SHORE EXCURSIONS

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing cruise on Hjørundfjord, regarded by many as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world and the Queen of Norway’s favorite. The Hjørundfjord is a 20 mile long arm of the Storfjord, located in the Sunnmøre Alps heartland with pointed mountain peaks that encircle the bay on both sides. The north end of the fjord is over 1.5 miles wide, and the deepest point is over 1446 feet. Your sightseeing boat takes you on an approximately 3-4 hour cruise along the striking scenery that Kaiser Wilhelm valued so highly more than 100 years ago. The views of nature's mountains and fjords from this perspective are simply spectacular.

Stunning scenery and the highlights of Ålesund are yours to discover in this tour that takes you to the top of Mount Stranda by bus, ferry and cable car. Once in Stranda, you will taste a local coffee break, with a traditional dessert, at the top or at the bottom station. Enjoy a short city sightseeing of some of the highlights of Ålesund before heading for the fjords. Cross the fjord by ferry, and then drive up the mountain, with great views along the way. Arriving at Mount Stranda’s cable car station, a gondola takes you to the top, 3418 feet above sea level. The panoramic view from Mt. Stranda reaches far and wide. From this privileged view point, you can see the majestic Storfjord, and the town of Stranda. After crossing the fjord by ferry, the tour will take a different route back to the pier allowing for some extra sights of Ålesund.

OVERVIEW

Drive towards a viewpoint of one of Norway’s most dramatic and mountainous stretches of road – where trolls supposedly roam at night – and stop at attractions that add to the mythical allure. The deeper you drive into the countryside, the more staggeringly beautiful the landscape will become. While pausing at the Trollstigen Viewpoint and Gudbrandsjuvet lookouts, you can snap photos of the impossibly deep ravines and hear folk legends associated with them. Still, nothing can prepare you for Trollstigen, the so-called Troll’s Path that climbs through the precipitous mountains. The road is narrow, steep and full of hairpin turns. Coming upon the Old Stordal Church will offer a glimpse into real life centuries ago. Itinerant rural artists painted nearly every square inch of its interior with decorative roses and Biblical figures in a style known as rosemaling. The two century-old cobblestone bridges at Skodje are another manmade wonder as they were once Norway’s longest masonry road bridges

HIGHLIGHTS

• Be awed by the steep mountainous landscape when viewing the incredibly serpentine Troll’s Path.
• Stop at spectacularly scenic lookouts and hear folk legends about the surrounding countryside.
• Behold the decoratively painted interior of the old “Rose” Church in Skordal.
• Snap photos of two historical cobblestone bridges from the new bridge that replaced them.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Behold some of Norway’s most gorgeous fjords from ferries that cruise between the endless string of islands along the country’s western coast. The views will be dramatic the entire way, as you will cruise past towering mountain peaks, precipitous cliffs and teeny villages such as Urke along the northern shore of Norangsfjorden. Some of the fjords are arms of larger waterways such as HJØRUNDFJORD, which cuts inland between the jagged Sunnmøre Alps. When not on the water, you will drive through wild areas such as the Norangsdalen Valley, a narrow landscape that rockslides and avalanches have shaped through the centuries. In 1908, one of those natural disasters dammed the Lygna River and permanently submerged the surrounding village, parts of which can be seen in the shallows. After ascending to the Ljoen lookout, you will enjoy a spectacular view of Geirangerfjord, a fjord that UNESCO has declared a World Heritage site for its outstanding natural beauty.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride several ferries through the pristine fjords that wind their way inland.
• Marvel at the seemingly endless natural beauty of western Norway.
• Drive through spectacularly scenic areas such as the narrow Norangsdalen Valley.
• Behold the UNESCO World Heritage site fjord Geirangerfjord from a lookout point.
• Enjoy a four-course lunch of locally sourced Norwegian specialties at an inland restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an introductory drive through Ålesund and then continue with a pleasant walk to the most iconic landmarks and spend free time along Kongens Gate, one of the city’s main shopping streets. As you travel around the downtown, you will notice that much of the architecture is Art Nouveau, a beautiful decorative style with free-flowing organic lines. The style was fashionable in the early 20th century when Ålesund was rebuilt following a fire that left nearly the entire city in ruins. Consequently, Ålesund boasts an Art Nouveau ambiance unmatched in Norway or most anywhere else. For a sweeping view of the city, you can ascend, if desire, at the lookout atop Aksla hill via the stairs. After descending, you will be taken to Kongens Gate, a bustling street lined with shops, restaurants and extraordinary architecture. While exploring independently, you might snap photos of the most alluring Art Nouveau buildings, pause for a snack and browse the high-end boutiques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for an enlightening drive around Ålesund that offers a historical perspective.
• Behold the wealth of Art Nouveau architecture that gives Ålesund its unique look.
• Browse the exquisite shops along the pedestrian-only street Kongens Gate.
• Tie up your shoelaces and get ready to ascend. Gaze out over Ålesund from the elevated viewpoint on Aksla hill.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a scenic drive into the countryside and on to the pedestrian-only Skodje bridges, where you can walk about and enjoy a closer look at the natural wonders. Once you leave Ålesund, the views will become considerably more rural as the surrounding landscape is sparsely populated and undeveloped. The majority of the route will be coastal and occasionally pass through little villages such as Magerholm, which overlooks the lengthy waterway Storfjord. Once you reach the Skodje bridges, you will have a photo stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the beautiful skodje bridges, and a walk on the bridges, if time allows. Built with cobblestone in the early 1900s, they are no longer suitable for vehicular traffic, but ideal for walking. Both bridges offer spectacular views of the surrounding natural beauty. You will return to Ålesund following a different route that loops through the island of ELLINGSØYA. During the panoramic drive through town, you will see the prevailing Art Nouveau architecture and Ålesund Church, which is clad in Norwegian marble.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the natural beauty that surrounds Ålesund on a panoramic drive through the countryside.
• Spend free time admiring the views at the pedestrian-only Skodje bridges.
• Follow a different but equally scenic route back to Ålesund.
• Enjoy a driving tour through Ålesund that focuses on its Art Nouveau architecture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Step off the beaten path and experience the stunning natural beauty of Ellingsøya on this scenic hike to Sperrenakken — one of the island’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Just a short drive through a sub-sea tunnel from the Ålesund cruise port, this tour is the perfect way to enjoy fresh air, local nature, and unforgettable fjord views during your visit. The higher you go, the more dramatic the sweeping views of Ålesund, the distant Sunnmøre Alps and Borgundfjord, the wide waterway that surrounds the islands of the archipelago. Partway up, we’ll make a short stop at a charming swing overlooking the fjords — a fun photo opportunity (or a gentle swing with a view you’ll never forget) and a great way to take in the scenery before continuing toward the top. At the Sperrenakken viewpoint (320 meters above sea level), you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360° views across the fjords and mountains — a true local gem that few visitors get to experience. Take a moment to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and experience what Norwegians call friluftsliv — the joy of outdoor life and connection with nature.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike to Sperrenakken viewpoint (320 meters above sea level), and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360° views across the fjords and mountains — a true local gem that few visitors get to experience.
• Be awed by the views of Ålesund, the surrounding fjord and the distant alps.
• Pause along the way for photos and for the guide to describe the points of interest and a charming swing overlooking the fjords.
• Learn about local life, nature, and friluftsliv from a friendly, local guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear trail shoes or hiking boots with good grip.

