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Day Trips from Alesund

Day Trips from Alesund

Alesund Bergen And The Western Fjords, Norway Travel Guide

Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of Norway's most famous and spectacular fjords. Renowned for steep cliffs, numerous cascading waterfalls (Seven Sisters, Suitor, Bridal Veil), and isolated fjord farms clinging to hillsides.

Typically an 8-12 hour experience for adequate exploration.

Transportation Options

  • Organized bus tour (seasonal), scenic ferry or cruise from Ålesund (seasonal, often full-day).
  • Self-driving: approximately 2.5-3 hours to Geiranger village, plus car ferry.
  • Organized tours bring transport simplicity.
  • Consider booking day trips on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

For those seeking pure nature, these excursions offer wildlife and serene landscapes.

Runde Island Bird Island

Home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including large colonies of puffins (late April to early August), gannets, and eagles. A haven for bird watchers and nature photographers.

Getting There

  • Reach by bus to Hareid, then ferry to Sulesund, followed by bus or taxi to Runde.
  • Organized boat tours from Ålesund run seasonally.
  • A half to full day visit provides sufficient time.

Sæbø and Norangsdalen Valley

A beautiful valley leading to the picturesque village of Sæbø on the Hjørundfjord, surrounded by majestic mountains. The valley is known for its serene lakes and dramatic scenery.

Access & Time

  • By car from Ålesund, often involving a ferry crossing (e.g., Leknes to Sæbø).
  • The drive itself is very scenic.
  • A half to full day allows for exploration.

Trollstigen Troll's Ladder & Trollveggen Troll Wall

Optimal Viewing

  • Combined with a trip to Geiranger or as a separate road trip.
  • Approximately 2.5-3 hours drive from Ålesund to the viewpoint.
  • The road closes in winter, usually from October to May.
  • A full day trip, around 8-10 hours, provides a full experience.

Access Methods

  • Best reached by rental car.
  • Organized tour from Ålesund.
  • Road conditions vary; check before traveling.
  • Closed in winter.

Trip Planning Timelines

  • Geirangerfjord visit:8-12 hours
  • Hjørundfjord visit:Half to full day
  • Trollstigen/Trollveggen:8-10 hours
  • Atlantic Road:Full day
  • Runde Island:Half to full day
  • Sæbø/Norangsdalen:Half to full day
  • Giske Island:2-4 hours
  • Kristiansund:Full day (combined with Atlantic Road)

Tip for Day Trips

Consider booking your excursions in advance, especially during peak season. Websites like GetYourGuide have many day trip options from Ålesund.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical sites and charming local communities outside of Ålesund's core.

Giske Island

A historical island connected by an underwater tunnel. Giske holds the 11th-century marble Giske Church, believed ancestral home of Viking chieftain Rollo.

Hjørundfjord Area

A scenic fjord offering a tranquil experience amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps, home to charming villages like Sæbø.

Godøya Island & Alnes Lighthouse

Easily combined with Giske, this island offers coastal views and the picturesque Alnes Lighthouse.

Giske Island Exploration

Explore the flat, green landscape and historical sites.

Access & Time

  • A short drive from Ålesund through an underwater tunnel.
  • Easy to combine with exploring Godøya island and Alnes Lighthouse.
  • 2-4 hours is sufficient for Giske Island.

Hjørundfjord Experience

A tranquil fjord adventure, less crowded than Geirangerfjord, ideal for those seeking untouched nature.

Transport Options

  • Hurtigruten coastal cruise stops at small villages in summer.
  • Accessible by car and local ferries.
  • Private boat tours from Ålesund are available.

Regional Distances from Ålesund

To Geiranger village:2.5-3 hours (drive + ferry)
To Trollstigen viewpoint:2.5-3 hours (drive)
To Atlantic Road:2.5-3 hours (drive)
To Runde Island:1.5-2 hours (bus + ferry/boat)
To Bergen:Long bus/Hurtigruten
To Trondheim:Bus/Plane

Local Travel Insights

  • Consider combining Giske and Godøya for a half-day outing.
  • Seasonal services affect travel to many natural and cultural sites.
  • Driving conditions vary; check road status before departure.
  • Public transport options are available, but a rental car grants more flexibility.
  • Organized tours simplify logistics for popular destinations.

Multi-Day Extensions

Ålesund can serve as a starting point for longer journeys through Norway.

South to Bergen

A logical next destination when traveling south from Ålesund.

Bergen Highlights

  • Explore Bryggen, the UNESCO Hanseatic wharf.
  • Take the Fløibanen funicular for city views.
  • Visit the bustling Fish Market.

North to Trondheim

A historical city located north of Ålesund.

Trondheim Attractions

  • Explore the impressive Nidaros Cathedral.
  • Walk across Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge).
  • Discover the charming Bakklandet district.

Connecting to Oslo

The capital city offers a wealth of museums and historical sites.

Oslo Highlights

  • Visit the Viking Ship Museum (now closed, collections at Historical Museum).
  • Explore the Munch Museum.
  • See Akershus Fortress.

Regional Travel Options

Accessing major cities from Ålesund.

Transportation Links

  • Bergen is reachable by bus or Hurtigruten coastal voyage.
  • Trondheim is accessible by bus or plane from Ålesund.
  • Oslo is accessible by plane from Ålesund, long-distance bus, or train from Åndalsnes.

Suggested Regional Routes

Longer journeys to experience more of Norway's diverse landscapes.

Fjord Norway Road Trip

Start in Ålesund, drive south through Geirangerfjord, then continue to scenic areas like Olden and Loen, explore the immense Sognefjord, and finally conclude your trip in Bergen. A comprehensive fjord experience.

Coastal Route by Hurtigruten

Take the Hurtigruten from Ålesund, either heading north to Trondheim or south to Bergen. Experience more of Norway's iconic coastline from the sea, stopping at various charming towns along the way.

City Connections

Combine your Ålesund visit with travel to major cities like Bergen, Trondheim, or Oslo by bus, plane, or coastal voyage for varied urban experiences.

Multi-Day Planning

A one-week comprehensive experience covers city exploration and iconic natural sites like Geirangerfjord. Two weeks expands to include more challenging hikes or other parts of Norway.
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