Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands

Discovering Ålesund’s Viking Saga Islands: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a sightseeing tour around Ålesund’s beautiful islands, this one promises a quick glimpse into the area’s Viking roots, picturesque spots, and panoramic city views. Offered by West Norway Travel, it’s designed to give you a taste of Giske and Godøy islands, as well as a scenic walk up Aksla Mountain.

What we like about this experience is how it combines cultural highlights like the 12th-century Giske Church and the Alnes Lighthouse with spectacular vistas over Ålesund and the surrounding fjords. Plus, the inclusion of a gentle walk to Aksla’s viewpoint offers a memorable photo opportunity. However, a notable caveat is that some reviews hint at inconsistent guide quality and logistical hiccups, so it’s worth keeping expectations realistic.

This tour feels best suited for travelers who want a compact, scenic overview of Ålesund’s islands and don’t mind a bit of walking—especially if you’re comfortable with a moderate pace. It’s also a good pick if you’re after a low-key, mostly bus-based experience with some highlights on land, rather than an in-depth Viking history tour.

Key Points

• Short & Sweet: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it ideal for those with limited time.
• Scenic Views: Expect panoramic photo stops at Giske Church, Alnes Lighthouse, and Aksla Mountain.
• Cultural Highlights: The 12th-century Giske Church offers a peek into medieval Norway.
• Flexible Options: The walk to Aksla’s viewpoint is optional; the bus can return directly if desired.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers praise the views and the lighthouse, but others mention guide knowledge gaps and logistical issues.
• Value for Money: At around $112 per person, it’s a moderate spend for a scenic tour, but some may find the experience lacking depth.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

Starting Point & Overall Structure

Meeting at the cruise pier or Ålesund’s main bus station, the tour kicks off with a bus ride that covers most of the itinerary. The total duration of about three and a half hours includes travel, stops, and walking, so it’s a fairly compact way to see a few key spots without feeling rushed.

Giske Mormon Church: A Medieval Landmark

The first stop is the exterior visit of Giske Kirke, a charming 12th-century marble church. It’s a quick photo opportunity—just 15 minutes—so don’t expect a full tour inside, especially since the admission fee isn’t included. Still, it’s a neat window into Norway’s medieval past, and its quaint appearance makes for some lovely pictures.

Exploring Giske Island

While the tour doesn’t include a detailed history of Rollo—the Viking chieftain said to be born here—the visit offers a chance to soak in the island’s peaceful vibe and natural beauty. From reviews, we’ve learned that the guide’s knowledge may vary, which could influence how much you learn about the Viking connection. Still, the setting itself is worth a glance.

Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy Island

The highlight for many on this trip is the Alnes Lighthouse. Inside the lighthouse, you’ll get a chance to explore the interior, snap some photos, and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The included admission makes this stop convenient, and it’s often praised as a very picturesque spot. The lighthouse’s location at the edge of Godøy—the “island of the gods”—adds a poetic touch to the experience, making it a memorable photo stop.

A Walk Up Aksla Mountain

The most physically engaging part of the tour is heading up Aksla Mountain. The bus drops you off at the stadium area, and from there, you have the choice to walk the roughly 900 meters on a gentle, flat path to the viewpoint. The reward? Stunning views over Ålesund, the Sunnmøre Alps, and the city’s multi-spired skyline.

According to reviews, the walk is accessible for most, but it’s important to note it’s not a strenuous climb—still, if you prefer not to walk, the bus will take you directly back to the harbor. The viewpoint itself is a favorite photo spot, capturing the city’s distinctive Art Nouveau architecture against a backdrop of fjords and mountains.

Returning & Optional Routes

Once at the viewpoint, you’ll descend 418 steps back to the town, a classic way to see Ålesund from above. If steps aren’t your thing, don’t worry—the bus will be waiting to return you directly to the harbor, so you can choose your comfort level.

What the Reviews Say: A Balanced Perspective

While some reviews laud the tour for its scenic stops and beautiful views, others point out issues that may affect your experience. One traveler mentions that the tour guide’s knowledge was lacking, describing it as “not informative at all,” with cringeworthy commentary. This suggests the guide’s expertise varies, which can impact how much you learn about the Viking heritage and local sites.

