Gudbrandsjuvet and Troll Wall particularly memorable. Many note that the timed stops allow sufficient time for photos and exploration, making the most of the scenery.

However, some reviews mention disappointments due to weather or road closures, which are beyond the control of the tour operators. Certain travelers suggest that avoiding the last week of September may prevent encountering winter conditions that could restrict access or views. The majority find the tour worthwhile, especially when the weather cooperates.

Comparing to Similar Experiences in Ålesund

This tour’s focus on Trollstigen and surrounding landmarks makes it stand out from other Ålesund excursions like city walks or fjord cruises. It emphasizes mountain scenery and dramatic landscapes, ideal for those wanting a mountain adventure. Other tours may offer less scenic drives or fewer stops; this one strikes a good balance between driving and sightseeing.

Suitability for Different Travelers

The tour suits adventurous travelers and photography enthusiasts eager to capture iconic Norwegian landscapes. It’s also suitable for families and groups comfortable with bus rides, as the group size allows for personalized interactions. Travelers with mobility concerns should consider the short walks at stops, but overall, the tour is accessible.

Final Thoughts on the Trollstigen Land of Trolls Tour

This 6-hour guided exploration showcases Norway’s spectacular fjord and mountain scenery with stops at key landmarks and viewpoints. The expert guides and well-timed itinerary make it a solid choice for cruise passengers and day-trippers alike. Despite potential limitations from road maintenance and weather, the tour provides a memorable look at Norway’s rugged beauty.

If you’re eager to see the famous hairpin bends, waterfalls, and steep cliffs of Trollstigen, this tour delivers a comprehensive experience. It’s especially rewarding for those who appreciate scenic drives and breathtaking vistas. For a value-packed day out, this tour offers a practical way to explore one of Norway’s most striking landscapes, with the understanding that weather and seasonal closures may influence the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including all stops and travel time.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Kokarsteinen, Gudbrandsjuvet, the Trollstigen Plateau, Stigefossen Waterfall, and Troll Wall.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, it is designed with timed scheduling to ensure passengers return to the port on time.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased at the cafeteria at Trollstigen.

What happens if the Trollstigen Road is closed?
If the road is closed before July 2025, the viewpoint from the south is still accessible, but the hairpin bend drive is not. The guide will adapt accordingly.

Is the tour accessible for all?
Most travelers can participate, but walking at stops is limited to short walks. The tour is not specifically designed for mobility-impaired visitors.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

What is the weather contingency?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 48 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.