If you’re visiting Norway and craving a day filled with breathtaking scenery, this 6-hour tour from Ålesund is a great way to see some of the country’s most iconic sights. For $176 per person, you’ll journey through rugged mountains, along winding roads, and past cascading waterfalls, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and learn about local culture. You’ll visit places like Trollstigen, Gubrandsjuvet, Storfjord, and the Troll Wall, with a small group and engaging guides to enhance the experience.
What we love most about this trip is how it combines spectacular natural views with authentic Norwegian villages. The stops at Sjoholt and Valldal give a glimpse into local life, especially the strawberries and furniture industries. Plus, the walk across Gubrandsjuvet’s scenic bridge offers a thrilling perspective of the ravine, making it a memorable highlight.
A potential drawback is that a small section of Trollstigen Road is currently closed for maintenance until July 2025, which means you won’t drive through the full switchbacks but will still enjoy stunning vistas from the viewpoint. This might be disappointing if you’re eager to experience the legendary hairpin turns firsthand, but the tour compensates with spectacular views and stops.
This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded day of scenic drives, photography, and cultural insight. It’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure, an interest in geology or landscape photography, or those simply wanting to see Norway’s wild beauty without a strenuous hike.
Key Points
- Spectacular Views: From mountains, waterfalls, and fjords, the scenery is consistently jaw-dropping.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Christina and Lisa are praised for their engaging storytelling and local insights.
- Authentic Stops: Visits to traditional villages showcase local industries and culture.
- Photo Opportunities: Multiple stops at Gubrandsjuvet, Kokarsteinen, and Trollstigen’s viewpoints.
- Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned bus with a small group size enhances the overall experience.
- Limited Drive on Trollstigen: Due to road maintenance, you’ll view but not drive through the full switchbacks.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
What the Tour Covers
This tour begins at the Prestebrygga Cruise Pier in Ålesund, where your guide will meet you next to the large, rust-colored building (not the newly painted orange one). You’ll leave the city behind and travel through small Norwegian towns, each with its own local flavor. The first stop, Kokarsteinen, offers an excellent photo vantage point above the fjord, where the scenery is so striking you might find yourself wanting to linger.
Onward, the bus passes through Sjoholt, known for its furniture and wood industry, and Valldal, renowned for its strawberries. These stops are more than just photo ops—they add a taste of Norway’s local economic life and give you a break from the mountain scenery.
Gubrandsjuvet and Its Scenic Bridge
Next, the tour visits Gubrandsjuvet, a dramatic ravine just 5 meters wide but 20 meters high. Here, you can walk across a scenic bridge, which offers a thrilling view of the rushing waters below. Many reviews mention how this stop is both beautiful and a little adrenaline-pumping, a perfect moment to capture the rugged beauty of Norway’s landscape.
The Majestic Trollstigen
The highlight for many is the drive along Trollstigen, the “Troll’s Ladder”—a series of 11 hairpin turns carved into the mountainside. While part of the road is closed for maintenance until July 2025, the tour will still reach the viewpoint on the southern side, allowing you to gaze upon the winding road and stunning mountain scenery. During our review, we found that even this partial view was worth the trip, and many visitors appreciate the spectacular vistas from the viewpoint.
More Great Tours NearbyStigefossen Waterfall
Along the descent, you’ll stop at Stigefossen, a powerful waterfall dropping 240 meters. The roar of the water and the spray make it a lively spot for photos and a reminder of Norway’s abundant water resources. Several reviews mention the waterfall as a “gorgeous sight” that adds drama to the landscape.
Troll Wall and Åndalsnes
The final stops include Trollvegen, home to Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, and a scenic drive through Åndalsnes. These areas highlight the raw power and beauty of Norway’s geology, leaving a lasting impression of the country’s rugged terrain.
What You Can Expect
Throughout the day, your guide will share stories about the region’s geology, mythology, and local industries, making the scenery not just pretty but meaningful. The small group size (typically just enough for a comfortable bus) allows for personalized attention and more flexible photo stops. The air-conditioned vehicle keeps everyone comfortable, especially on warm days.
The tour is designed to maximize sightseeing within six hours, balancing driving time with plenty of opportunities to explore important sights. The stops at photo points, waterfalls, and villages make for a well-rounded experience—whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a geology buff, or just someone who loves mountain views.
The Practical Side
- Price: At $176, this tour offers good value considering the number of stops and the scenic variety.
- Duration: Six hours means you’ll see a lot but won’t feel rushed.
- Inclusions: Guided commentary, transportation, and several photo stops.
- Exclusions: Food and drinks—you might want to bring snacks or a packed lunch, especially if you have dietary preferences.
- Meeting Point: Clear instructions at the Prestebrygga cruise pier, with a guide wearing a light blue jacket.
Traveler Insights
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Christina, Lisa, and Kristina, noting their ability to explain local history and geology with enthusiasm and warmth. Many mention how guides managed to get the group to scenic spots just ahead of the crowds, making the experience more intimate.
Some reviews highlight the delicious local strawberries shared on the bus, which added a tasty touch. Others appreciated that even when the full Trollstigen road was closed, the tour still delivered stunning views and memorable moments.
Practical Tips
- Dress for the weather—mountain weather can change quickly.
- Bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage for photos.
- Be prepared for some winding roads—those prone to motion sickness might want to take precautions.
- Arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point to avoid missing the start.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll appreciate Norway’s rugged beauty and the diverse stops. Photographers will find plenty of dramatic vistas and unique geological formations to capture. Those interested in local culture will enjoy visiting villages and learning about industries like furniture and strawberries.
It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see top sights without strenuous hiking or long drives. The guided aspect ensures your questions are answered, and you gain local insights that enrich the experience. If you’re traveling with a cruise or short on time, this tour packs a lot into six hours and is praised for its efficiency and value.
FAQ
- What is the starting point for this tour?
The tour begins at the Prestebrygga Cruise Pier in Ålesund, next to a large rust-colored building. - How long does the tour last?
Approximately six hours, with starting times available based on availability. - Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it starts at the cruise pier. You’ll need to make your own way there. - What’s included in the price?
A guide, transportation by air-conditioned bus, and several photo stops, including driving through Trollstigen. - Are food and drinks included?
No, you should plan to bring snacks or buy meals during the stops. - What if Trollstigen Road is closed?
If the road is closed until July 2025, you’ll still see the viewpoint from the south side, enjoying the scenery and views of the winding road. - Can I bring a pet or a non-folding wheelchair?
Pets and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed on this tour. - Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the stops and scenery are suitable for most ages, but keep in mind the winding roads. - What should I wear?
Weather can change quickly; layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes are recommended. - Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Final Thoughts
This Ålesund day trip offers a well-structured mix of Norway’s iconic landscapes, charming villages, and natural wonders. With knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights, you’ll gain a richer appreciation of the scenery beyond just taking photos. The stops are well chosen to give a sense of Norway’s geology, culture, and natural beauty.
If you’re looking for a value-packed, beautifully curated tour that showcases the best of the land of trolls, this trip is a smart choice. It’s especially good for those who prefer guided comfort and expert commentary over self-driving or long hikes, yet still crave authentic, stunning scenery.
In short, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour will leave you with a camera full of photos and a head full of stories about this rugged, captivating corner of Norway.
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