Six hours, two fjords, one smooth rhythm. This boat-and-bus tour strings together the best views in Møre og Romsdal, starting with a Hjørundfjord cruise from Ålesund to Øye, then continuing by coach through dramatic valleys toward classic fjord towns. I especially love how the trip is built around real sightlines, not just quick photo breaks, so you actually get time to take the scenery in.

My second big win is the mix of stops: Hellesylt for its center-town waterfall vibe and the Ljøen viewpoint for wide fjord panoramas. One possible drawback to plan for is the boat segment: some people have flagged limited seating and exhaust smell in the aft section, so where you sit (and how early you board) can matter.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Hjørundfjord cruise to Øye keeps the pace relaxed while the mountains roll by.
• Øye village lands you right in the middle of the fjord story, not off in the distance.
• Norangsdal Valley bus ride turns long stretches of road into an easy scenic drive.
• Hellesylt waterfall stop gives you a memorable moment with cafés and shops nearby.
• Ljøen viewpoint is a short stop with big “look at everything” payoff.
• Storfjord ferry crossing adds one more fjord experience without changing tours.

Hjørundfjord cruise from Ålesund to Øye: where the day really starts

This tour begins at Cruise Service AS at the quay outside the Ålesund Cruise Pier gate. Look for the black and white boat MS Bruvik. From the moment you board, the idea is simple: trade some city time for fjord time, and let the scenery do the talking while you move from Ålesund to Øye through Hjørundfjord.

The boat portion is listed as 2.25 hours, so it’s long enough to settle in. This is not a “snap-and-go” cruise; you have time to watch the fjord walls slide past and notice how the water shape changes as you approach Øye. There are also practical comforts: you can find a kiosk with snacks and drinks onboard during the cruise.

Two comfort notes matter here. First, seating can be a factor. One feedback point flagged that chairs may not be sufficient for everyone on board for the full duration, so if you want a specific seat, you should get settled early rather than drifting in at the last minute. Second, if you’re sensitive to smells, consider where you sit: there’s at least one report calling out diesel exhaust fumes in the aft section, so aim for a spot where you feel more comfortable and have airflow.

Another tip that helps your experience: the tour is described as having explanation as you pass sights, but it’s still smart to think ahead about what side you want to photograph. If you’re picky about photo angles, arrive ready to pick a side early and stay there through the cruise. The goal is to avoid spending a lot of mental energy figuring out orientation while the fjord is moving.

Øye village: the fjord comes ashore

After the cruise, you arrive in Øye, described as a charming village at the heart of the fjord. The schedule shows you step off and then continue by bus shortly after, so you’re not getting a long wandering block. Still, the value of Øye is that it gives you a real “fjord village” feeling right where the water meets the road and town life.

Even with a shorter stop, I like this approach. Instead of asking you to choose between scenery and a town, the tour gives you a small taste of both. You’ll be looking at the fjord during the boat ride, then looking at the same setting from land-based streets and viewpoints in Øye. That shift helps the day make sense.

If the weather is changeable, Øye is also a good place to reset. You’ll have a quick handoff from boat to coach, so it’s the moment to layer up (and keep an extra layer handy).

Norangsdal Valley by bus: comfort with a view

From Øye, the plan switches to a bus transfer through the Norangsdal Valley. The timing is short—about 15 minutes for the coach segment before you reach the Hellesylt area—so you’re not stuck in traffic for hours.

This is the kind of ride that works even if you’re not a hardcore “bus window photographer.” In places like Norway’s fjord country, the bus is often the easiest way to connect the dots between viewpoints without driving and parking. And the tour’s pace keeps the day moving: you’re not waiting around for long stretches, you’re being handed one scenic moment after another.

One practical detail: comfort on the coach matters, and the available feedback leans positive here. People have described the bus portion as comfortable and enjoyable, with plenty of sights during the drive. If you’re the type who gets cranky when tours cram too much into too little time, this part of the schedule is generally on your side.

If you get motion-sick, try sitting where it feels smooth for you and bring basic relief items. The tour doesn’t promise a specific ride smoothness beyond being a coach transfer, so use common sense the way you would on any windy coastal day.

Hellesylt: cafés, shops, and a waterfall that runs through town

Next up is Hellesylt, and this stop is built around an easy-to-enjoy idea: you get 30 minutes free time plus a short sightseeing window. The core highlight is the waterfall that flows right through the center of town, which is a memorable visual because you’re not forced to walk far to see the water action.

This is one of the best stops on the tour for people who like a break that feels like more than just scenery. During the free time, you can check out cozy cafés and shops, and you can also grab food and drinks because dining options are available in town (food and drinks are not included in the tour price).

What I like about Hellesylt on a tight tour like this is the balance. You get a clear, iconic sight in the center of town, then you can choose your own style: slow walk and photos, quick café stop, or just soaking in the view with minimal effort.

The main drawback to consider is time. With only about half an hour of free exploring, you’ll want to choose a plan on arrival: waterfall first, then food, then photos—or the reverse if you’re hungry. Don’t try to do everything at once.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about “shopping time.” This isn’t framed as a retail tour, and the schedule moves on quickly. Treat Hellesylt as a scenic town break, not a long market visit.

Ljøen viewpoint: short stop, big panoramas

After Hellesylt, you transfer to Ljøen viewpoint (about 15 minutes) and then get about 15 minutes for the viewpoint experience plus another brief sightseeing window. The viewpoint is described as offering panoramic fjord views, and that’s exactly what this stop is for.

This is the type of stop where good weather can double the payoff. Even when the sky is only partly cooperative, you still get a wide “look across the fjord” perspective that helps connect the dots between everything you’ve just seen. If you’ve been on the boat in Hjørundfjord and then watching the valley by bus, Ljøen gives you a higher, flatter angle that ties it together.

