Best Day Trips from Ålesund: Scenic Drives, Fjords & Trollstigen
- Nov 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Ålesund is not only one of the most beautiful towns in Norway — it’s also the perfect base for exploring Western Norway.
Within minutes of leaving the town, you find yourself crossing bridges between small islands, driving along fjords, climbing mountain roads carved into cliffs, and standing in places where it feels like the world belongs only to you.
Here are the most beautiful day trips from Ålesund we experienced on our road trip.
1. Godøya Island & Alnes Lighthouse
One of the most scenic drives starts just outside Ålesund. You cross elegant bridges connecting small islands, surrounded by green hills, sheep grazing in the fields, and the open sea stretching into the horizon.
Your destination: Godøya Island.
We chose to circle the island from the left side and parked near the hiking trail leading to Lake Alnesvatnet. The hike is gentle but rewarding, with panoramic coastal views. If you’re up for a longer walk, you can circle the lake and descend into the village of Alnes. We returned to our car and drove there instead.
We were lucky — or maybe blessed — with typical Norwegian weather: light drizzle, dark clouds, rough sea. It gave everything a raw, dramatic romance that felt almost cinematic.
At the end of the road stands Alnes fyr. There’s parking right below it, along with a beautifully designed modern bistro that blends seamlessly into the landscape.
You can enter the lighthouse and climb all the way up to the lantern room. And here’s the best part — we were completely alone up there.
After lunch, we walked along the dark beach, listening to the wind and waves before slowly heading back to Ålesund.
2. Sunnmøre Museum & Viking History
For a slower, cultural day, visit Sunnmøre Museum.
This open-air museum combines indoor exhibitions with a peaceful outdoor area featuring historic Norwegian houses. Walking through it feels like moving through time — from the oldest rural buildings to more modern structures.
The site also includes Middelaldermuseet, where you can see Viking ships and learn more about medieval Norwegian history.
It’s a beautiful blend of nature, architecture, and quiet storytelling.
3. Trolllstigen, Åndalsnes, Valldalen
Another day, we drove to Åndalsnes, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
The town offers a modern viewing platform overlooking the fjord and surrounding mountains. The scenery here feels powerful — almost overwhelming in scale.
But this was only the beginning.
Trollstigen – Norway’s Iconic Mountain Road
From Åndalsnes, continue toward the legendary Trollstigen.
Sharp hairpin turns carved into steep cliffs, waterfalls cascading beside the road, glass viewing platforms suspended above the valley — it truly feels like entering the land of trolls.
At the top, you’ll find a minimalist visitor center and several panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the serpentine road below.
If you choose to make it a loop instead of returning the same way, even more beauty awaits.
Valldalen, Gudbrandsjuvet & Strawberry Valley
Continuing the scenic route brings you through Sylte and into the Valldalen region, famous for its strawberries. During summer, you’ll pass small farms and roadside stands selling fresh berries straight from the fields.
Before descending into the valley, stop at a viewpoint overlooking the Valldøla River — turquoise water cutting through lush green landscapes.
Further along, you’ll reach the dramatic Gudbrandsjuvet, a deep rocky gorge with walkways and platforms built above rushing water.
Nearby stands the architecturally striking Juvet Landscape Hotel , known for its glass walls overlooking the river and refined dining experience — a place where nature and design meet beautifully.
Why Stay in Ålesund Longer
These were just a few of the best day trips from Ålesund — and we still felt like we had only scratched the surface.
Western Norway isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a place where you drive without strict plans. Where you stop when something catches your eye. Where you step out of the car simply to breathe.
Ålesund may be small, but it’s strategically perfect for exploring fjords, mountains, coastal villages, and scenic roads.
And somewhere between the rough sea, quiet villages, and dramatic landscapes, we found ourselves wondering what it would be like to stay much longer.
Don´t forget to check our travel guides
Comments