From Ålesund: Trollstigen Sightseeing Village & Fjord Tour

From Ålesund: Trollstigen Sightseeing Village & Fjord Tour — A Complete Guide

This tour promises an unforgettable day exploring Norway’s dramatic scenery, from winding mountain roads to towering waterfalls and rugged cliffs. Operated by Excursions.no, it offers a well-rounded experience of the area’s most famous sights in about six hours. Expect picturesque stops, expert guides, and plenty of photo opportunities, all for around $176 per person.

One of the most appealing aspects is the chance to drive along Trollstigen, a legendary mountain road known for its hairpin turns and panoramic views. Plus, you’ll visit the impressive Troll Wall and catch a glimpse of the Storfjord, alongside discovering charming local villages.

However, a consideration is the ongoing maintenance that temporarily closes part of the Trollstigen Road until mid-2025. While that might limit the full driving experience, the tour still covers all the key sights, and the views remain spectacular. This tour suits travelers who love scenic drives, stunning nature, and want a taste of authentic Norwegian culture without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: The tour offers breathtaking vistas from Gubrandsjuvet and Trollstigen, perfect for memorable photos.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, adding depth to the scenic stops.
• Charming Villages: Pass through traditional villages like Sjoholt and Valldal, offering glimpses of local life and industry.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit the impressive Stigefossen waterfall and the tallest vertical rock face in Europe at Trollvegen.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with full refunds, ideal for flexible travel plans.
• Limited Full Trollstigen Drive: Due to maintenance, the full drive may not be possible if booked before July 2025, but the tour still offers fantastic views.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Departure and Meeting Point

Your journey begins at the Prestebrygga Cruise Pier in Ålesund, where you’ll find a large orange/rust-colored building that marks the meeting point. It’s important to note that the bus isn’t parked next to the newly painted orange building but the older, rustier one nearby. Guides typically wear a light blue jacket, making them easy to spot. It’s a straightforward start, especially for cruise passengers, as the tour is timed to align with cruise arrivals and departures.

The Scenic Drive Begins

Once aboard the air-conditioned vehicle, the real adventure starts. The route takes you through small Norwegian towns, setting the tone for the day. The first notable stop is Kokarsteinen, located just above the fjord, which offers fantastic photo opportunities. We appreciated how this stop allows visitors to capture Norway’s striking landscapes early in the trip.

Exploring Sjoholt and Valldal

Passing through Sjoholt, known for its furniture and wood industry, adds a touch of authentic local culture. The tour then moves on to Valldal, famed for its strawberries. These villages aren’t just eye candy—they give a real sense of life in rural Norway, with quaint homes and local industry thriving amidst stunning scenery.

The Gubrandsjuvet Ravine

Next, you’ll visit Gubrandsjuvet, a dramatic ravine about 5 meters wide and 20 meters high. Here, you walk across a scenic bridge that offers a thrilling view into the gorge below. Several reviews mention this as a highlight, with visitors loving the thrill of standing so close to nature’s raw power. One reviewer noted, “The scenery was beautiful, and our guide was amazing and knowledgeable, always getting us to the scenic points before the crowds.”

The Crown Jewel: Trollstigen

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly Trollstigen, the winding mountain road famous for its eleven hairpin turns. The vistas from the top provide sweeping views of towering mountains and lush valleys. However, it’s worth noting that a section of Trollstigen Road is under maintenance until July 2025. According to the tour provider, if you book before then, you’ll reach the viewpoint on top of the road from the south, still enjoying the scenic landscape but missing out on driving through the full stretch.

Stigefossen Waterfall

Driving down Trollstigen, you’ll stop at Stigefossen, a powerful waterfall dropping 240 meters. This is a prime photo spot, with reviews praising the view and the chance to see Norway’s famous waterfalls in action. The roar of water adds to the sensory experience, a reminder of nature’s grandeur.

Trollvegen and the Rock Faces

The final major stop is Trollvegen, which is noted as Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that leaves many visitors in awe. The guide will share insights about the geology and mythologies surrounding the area, enriching the visual experience.

