Trollstigen Day Trip: Fjord Views, Gudbrandsjuvet & Photo Stops

Summary

Norway’s Trollstigen road trip with wild valleys waterfalls and salmon snacks

You’ll follow Norway’s legendary Trollstigen road with a local guide who shares stories (and maybe troll jokes), stop for photo ops at wild fjord viewpoints, taste fresh salmon baguettes at Gudbrandsjuvet, and walk old stone bridges above roaring rivers. Expect laughter, unpredictable weather, and those moments where you feel very small in all that space.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little skeptical about this whole “Land of the Trolls” thing. Our driver-guide, Eirik, grinned when I asked if we’d actually see one. “Maybe if you’re lucky,” he said, then winked. The bus smelled faintly like coffee thermos lids and rain jackets as we wound up through the first stretch out of Ålesund (I think it was Ålesund — my geography’s still terrible). First stop: Kokarsteinen. There’s this old stone shelter where travelers used to huddle in bad weather. I pressed my palm against the rock — cold, rough, damp from last night’s drizzle. Someone in our group tried the restroom but came back shaking their head at the NOK 10 coin slot. It made us laugh for some reason.

Later on, after passing that Rose Church (Eirik told us it was from 1789 — he seemed proud), we pulled over for a view by the sea. The air smelled briny and sharp; there were seagulls everywhere, and across the water you could just make out Geiranger’s fjord mouth. Eirik pointed out Stranda on the right (“That’s where Norway’s favorite frozen pizza comes from!”) and a salmon farm bobbing quietly below us. The light kept shifting — one minute grey-blue, next almost gold on the water. I tried to take photos but none of them really matched what it felt like standing there.

Gudbrandsjuvet was louder than I expected — all that river noise echoing between glass walkways and rusty iron rails. We watched water slam through these gorges and potholes (I didn’t even know rivers could do that). There’s a small café here; Eirik insisted we try the salmon baguette so I did, even though I’m not usually a fish person… but honestly? Warm bread, smoky fish, dill — still thinking about it now.

The walk to Krikebrua bridge was short but muddy in spots; someone slipped and everyone laughed except her (she was fine). That bridge is just rocks stacked since 1891 — no concrete or anything holding it together except gravity and time. You can hear the river underneath if you stand quietly enough. Then came Trollstigen itself: two viewpoints, both further than they look from the parking lot (don’t wear slippery shoes). Up there, wind stings your cheeks but you get this wild sweep of valley and switchbacks curling down below — tiny cars inching along like ants. There’s hot food at the top if you want it; most people just grabbed ice cream or coffee before heading back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trollstigen scenic stops and views

• Stop at Kokarsteinen for rest
• Pass old Rose Church in Stordal
• Visit ViewPoint by the sea
• Explore Gudbrandsjuvet river gorge
• Hike to old bridge by Krikebrua
• Walk to Trollstigen ViewPoints
• Photo stop after Stigfoss
• Visit Trollstigen Gjestegård shop and cafe

Top questions

How long is the Trollstigen day trip?

The tour lasts about 6 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.

Are restrooms available during the trip?

Yes, most stops have restrooms—some require coins or are free when cafés are open.

Is lunch included on this Trollstigen tour?

No set lunch is included but there are cafeterias at Gudbrandsjuvet and Trollstigen for food purchases.

What are some highlights on this day trip?

Kokarsteinen shelter, Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, Krikebrua bridge, sea viewpoints near Stordal and Stranda, Trollstigen viewpoints.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby for meeting point access.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?

Yes—it suits all fitness levels; children must be with an adult; some short walks involved.

Are there toilets at every stop?

No—not every stop has toilets but main ones like Gudbrandsjuvet and Trollstigen do.

Can you buy souvenirs during the trip?

Yes—there are souvenir shops at Trollstigen Viewpoints and Gjestegård stops.

What’s included

Your day covers all taxes and local fees plus transport with a driver-guide who shares stories along the route. Cafeterias offer optional meals like salmon baguettes or hot dishes at Gudbrandsjuvet and Trollstigen Viewpoints before returning in late afternoon.