Some places in Norway feel like they were built for photos. This Trollstigen & Fjord day trip pairs classic fjord viewpoints with the famous mountain road and waterfall power. I love the stop at Gubrandsjuvet (that ravine bridge walk is pure wow), and I also really like how the day is built around the best photo moments—Kokarsteinen, Trollstigen overlooks, and Stigefossen.

One thing to plan around: you’re on an old, twisty mountain route, and the road authorities can suddenly close parts due to rockfall or landslides. If that happens, the tour plan still targets the top viewpoint from the south side, but the Troll Wall stop may be missed.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Gubrandsjuvet bridge walk: a dramatic ravine crossing with big-scale views over the fjord
• Trollstigen’s switchbacks: eleven hairpin turns and commanding viewpoints from above
• Kokarsteinen photo stop: a quick lift above the water for Storfjord shots
• Stigefossen waterfall: a 240-meter drop where timing and light matter for photos
• Trollvegen vertical rock face: Europe’s tallest vertical rock face for a serious “troll-country” payoff
• Åndalsnes return drive: an easy cruising finish through another slice of fjord scenery

First Up: The Six-Hour Drive That Makes the Trollstigen Day Work

This tour is designed around one simple goal: get you from Ålesund into Norway’s troll-country in time to see multiple headline sights. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live English guide, and the day is paced with several photo stops so you’re not just staring out the window the whole time.

The drive can feel long in the way all fjord-and-mountain days do. Roads wind. You’re up and down in altitude. If motion sickness is an issue for you, plan ahead—this is the kind of ride where a small problem can turn into a big one.

You’ll start at the Prestebrygga Cruise Pier, meeting by a large orange/rust-colored building (and yes, it’s not the freshly painted one people often mistake it for). Your guide wears a light blue jacket, so you can spot the right group fast.

Getting Oriented in Norway: The Fjord Stops Before Trollstigen

Before you even reach Trollstigen, you’ll get context for how this area works—mountains rising straight out of the water, with villages hugging the coastline like they’ve been there forever.

Kokarsteinen: A quick viewpoint with big Storfjord energy

Your first stop is Kokarsteinen, described as a great photo spot just above the fjord. This is the kind of stop that doesn’t waste time: you’ll step out, frame your shot over the water, then get back on board before you start feeling rushed.

It’s also a good “settle in” moment. If you’ve been staring at the fjord from a distance from Ålesund, this is where the fjord suddenly feels close enough to understand. The Storfjord view is the foundation for why the later mountain scenery feels so dramatic.

Sjoholt and Valldal: Villages you’ll pass, not just pass by

You’ll pass through Sjoholt, known for its furniture and wood industry. You’ll also pass Valldal, famous for strawberries. These are quick passages rather than deep stops, but they matter because they keep the day from becoming only scenery-billboards.

Think of it like this: the fjords are the stage, but the villages are the plot. Even when you’re not getting out, you’re seeing how daily life is tied to the landscape—wood, food, and small-town routes that connect everything.

Gubrandsjuvet: Where the Ravine Walk Turns the Trip Into a Story

If I had to pick one stop that turns a good day into a memorable one, it’s Gubrandsjuvet. Here you get a walk across a scenic bridge over a ravine that’s described as about 5 meters wide and 20 meters high.

This isn’t a long hike. It’s a short, intense moment. You step onto the bridge and suddenly the scale of the valley makes sense. It also gives you something practical: a calmer place to pause and take photos from multiple angles because the layout naturally frames different views of the fjord system.

One drawback: if you don’t like heights, this might make you tense. It’s not described as extreme, but it’s still a ravine bridge. For everyone else, it’s one of the fastest ways to feel like you’re truly in Trollstigen country.

Trollstigen Switchbacks: Why the Hairpins Get Everyone to Slow Down

Then comes the main event: Trollstigen. You’ll drive through this famed mountain road and enjoy the majestic mountain views from the viewpoints.

The road is known for its eleven hairpin turns, and the magic is how quickly the view changes as the bus navigates the bends. It’s like the mountain keeps revealing itself in segments. Even if you don’t plan to get out for every stop, you’ll feel the pull of the road.

A practical tip: on switchback days, the best photos often happen when you can frame the curve with the road lines leading away from you. Your guide will manage photo breaks, but if you want the best shots, stand where you can see both the viewpoint and the road’s angle—not just the nearest cliff face.

Stigefossen Waterfall Photo Stop: The 240-Meter Reality Check

Between mountain road drama and ravine walks, you’ll also have an extra photo stop at Stigefossen, a powerful waterfall with a total height of 240 meters.

Waterfalls like this are hard to photograph “casually.” If the light is good, you’ll get crisp lines and a clear sense of scale. If the weather is gray or misty, you’ll lose some definition but gain atmosphere. Either way, Stigefossen is the kind of stop that makes the geology feel physical—you can hear it even before you fully take it in.