The Return Journey

After exploring Trollvegen, the bus passes through Åndalsnes, a charming town, before heading back to Ålesund. The entire trip is about six hours, with enough time at each stop to soak in the scenery, take photos, and briefly explore.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

Guides and Commentary

Based on reviews, guides like Kira, Lisa, Christina, and Anna are praised for their knowledge and engaging style. One reviewer mentioned Christina as “outstanding,” citing her ability to share stories about Norway’s ecology and mythology in a lucid and lyrical manner. Others appreciated guides who managed to get them to scenic points ahead of crowds, making the experience more personal and less hectic.

Photo Stops and Crowds

The tour features several photo stops, which are well-timed to avoid the busiest periods. The stop at Kokarsteinen, for instance, offers a spectacular shot above the fjord, and many travelers found these moments highlight the trip’s value. Some reviews note that the tour’s size is comfortable—large enough to be social but small enough to feel intimate.

Logistics and Value

The price of $176 per person is reasonable considering the inclusions: transportation in a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and multiple photo stops. Food and drinks aren’t included, so packing snacks might be wise if you get hungry. The tour’s flexibility with cancellation (up to 24 hours in advance) adds peace of mind for spontaneous planners.

Limitations and Considerations

The main drawback is the partial closure of Trollstigen Road, which might disappoint those eager to drive the full route. However, the tour compensates with superb views from the viewpoint and other stops. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Accessibility

Pets aren’t allowed, and non-folding wheelchairs aren’t suitable for this trip. It’s worth noting that some travelers with back or heart issues might find the winding roads and several stops physically demanding, so plan accordingly.

The Authentic Norway Experience in a Nutshell

This tour offers a balanced blend of natural wonders, charming villages, and legendary landmarks. The guides’ local knowledge, combined with the carefully curated stops, makes it a worthwhile experience for those eager to see Norway’s iconic landscapes with minimal hassle. It suits travelers who appreciate scenic drives, photo opportunities, and authentic local culture without the need for extensive hiking or outdoor activity.

While the partial road closure is a slight hiccup, it doesn’t diminish the overall impact of the tour. The views are still stunning, the waterfalls powerful, and the stories engaging. Plus, the chance to visit Trollvegen and peek into the world of Norway’s cliffs is truly memorable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for cruise passengers or visitors with limited time but a desire to see the best of Norway’s natural scenery. It’s well-suited to those who enjoy guided tours with informative commentary and picturesque stops. If you’re looking for a scenic, relaxed day that showcases Norway’s rugged beauty and local charm, this tour hits the mark.

However, if your priority is driving the full Trollstigen route or seeking an active outdoor adventure, you might want to explore other options once the road reopens or consider additional activities.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the meeting point is at Prestebrygga Cruise Pier, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to this location.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours, including stops for photos and exploration.

What is the price?
It costs about $176 per person, which includes guide services and transport, but food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
While generally accessible, those with back or heart problems should consider the winding roads and physical demands. Pets and non-folding wheelchairs aren’t permitted.

Will I get to drive the Trollstigen myself?
Part of the route may be closed until July 2025 due to maintenance, so if you book before then, you might not drive the full road but will still enjoy the views from the viewpoint.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, water, camera, and layers of clothing—especially if the weather turns or if you want to spend extra time exploring stops.

Are there any hidden gems on the tour?
Many travelers highlight Gubrandsjuvet and Trollvegen as standout stops, with the latter being Europe’s tallest vertical rock face—truly breathtaking.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides a solid, well-organized way to see some of Norway’s most striking scenery in a manageable day trip. From dramatic mountain roads to cascading waterfalls, the experience feels authentic and thoughtfully curated. The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to enhance the journey with stories and insights, making each stop more meaningful.

While part of the Trollstigen Road may be closed until mid-2025, the tour still offers incredible views and memorable moments that justify the price. It’s particularly well-suited for cruise travelers or those who want a scenic overview of the region without strenuous activity or extensive travel logistics.

If you’re after a scenic, informative, and visually stunning tour that captures Norway’s rugged beauty, this experience is a worthwhile choice. Just remember to be flexible with the route if you’re visiting before July 2025, and pack your camera and sense of adventure.