Ålesund to Geiranger roundtrip: Fjord cruise and mountain pass

Two fjords, a mountain valley, and waterfalls you can drink from

A full-day roundtrip from Ålesund combines a scenic boat cruise through Hjørundfjord, a bus route across Nordangsdal Valley with its lakes and waterfalls, and a second boat journey through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. You get 2 hours to explore Geiranger village on foot, plus stops at named waterfalls and viewpoints on the return. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour. The boat and bus both have restrooms and WiFi on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Geiranger1h
2. Atlantic Sea Park1h

Ålesund to Geiranger sightseeing roundtrip

• Boat cruise from Ålesund to Øye
• Pass by Trandal village
• Pass by Sæbø village
• Pass by Urke village
• Stop at Øye and change to bus
• Bus trip through Nordangsdal Valley
• 1 hour sightseeing stop at Hellesylt
• Cruise through Geirangerfjord
• Pass by Bridal Veil waterfall
• Stop at Friaren waterfall to taste water
• 2 hours free time in Geiranger village
• Bus tour to Eagle Bend Road Ørnesvingen
• 15 minutes stop at fjord viewpoint
• Bus to Eidsdal village
• 15 minutes sightseeing in Eidsdal
• Car ferry crossing over Storfjorden
• Bus tour to Kokarsteinen viewpoint
• 15 minutes stop at fjord view
• Bus return to Ålesund

The experience

The day starts with a boat leaving Ålesund and heading into Hjørundfjord, passing the villages of Trandal, Sæbø, and Urke before reaching Øye at the fjord's innermost point. At Øye you switch from boat to bus and climb through Nordangsdal Valley, a route lined with steep mountains, waterfalls, and traditional farms. The valley crossing takes you to Hellesylt, where you have an hour to walk around the village and see the Hellesylt Waterfall before boarding a second boat.

The boat then cruises through Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most famous fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the water you pass the Bridal Veil waterfall and stop at Friaren, where the guide collects pure water directly from the waterfall for you to taste. Arriving in Geiranger village, you have 2 hours of free time to explore the shops, viewpoints, and local restaurants at your own pace before the return journey begins.

The route back takes you over the Eagle Bend Road with its tight switchbacks and a 15-minute stop at a viewpoint, then through Eidsdal village and across Storfjorden by car ferry. A final stop at Kokarsteinen viewpoint frames the fjords before the bus returns to Ålesund in the evening. The whole tour runs about 10 and a half hours. WiFi and restrooms are available on both boats. The bus is air-conditioned and has a restroom on board.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• boat cruises through Hjørundfjord and Geirangerfjord.
• bus route across Nordangsdal Valley.
• stops at Friaren waterfall where you taste water from the source, the Hellesylt Waterfall, Eagle Bend Road viewpoint, and Kokarsteinen viewpoint.
• 2 hours free time in Geiranger village.
• 1 hour stop in Hellesylt.
• car ferry crossing of Storfjorden.
• WiFi on both boats.
• restrooms on the bus and both boats.
• air-conditioned bus.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 15 years): free · Child (under 6)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cruise Service AS

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary without translation. The mix of boat time, bus time, and free exploration suits travelers who want structure and stops but also want to wander Geiranger at their own pace without a set itinerary dictating every moment.

Traveler reviews

4.28★★★★★★★★★★

18 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years): free; Child (under 6).

What's the Friaren waterfall stop actually like?

Friaren is a waterfall flowing directly into Geirangerfjord where the boat makes a brief stop so you can see it up close and taste fresh water collected straight from the cascade. It's one of several named waterfalls you pass or stop at during the day on the fjord.

How much time do I actually have to walk around Geiranger?

You get 2 hours free time in Geiranger village to explore on your own. That's enough to visit viewpoints, browse local shops, grab a meal, or simply sit by the water. The guide will tell you when to return to the boat.

Is food included, or do I need to bring my own?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour. The boats have kiosks selling snacks, food, and drinks, and Geiranger village has restaurants and cafés during your 2-hour stop there.

What happens at Hellesylt?

Hellesylt is a village at the head of Sunnylvsfjord, where you have 1 hour to walk around and see the Hellesylt Waterfall before the boat continues into Geirangerfjord. It's a short stop to stretch and take photos.

Does the bus have a restroom?

Yes, the bus has a restroom on board. Both boats also have restrooms, and WiFi is available on the boats as well.

What's the Eagle Bend Road like?

Ørnesvingen, or Eagle Bend Road, is a famous mountain pass with tight hairpin switchbacks on the return route from Geiranger. The bus stops at a viewpoint for 15 minutes so you can take in the view of the fjords below.