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Day Trips from Alesund

Day Trips from Alesund

Alesund More Og Romsdal, Norway Travel Guide

Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of Norway'its most renowned 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 outings offer wireless internetldlife and serene landscapes.

Runde Island Bird Island

Home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including large colonies of puffins (late In the fourth month 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 a visit for the day 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 tranquil lakes and stunning 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 hour's drive from Ålesund to the viewpoint.
  • The road closes in winter, usually from October to May.
  • A whole day excursion, 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. Online platforms 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 linked 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 among the majestic Sunnmøre Alps, home to delightful towns such as 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

  • NOT far by car 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

  • Think about combining Giske and Godøya for a half-day outing.
  • Seasonal services affect travel to many natural and cultural sites.
  • Conditions for driving vary; check road status before departure.
  • Public transport options are available, but a rental car grants more flexibility.
  • Organized tours simplify logistics for well-liked places.

Multi-Day Extensions

Ålesund can serve as a starting point for extended trips through Norway.

South to Bergen

A sensible 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

AN ancient city located north of Ålesund.

Trondheim Attractions

  • Explore the striking 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 heritage 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 can be gotten to by bus or plane from Ålesund.
  • Oslo is reachable via 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 beautiful areas like Olden and Loen, explore the immense Sognefjord, and finally conclude your trip in Bergen. A comprehensive fjord experience.

Coastal Route by Hurtigruten

Catch the Hurtigruten from Ålesund, either heading north to Trondheim or to the 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 urban exploration and symbolic natural sites like Geirangerfjord. Two weeks expands to have more challenging walks in nature or other parts of Norway.
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