Another reviewer shared frustration about missing the trip altogether due to trouble finding the meeting point, highlighting the importance of clear instructions and punctuality.

On the bright side, a guest praised the lighthouse visit as “worth it,” emphasizing the beautiful location and photo opportunities. The Aksla viewpoint was also well received, with one guest mentioning that their guide Giuseppe made the experience memorable.

The tour offers good value for sightseeing but may fall short if you’re expecting detailed historical insights or a highly engaging guide.

The Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour is conducted via mobile ticket, with a maximum group size of 45 travelers, so it’s reasonably intimate but still busier than private tours. It starts at the cruise pier or the local bus station, both near public transportation options, which makes it easy to access.

The price of approximately $112.42 per person is moderate, considering it includes transportation, lighthouse admission, and a scenic walk. However, keep in mind that the Giske Church entrance fee isn’t included, and you might want to allocate a few extra kroner if you’re interested in exploring inside.

The tour’s timing is carefully arranged to give you a solid taste of the islands’ highlights without feeling rushed. It’s suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility concerns should consider the optional walk to the viewpoint.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Ålesund’s surrounding islands and city views. It’s perfect if you enjoy light walking, stunning vistas, and cultural landmarks without deep historical detail. The lighthouse visit is a real highlight, especially for photographers or those who appreciate picturesque spots.

If you’re after an in-depth Viking history lesson or a guide with encyclopedic knowledge, you might be disappointed. The mixed reviews about guide quality suggest that transparency about what to expect is important.

This tour also works well for travelers who prefer a low-impact experience, with most of the time spent on the bus and a gentle walk to Aksla’s viewpoint. It’s a decent choice for a half-day activity during a port stop or a day in Ålesund, especially if combined with other sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers a decent snapshot of Ålesund’s islands, with some truly stunning photo opportunities and a taste of Viking heritage. The lighthouse and Aksla viewpoint are definite highlights, and most travelers seem to enjoy the scenery.

However, the experience can feel somewhat superficial. If you’re looking for an engaging guide or in-depth storytelling, keep your expectations in check. The inconsistent review scores reflect this, with some travelers loving the views and others feeling underwhelmed by the guide’s commentary and logistical issues.

It’s a solid pick if you’re after a relaxed, scenic excursion that doesn’t demand too much walking or time. Just be prepared for some variability in guide quality and plan accordingly if you want to maximize your visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the gentle walk to Aksla’s viewpoint and the short stops make it manageable for most adults and older children. However, younger kids might find the walking segment a bit long, and the guide’s level of engagement can vary.

Can I skip the walk to Aksla’s viewpoint?
Yes, if you prefer not to walk, the bus will take you directly back to the harbor. The walk is optional, and the scenic bus route is still included.

What’s included in the ticket price?
The tour fee covers transportation and visits to Alnes Lighthouse (including inside access). Entrance to Giske Church is not included, so you may want to budget for that separately.

How long does each stop last?
Giske Church: about 15 minutes.
Alnes Lighthouse: about 30 minutes.
Aksla Mountain viewpoint: around 20 minutes, plus walking time.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The walk to the viewpoint is gentle and flat, but some reviews suggest the steps down from the viewpoint might be challenging for those with mobility concerns. The bus can return directly to the harbor if preferred.

What if I miss the tour or get lost?
One review mentions missing the trip due to difficulty locating the meeting point, so it’s best to arrive early and confirm your meeting location. If you miss it, refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

In Summary:
This sightseeing tour around Ålesund’s Viking Islands offers a decent combination of scenic spots, cultural landmarks, and city views. While it’s not flawless—some reviews point to inconsistent guide quality and logistical hiccups—it remains a practical way to see Giske, Godøy, and Aksla’s panoramic vistas in a half-day outing. If you’re after relaxed sightseeing with some memorable photo moments, it’s worth considering. For more depth or highly engaging storytelling, you might want to explore other options or supplement this tour with additional activities.