Bring your patience for crowds and cold, though. Fjord viewpoints can be windy, even in sun. Layering matters, and good gloves aren’t a bad idea if you run cold easily.

Here’s how to get the most out of the short window. Plan where you’ll stand first, so you’re not sprinting around trying to find the “best angle” while time ticks away. If you’re traveling with someone who wants photos, agree on a plan before you step out of the bus.

Storfjord ferry crossing at Sykkylven: a quieter fjord chapter

The next connection is another scenic transport moment: you go to Sykkylven for a ferry crossing across Storfjord (the Grand Fjord). The schedule shows roughly 20 minutes for the ferry period (including the lead-in and the transfer timing).

Why this matters: even though you already had a major boat segment earlier, the ferry crossing offers a different kind of moving view. It’s more “cross the waterway” than “tour boat narration,” and that makes it feel like a natural break in the rhythm of the day. You also get one more fjord scale reminder: fjords keep expanding and reshaping, and a ferry helps you feel that change.

This part is also useful if you’ve been on buses and want a different motion pattern. The ferry gives you another option for fresh air and a different view angle—no driving required, no parking stress.

Back to Ålesund: ending where you began

After the ferry, you return by bus to Ålesund, with the tour ending at the original meeting point area. The full day is listed as around 6 hours, including all boat, bus transfers, and the ferry crossing.

That time length is a practical sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you left the city and saw real fjord country, but short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your day in Ålesund afterward.

If you’re using this tour as part of a bigger itinerary—maybe another activity in Ålesund the same evening—plan for a little fatigue. Boat + viewpoints + coach stops can stack up, especially in cooler weather. A simple snack strategy helps too, since the tour doesn’t include meals.

Price and value: what $167 buys you

At about $167 per person for a 6-hour route, you’re paying for three main things: the Hjørundfjord boat cruise, the coach transfers through valley roads and towns, and the Storfjord ferry crossing. You’re also getting an audio guide available in 14 languages plus a live English guide.

In value terms, this price makes sense if you want a guided, low-effort fjord route without renting a car or stitching together multiple transport legs yourself. You’re paying for convenience and for the fact that someone handles the timing: boat to bus to ferry to the next viewpoint.

Where value can dip is if you’re very picky about the boat segment comfort. If you’re sensitive to smells or you want guaranteed seating, you’ll want to plan where you sit and be proactive about boarding early.

Also remember: food and drinks are not included. The tour includes chances to buy things at the boat kiosk and in Hellesylt cafés, so budget for at least a small meal or snack plan if your day includes gaps.

Comfort, timing, and how to make it feel effortless

This tour runs on a tight but not chaotic clock. The flow is designed to keep transitions smooth:

• 9:00–11:15 boat from Ålesund to Øye
• 11:30–12:00 bus through the valley
• 12:00–12:30 time in Hellesylt
• 12:30–13:00 transfer to Ljøen
• 13:00–14:00 bus travel toward Sykkylven and ferry timing
• 14:10–14:30 ferry crossing
• 14:30–15:00 back to Ålesund

That structure helps if you like knowing what’s coming next. You’ll spend your time on the water and at viewpoints, not in limbo.

Dress smartly. Even with sunshine, people have noted it can get chilly. Bring layers, and plan for wind at viewpoints. If you’re like me and hate feeling unprepared, keep a warm layer in your bag rather than counting on weather optimism.

One more comfort detail: there may be an interior cabin on the boat, and bathrooms have been described as nice and clean. If you’re traveling with mobility needs or you prefer less exposure to wind, choose your comfort zone early and don’t second-guess it every 10 minutes.

Who this tour is best for

I think this tour hits a sweet spot for:

• First-timers in the fjord region who want a guided loop with minimal logistics
• People who like a blend of views + small towns (Øye and Hellesylt)
• Travelers who don’t want to drive between viewpoints
• Anyone who wants fjords without a full-day hiking commitment

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re highly sensitive to boat exhaust smell, especially in the aft area
• You dislike short viewpoint windows and prefer longer stops
• You want a lot of meal time or long shopping time in each town

If your style is “show me the best picture spots and keep moving,” this route fits. If your style is “slow travel, linger, and explore deeply,” you may wish the Hellesylt and Ljøen blocks were longer.

Should you book this Fjords-by-boat-and-bus tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced, guided day that covers the fjord classics in a logical order: Hjørundfjord → Øye → Norangsdal Valley → Hellesylt waterfall → Ljøen viewpoint → Storfjord ferry → Ålesund. It’s a good use of limited time, and the route is built for maximum scenery per hour.

Think twice if you’re extremely seat-comfort focused on the boat or if cold wind and short stops can wear you down. In that case, plan your comfort strategy: board early, choose your seat thoughtfully, and dress in layers so the day stays pleasant.

In short: if you want fjords with structure and minimal hassle, this tour is a strong option.

FAQ

How long is the All About the Fjords tour?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour in Ålesund?

Meet at the quay just outside the Ålesund Cruise Pier gate. The boat is black and white and named MS Bruvik.

What fjord do you cruise on the boat?

You cruise through Hjørundfjord from Ålesund to Øye.

What stop time do you get in Hellesylt?

You get free time in Hellesylt for about 30 minutes, plus additional short sightseeing time.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but there are snacks and drinks available at a kiosk on the boat, and food is available in cafés/restaurants in Hellesylt.

Does the tour include a ferry crossing?

Yes. You cross Storfjord (the Grand Fjord) by ferry at Sykkylven.

Are there guides or audio available?

You’ll have a live tour guide in English, and there is also an audio guide available in 14 languages.