From fjords to trolls in one long ride. This full-day shore excursion out of Ålesund strings together Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, troll-country viewpoints like Trollstigen plateau, and waterfall drama, all with a local guide and plenty of photo stops. It’s the kind of day that feels like you’re going from “coast” to “legend” without having to rent a car.

I love the mix of viewpoints and quick stops that keep the day moving. I also like that the trip is built around the big-name scenery you’d struggle to reach on your own in limited cruise time. One drawback to keep in mind: it’s a long day, and a lot of your time is spent in a bus, with some walking and steep hills near viewpoints.

The best bits at a glance

• Trollstigen plateau views: a real wow moment over the valley, even when the road itself is shut
• Gudbrandsjuvet gorge + gorge drama: short stop, big scenery payoff
• Stigfossen waterfall photo stop: quick access to a famous cascade
• Troll Wall concept at Trollveggen Besøksenter: Europe’s tallest vertical rock face area (when included)
• Rauma River drive + Stordal Rose Church: a calmer cultural stop before you head back

Entering Ålesund’s fjord side first, not last

You start right near the port at Storneskaia, meeting your guide about 15 minutes before departure. You’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle and head out of Ålesund with the Storfjord and coastal scenery close at hand.

Early on, the tour sets a good rhythm: short photo stops, then longer scenic breaks. It’s smart for a shore excursion because you’re not stuck waiting in one place for hours. You’re also getting that immediate sense that this part of Norway is all angles—water cutting into steep terrain, towns pressed into the coast, and roads that climb fast.

I also like the small “warm-up” stops. They turn the day into something you’re actively doing, not just staring out a window until the next stop.

Kokarsteinen and Gudbrandsjuvet: where the photos start working

The first real photo moment is at Kokarsteinen, a quick stop to take in the view over the Storfjord. It’s ten minutes—enough time to grab a couple of shots and reset before the day really starts climbing.

Then comes Gudbrandsjuvet, a gorge stop that’s all about scale. You’re taking in the dramatic cut of the land, with water, steep rock, and a sense of how the fjord country shapes everything around it. This stop is about 15 minutes. That brevity can sound like “rushed,” but in practice it works well on a shore day. You get your sightline moment without losing the rest of your itinerary to one single place.

If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re seeing, lean in when your guide starts connecting the gorge views to local geography. The gorge is one of those spots where a little context makes the scenery feel even more real.

Trollstigen plateau: the troll-road thrill without needing the full road

The headline moment is Trollstigen, the famous mountain road associated with troll legends. Here’s the honest part: Trollstigen is closed for the 2024 season due to falling-rock risk. The good news is that you can still reach the Trollstigen plateau, with a viewpoint platform over the valley and over the road below.

You’ll stop for about 30 minutes to take in the views from above. This is the time to slow down. Grab photos, check different angles, and let the scene sink in. From up here, Trollstigen looks like a set piece—switchbacks carved into steep terrain, with the valley opening out behind it.

What to expect when the road is closed

Because the road closure changes access, you should plan for a slightly adjusted route. In particular, the tour information states that Trollveggen cannot be visited on this tour when the route changes due to closures.

For me, that’s the key decision point. If Trollstigen is why you booked, you’ll still get the viewpoint experience. If you booked specifically for getting to the Troll Wall area in person, you’ll want to double-check what’s possible during your travel window.

Stigfossen waterfall and Trollveggen: myth meets geology

After the plateau view time, the tour drops you toward Stigfossen, a waterfall stop designed for photos. It’s short—around 5 minutes at the bottom—so you’ll want to be ready to move quickly and pick your shot early.

Stigfossen works best if you go in with the right expectations. This is not a long hike. It’s a quick, iconic hit that adds variety right after Trollstigen’s big height-and-height views. Waterfall country is a nice change of pace when your brain is already processing steep slopes and towering rock.

Next is Trollveggen Besøksenter, also known as the Troll Wall area. This is described as Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, with a 10-minute visit when it’s included.

During the 2024 closure season, the tour notes that you won’t be able to visit Trollveggen on this specific route. If you’re traveling during a period when Trollstigen access is restricted, I’d mentally treat Troll Wall as a “possible bonus,” not the sure thing. The plateau and waterfall stop are still the core of what keeps the day feeling complete.

Rauma River return and Stordal Rose Church: the calm before port time

On the way back to Ålesund, you’ll drive along the Rauma River. It’s one of those stretches where the scenery feels less like a dramatic set and more like an ongoing process—valleys, farms, and the sense that the land shapes life day to day.

Then there’s the cultural/complementary stop at Stordal Gamle Kyrkje, nicknamed the Rose Church. You’ll take photos there before returning to the meeting point.

This stop is short, but it matters because it balances the day’s “wow” factor with something human. Troll country and fjords are exciting, but a church stop gives you a reference point—Norway as lived-in, not just photographed.

