Alesund Shore Excursion: From Fjords to Trolls

If you’re thinking about exploring Norway’s iconic landscapes during a cruise stop in Ålesund, this full-day shore excursion promises to be a memorable ride through some of the country’s most striking scenery. Though I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve done my homework, and from what I’ve seen, it’s a solid choice for travelers craving a deep dive into Norway’s natural beauty — especially with the convenience of a guided experience.

What immediately stands out about this tour are the stunning stops — from the wild, rushing waterfalls to the impressive Troll Wall, it offers a well-rounded taste of Norwegian wilderness. Also, it’s clear that the guides are a highlight, with many reviews praising their knowledge and friendly attitude.

One thing to keep in mind is that Trollstigen, the famous steep mountain road, will be closed for the 2024 season due to safety concerns. This means the actual experience might differ slightly from previous years, but the tour’s organizers still manage to deliver a rewarding day with equally spectacular views from other vantage points.

This tour would suit anyone who loves nature, photography, and scenic drives — especially if you’re on a cruise and want to see a lot in a limited time. It also offers a good blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and opportunity to take those iconic Norwegian photos.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The stops at waterfalls, gorges, and mountain viewpoints showcase Norway’s incredible landscape.
• Expert guides: The reviews highlight guides being knowledgeable, personable, and informative.
• Great value for money: With included stops, commentary, and optional lunch, many feel it’s worth the price.
• Flexible options: You can choose the tour with or without lunch, which helps you tailor the experience.
• Road closure update: Trollstigen is closed in 2024, so the route is adjusted, but the tour still offers plenty of panoramic views.
• Timing: The tour is about 6.5 hours without lunch, or 7.5 hours with, fitting easily into a cruise day.

The Journey: A Practical Breakdown

Starting from the Norway Excursions office near Ålesund’s port, you’ll meet your guide about 15 minutes before departure. Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned bus and a friendly crew ready to show you Norway’s best bits. The driver’s role is just as important as the guide — a good driver makes all the difference when navigating steep roads and narrow passes.

First Stops: Capturing Norway’s Beauty

The first quick stop is at Kokarsteinen bakery, where you can snap photos of the Storfjord — a fjord that’s as majestic as you’d hope. It’s a brief moment, but a nice way to get your camera ready and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Next, the tour moves on to Gudbrandsjuvet, an impressive gorge that’s perfect for photos and appreciation of Norway’s rugged terrain. The reviews tell us this stop is well worth the visit, as it’s “magnificent” and offers a real taste of the natural power that carved these landscapes.

The Highlight: Trollstigen and Its Alternatives

The Trollstigen mountain road is world-famous, with its hairpin bends and dizzying inclines. Unfortunately, it’s closed for 2024, but the tour’s organizers still provide an excellent experience by stopping at the Trollstigen Plateau, where you get a panoramic view of the mountains and valley below. One reviewer described it as “incredible,” even without driving down the actual road.

Many visitors cite the viewpoints and photo opportunities here as the absolute highlight. The Stigfossen waterfall, cascading down the cliffs, makes for an awe-inspiring photo, especially from the designated viewing spots. Plus, hearing stories about Norway’s trolls — mythical creatures woven into local lore — adds a fun and whimsical touch to the day.

Visiting the Troll Wall

Next, the Trollveggen or Troll Wall, is another major highlight. It’s Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, a true marvel of nature. The Trollveggen Besoksenter offers a quick visit, giving you a sense of how dramatic and massive these cliffs are. Many reviews mention the spectacular views and the sheer scale of this natural wonder.

The Final Stops

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive along the Rauma River, which is known for its lush scenery and gentle flow. A photo stop at Stordal Gamle Kyrkje (the Rose Church) adds a charming touch to the day. This picturesque church, with its traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings, is a fitting farewell to Norway’s countryside before heading back to Ålesund.

What We Love About This Tour

The guided narration really elevates the experience. Many travelers have raved about their guides, describing them as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. For instance, one review notes how their guide “had non-stop information about history, current happenings, and anecdotes,” which made the long bus rides feel much shorter.

The scenery is, quite honestly, breathtaking. From rushing waterfalls to mountain vistas, the views are what you come to Norway for — wide, open spaces that remind you of how wild and beautiful this country truly is. Many reviews mention the “amazing” and “unbelievable” sights, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos.

The lunch option is a real plus — especially if you’re feeling peckish after a morning of sightseeing. Guests describe the meal as “good,” “filling,” and “delicious,” making it a nice recovery point in the middle of the day.

What Could Be Better

The main drawback is the road closure for Trollstigen in 2024, which means the original “stomach-churning” drive down the steep mountain road isn’t part of this season’s experience. Instead, you’ll see the viewpoints from above, which are still stunning but might feel like a loss if you were eager for that famous drive.

A few reviews mention that the timing can be tight, especially for those with late cruise departures. Some guests felt they had barely enough time at each stop and were concerned about returning to the port in time. The tour duration is roughly 6.5 hours without lunch, so if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s worth noting.

Others comment on the bus comfort, but overall, most found it sufficient and appreciated the smooth ride and professional driver.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is perfect for nature lovers, especially those who crave spectacular views and photography opportunities. If you’re not comfortable with long bus rides or steep roads, the tour’s stops at viewpoints are well-chosen to minimize strenuous walking while maximizing scenery. It’s also a good fit for families with older children who enjoy sightseeing and storytelling.

However, if you’re hoping to drive down Trollstigen yourself or want an adventure that involves more physical activity, you might want to look elsewhere. This tour focuses on scenic stops, commentary, and comfort rather than adrenaline-driven activities.

Final Thoughts

For around $193, this Alesund shore excursion offers a pretty good balance of scenery, storytelling, and comfort. While the Trollstigen drive isn’t available in 2024, the adjusted route still delivers some impressive views of Norway’s rugged landscape. The knowledgeable guides and well-paced stops make it an engaging experience, especially if you’re limited on time or prefer a guided day out.

In short, if you’re after picturesque landscapes, engaging commentary, and a taste of Norway’s wild side, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a reliable choice that most travelers seem to enjoy, and with flexible options for lunch, it’s adaptable to different plans and appetites.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at the Storneskaia meeting point near Ålesund’s port. You’ll need to make your way there on your own.

How long is the tour?
Without lunch, it lasts about 6.5 hours. With lunch included, it extends to approximately 7.5 hours.

What happens if Trollstigen is closed?
The route is adjusted, and instead of driving down Trollstigen, the tour offers viewpoints from above, still providing breathtaking scenery.

Can I get this tour without lunch?
Yes, there is an option to participate without lunch, which can be ideal if you’re short on time or prefer to explore on your own afterward.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is around 45 travelers, which keeps the group manageable but still lively.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the stops and scenery are generally accessible to most travelers, including older children and teenagers.

Are there any safety concerns?
The tour is operated with safety in mind, and the roads are navigated by experienced drivers. The main concern in 2024 is the closure of Trollstigen for safety reasons.

Is the scenery worth the price?
Most reviewers say yes, especially considering the stops, commentary, and included meals. The views are often described as “breathtaking” and “unforgettable.”

Do I need to book far in advance?
Yes, on average, this tour is booked about 110 days before the travel date, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, rain gear (just in case, as weather can change quickly), and your curiosity.

In the end, this Alesund shore excursion offers a pretty complete package for experiencing Norway’s stunning landscapes comfortably and informatively. Whether you’re a photography buff, a nature enthusiast, or just someone looking to check a few iconic sights off your list, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind the 2024 route changes and plan your timing accordingly to make the most of your day. Safe travels!