Also, it’s a good contrast stop. Trollstigen gives you geometry—curves, turns, hard edges. Stigefossen gives you motion and texture. That balance is part of why this tour works so well in only six hours.

Trollvegen and the Troll Wall: The Payoff (and the Road-Closure Twist)

Your final big “troll-country” moment is at Trollvegen, described as Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. It’s the kind of viewpoint that makes you stop talking for a second and just stare, because the wall-to-sky scale is hard to fake with photos.

Now here’s the real-world consideration: the road down Trollstigen is listed as open, but it’s also an old mountain road. That means rockfalls or landslides can force sudden closures.

If the authorities close the road during your tour, you’ll still reach the viewpoint on top of the road coming from the south. You’ll see the sights, just not the Troll Wall stop. So keep your expectations flexible, especially if weather has been rough.

Åndalsnes: The Calm Finish After Trollstigen’s Big Moves

On the way back, you’ll enjoy a drive through Åndalsnes. It’s a good “exhale” moment after switchbacks and waterfalls. You get one more window into the region without the pressure of a major walk or a tight viewing deadline.

This matters for the overall value of the day. When a tour is packed, you feel it at the end. Here, the return drive gives your brain a chance to sort the day’s images instead of rushing you out before you’re ready.

Price and Value: Is $188 Worth It?

At $188 per person for a six-hour guided tour, the value comes down to what you’re buying: time, transportation, and a route that hits the key sights without you needing to plan driving logistics yourself.

You also get a guide with living context, not just a list of places. Some guides on this route are known for blending troll storytelling with practical explanations of the area. For example, names like Elizabeth and Kira show up in past experiences, and Sam is mentioned for a good balance of tales and history. You’ll also benefit from an excellent driver on winding roads—your comfort depends on it.

The other value piece: photo stops are built in. This kind of coastline-and-mountain route is the opposite of “one stop and done.” You’re getting multiple scenic anchors instead of paying for a single viewpoint.

What To Pack: Small Things That Prevent Big Annoyance

Food and drinks are not included. Several stops have no guarantee of places to eat along the way, and at least one practical note points to closed options during season. So bring snacks and water you can manage in the bus.

Also pack for shifting weather. Fog and rain don’t ruin the day, but they change what you see. If you’re prepared with a light rain layer and a phone/camera strategy, you can still come away with photos and memories.

Finally, consider your body limits. This tour is not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems. That likely comes from the driving time, road conditions, and the reality that you’ll spend time on your feet during viewpoints.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong choice if you:

• Want a high-impact fjord-and-mountain day without driving yourself
• Like scenery that changes fast: viewpoints, ravines, waterfalls, and vertical cliffs
• Travel with cruise time constraints and want the route tuned to getting you back

It’s also a decent pick if you enjoy stories—troll lore is part of the atmosphere, but the guide-led explanations give you more than just a myth soundtrack.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Need a lot of walking time on flat ground (this isn’t designed around long walking)
• Get motion sick easily on twisty mountain roads
• Rely on certain mobility needs not supported by the tour rules (non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed)

Should You Book This Trollstigen Tour From Ålesund?

Yes—if you want the Trollstigen highlights in one guided day and you’re okay with a bus-forward itinerary. The best moments here are the combination: Gubrandsjuvet for the bridge drama, Trollstigen for the hairpin road views, and Stigefossen and Trollvegen for waterfall and cliff-scale impact.

If you’re traveling during unsettled weather or you’re anxious about road closures, book anyway but keep a flexible mindset about the Troll Wall stop. You’ll still get the summit viewpoint and the key scenery, just not every single label on the map.

FAQ

How long is the From Ålesund Trollstigen Sightseeing Village & Fjord Tour?

The tour lasts 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Prestebrygga Cruise Pier. You’ll see a large orange/rust-colored building on the pier (not the newly painted one) with the bus parked next to it.

Is there a live guide and is the tour in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide and the language is English.

What is included in the price?

Included are the tour guide, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, several photo stops, and a drive through Trollstigen.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the road down Trollstigen open?

The road down Trollstigen is listed as open, but it’s still an old mountain road that can be closed suddenly due to rockfalls or landslides.

What happens if the road is closed during the tour?

If the road authorities close it, the tour will still reach the viewpoint on top of the road coming from the south. The tour will include the main sights, but the Troll Wall stop may not be reached.

Is this tour suitable for people with back or heart problems?

No. It’s not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems.

Do cruise passengers get help getting back to the ship on time?

Yes. A back-to-ship guarantee is offered for cruise passengers if the cruise ship name is registered during booking, and the tour must end 1 hour prior to ship departure.