Ålesund: Fjord Day Trip, Gudbrandsjuvet & Trollstigen Plateau

Summary

Fjord valleys, wild gorges & the winding road to Trollstigen plateau

You’ll taste fresh Valldal strawberries, feel the cold spray at Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, and wind your way up toward Trollstigen Plateau with a local guide sharing legends along the route. Expect laughter on the bus, wild mountain views, and plenty of time just listening to water or wind—moments that stay with you long after you’re back in Ålesund.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the green smell—like wet grass and something sweet—when we stopped in Valldal. Our guide, Erik, pointed out the strawberry fields and handed us a few berries from a roadside stand. They were tiny compared to what I’m used to, but so much sharper in flavor. The bus windows kept fogging up from the drizzle outside, and someone behind me kept laughing at their own attempts to say “Gudbrandsjuvet.” I tried too; failed just as badly.

Gudbrandsjuvet itself was louder than I expected. The water drops 20 meters into this narrow ravine, and you can feel the spray even before you reach the bridge. There’s this moment when you look down and realize how clean everything looks—the rocks almost scrubbed smooth by centuries of water. Erik told us a local legend about a runaway bride who jumped here (I think he was half-joking), but it’s hard not to imagine stories in a place like that. We took photos but mostly just stood there listening to the roar.

The drive up Trollstigen Plateau was slow—lots of switchbacks, mist curling around the peaks. Even though Trollstigen Road itself was closed for repairs (which Erik apologized for about three times), we still got out at the viewpoint. It’s strange how quiet it felt up there after all that noise at Gudbrandsjuvet. You could see patches of snow clinging to rocks even in summer. Someone’s phone alarm went off by accident; we all laughed because it broke the silence so perfectly.

I didn’t realize how much I’d miss those odd moments—the taste of strawberries, or just watching clouds move over Romsdalshorn in the distance while Erik tried to teach us how to pronounce “Trollveggen.” I probably butchered it again. Anyway, if you’re coming from Ålesund and want a day that feels both huge and oddly personal, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore fjords, gorges, and mountain views

• Start tour at Norway Excursions AS
• Photo stop at Storfjord
• Walk over bridge at Gudbrandsjuvet gorge
• Enjoy view from Troll Road platform
• Drive the Troll Road (Trollstigen)
• Photo stop at Stigfossen waterfall bottom
• Visit Troll Wall vertical rock face
• Drive along Rauma river
• Return to tour meeting point

Top questions

How long does this Ålesund fjord day trip last?

The tour lasts 6.5 hours without lunch included or 7.5 hours if you choose the lunch option.

Is pickup included for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, pickup is included; tours begin 30 minutes after your ship arrives in port.

Can I visit Troll Road (Trollstigen) on this tour?

Trollstigen Road is closed for 2024 due to safety repairs, but you will visit the plateau viewpoint instead.

Are child seats or strollers allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; bring your own child/infant seat if needed.

Is lunch included on this Ålesund day trip?

You can choose either a version with lunch or without lunch when booking.

Is this excursion wheelchair accessible?

All terrain is wheelchair accessible; contact before booking if you need a ramp-equipped vehicle.

What are some highlights of this tour?

You’ll visit Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, Valldal strawberry area, Stigfossen waterfall photo stop, Romsdalshorn views, and Trollstigen Plateau.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the sightseeing tour and shares stories along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Ålesund’s Atlantic Sea Park meeting point, sightseeing with a local guide through multiple fjords including stops at Gudbrandsjuvet gorge and Valldal strawberry area, time at Stigfossen waterfall for photos, access to Trollstigen Plateau viewpoint (since Troll Road is closed), plus an option to include lunch before returning comfortably back to town.