The municipality of Giske consists of several islands of which you'll visit two - Giske and Godoy Islands. Today, the inhabitants have ferry-free connections with Ålesund and the mainland. Giske is known as the Saga Island because the Viking Chieftain Rollo was born here. You'll travel via bridges and undersea tunnels to reach this fairly flat and fertile island. Then, you'll visit the Giske Church dating back to 1150 - it was originally a chapel that belonged to the powerful Giske family. You'll continue to Godoy Island and the small fishing village of Alnes facing the open sea. Here, you'll have the option to visit the lighthouse, if you feel able to climb the stairs to the top. On clear days, the view of the ocean and the many islands is fantastic, a great memory to take back home.

OVERVIEW

Kayak through the sheltered waters surrounding Ålesund while admiring the town’s Art Nouveau architecture and surrounding natural beauty from a unique water perspective. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will paddle off into the shimmering sea. The waters are typically calm as Ålesund sits amid a cluster of islands that protect it from high winds and waves. Although the exact route will be determined based on the conditions and boat traffic, you can expect to kayak about four miles. The mountains in the distance are the Sunnmøre Alps, which provide an inspirational backdrop. As you paddle along not far offshore, you will notice that much of the architecture reflects the Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century. The reason being that most of Ålesund had to be rebuilt following a catastrophic fire in 1904. The guide will describe the points of interest, which are considerable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a kayak through the typically calm waters off Ålesund.
• Behold the town’s abundant Art Nouveau architecture from a unique water perspective.
• Enjoy the peaceful natural setting with the Sunnmøre Alps in the background.
• Learn about the town’s history and culture as the guide points out the landmarks.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Start your tour with a drive along the Borgund Fjord, through the modern suburbs to the old trading center of Borgund. Here, you’ll visit the Sunnmøre Open-Air Museum where you’ll have the chance to learn more about the region and its history, by visiting various types of farmhouses, boathouses and a number of different boats. You’ll find replicas of the so called Kvalsund and Fjortoft boats from the year 700 A.D. Alongside lies the fishing vessel Heland known as the Shetland bus, as it was used to carry Norwegian partisans and weapons across the North Sea during World War II. Finish off your tour with a photo opportunity from your coach at the 12th century ancient church of Giske, located on the island of Giske with its deep connections to Norway’s Viking past.

Ålesund, the largest town on the northwest coast, has a beautiful setting, built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. You'll drive to the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium in Norway. Here, the tanks use sea water to recreate an environment which resembles the coastal environment as much as possible. The largest tank contains 1 million gallons/4 million liters of seawater. The park also features an outdoor pool with local species as well as penguins. Here you can look straight out towards Breisundet - the wide sound surrounded by islands and far out into the open ocean. On the way back, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of the fine details of the Art Nouveau architecture. After a short drive through the streets of Ålesund, you're back at the pier.

OVERVIEW

Climb a granite wall to the summit of Mount Aksla using metal hand-holds in the rock face that make the ascent surprisingly easy. As a warm-up, you will walk to the foot of the mountain, which rises somewhat steeply from the town park. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will start climbing by means of the hand-holds that are anchored into the mountain’s rocky southern wall. For added safety, you will be harnessed to a steel cable that runs the length of the via ferrata – meaning “iron route” in Italian. The advantage of ascending via ferrata is that it allows even non-rock-climbers to confidently scale a slope that would otherwise be impossible. There is a bench half-way up where you can pause and take in the spectacular scenery before continuing to the mountaintop. The descent will be much easier. Just walk down the stone staircase.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get a real sense of accomplishment by climbing the rocky southern face of Mount Aksla.
• Use the metal hand-holds and harness that make the ascent easier and more carefree.
• Take a break on the bench halfway up the slope and gaze out over Alesund and beyond.
• Walk down Mount Aksla via the stone steps that are cut into the side of the mountain.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.