Tour pace and real-world comfort (including steep steps)

This is a full-day outing—about 6.5 hours without lunch or 7.5 hours with lunch (with a longer day if you’re in a cruise schedule that allows the full version). Even when the stops are short, you’re still in motion most of the day.

That pace is great for travelers who want an overview and don’t want to spend hours transferring between sites. It can feel like a lot for anyone who hates bus time or prefers slower travel.

Walking and mobility note

The viewpoint stops involve walking on uneven ground and some steep terrain. Also, boarding and disembarking from vehicles can include steep steps, which one reviewer flagged as a challenge.

If mobility is a concern for you, treat this excursion as “possible but plan ahead.” Wear shoes with grip, and don’t assume the day will be flat.

Who the guides and drivers seem to matter most

The best days come from small details: knowing where to stand for photos, timing your group so you’re not crowding a viewpoint, and explaining the stories behind what you’re seeing.

In the guide lineup, names like Giulia, Claudia, Lulu, and Dani have come up in the context of clear storytelling and friendly, attentive hosting. You’ll hear the troll mythology tied to the landscape, and guides often translate the geography into something you can picture even after the bus moves on.

Drivers also matter here. The roads in this region can be narrow and steep, and people specifically mention careful driving on switchbacks. For you, that translates into less stress on turns and more time enjoying the scenery.

Price and value: what $187.53 buys you in a remote region

At $187.53 per person for a roughly 7.5-hour experience with the full version, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. Transportation that gets you from Ålesund into the mountains and back
2. A local guide who helps the stops make sense
3. Access to several high-demand scenic sites in one day

What you don’t pay separately for (based on the stop info) is admissions at each of the listed viewpoints and photo points—many of the stops show admission as free. That means your money is mostly going into the logistics and the guide, not a long list of separate tickets.

Also, if you’re comparing this to ship excursions, do your homework. One cruise passenger reported that booking the same kind of tour through the ship was about twice the price. Even if your ship varies, this is a good reminder to check total cost before you commit.

In short: if your priority is maximizing scenery with minimal planning, the price starts to look fair fast.

Lunch option: when to plan it into your cruise day

Lunch is an option. The key timing detail is that the lunch version runs about 7.5 hours, while the no-lunch version runs about 6.5 hours.

For shore timing, the tour also lays out a practical rule:

• If your ship is in port for at least 8 hours, you can usually choose without lunch and still make it back
• If your ship is in port for 9 hours or more, you can choose either option

One more thing to know: lunch is typically 4 to 4.5 hours after departure. So you don’t just “eat at noon.” Your meal becomes a mid-to-late part of the day, which is fine if you pack a light snack for the morning and plan to treat lunch as the main food event.

If weather or road access shifts, meal timing can also shift. Build buffer into your mental schedule and don’t plan a tight dinner right after you return.

Cruise ship timing: getting off fast and getting back safely

This excursion is built for cruise days, but it still depends on discipline. The tour notes that they routinely begin about 30 minutes after a ship arrives, and cruise passengers should provide the ship name at booking.

Just as important: you’re coming back to the port with a real schedule. One of the most common sources of stress on shore excursions is the fear of running late. Here, the upside is that the experience is designed to return with enough time for boarding. The downside is that once the bus leaves, it’s hard to rejoin mid-route.

Practical tip: be ready at the meeting point early, and treat your time on shore like a checklist. Use bathroom breaks early in the day rather than waiting until the tour is underway.

Should you book the Ålesund Fjords to Trolls excursion?

Book it if you want a high-impact overview of troll-country scenery from Ålesund without arranging a complicated self-drive plan. I’d especially recommend it if you love:

• dramatic viewpoints
• quick photo stops with big payoffs
• mixing fjords with mountain road scenery
• learning the local troll stories connected to the land

Skip or reconsider if:

• you need long, accessible walking routes with minimal stepping
• Trollstigen access matters less to you than Trollveggen in particular (since Trollveggen isn’t always included during closure-based route changes)
• you hate long bus days and prefer to stay in one town or one area

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the excursion with and without lunch?

The version without lunch lasts about 6.5 hours. The version with lunch lasts about 7.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Storneskaia in Ålesund, Norway. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The excursion is offered in English, and on some days a multi-lingual guide may be used for mixed groups.

Do I need hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is Trollstigen open during the 2024 season?

Trollstigen is closed for the 2024 season due to falling-rock risk. The Trollstigen plateau viewpoint is still accessible.

Can I visit Trollveggen every day?

No. Due to route changes during the Trollstigen closure period, the tour states that it will not be able to visit Trollveggen on this tour.

What if my cruise ship has limited time in port?

If your ship is in port for at least 8 hours, you can join the tour without lunch and return in time. For 9 hours or more, you can choose either the lunch-included or lunch-excluded version.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. This activity has a maximum of 45 travelers.

What type of ticket do I receive?

You get a mobile ticket.