Trollstigen & the Romsdal Alps

Your journey begins in Ålesund, where we set off by coach toward the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Romsdal region. The route takes us through beautiful fjord scenery, peaceful valleys, and increasingly wild mountain terrain, offering a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty of Western Norway.

Our first stop is at Ørskogfjellet, a mountain area known for its wide views and open landscapes. Here you can stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the peaceful scenery before we continue further inland. This is a lovely early stop to enjoy the shift from coastal to alpine landscapes.

We continue into Romsdal and arrive at the mighty Trollveggen, Europe’s highest vertical rock face. Rising nearly 1,000 metres from the valley floor, this dramatic granite wall is one of Norway’s most legendary natural landmarks and a world-famous destination for climbers and mountain lovers. We stop here to admire the view, take photos, and hear more about this remarkable place.

Our next leg takes us up the world-famous and spectacular Trollstigen, an impressive feat of engineering with eleven sharp hairpin bends clinging to the mountainside through wild and dramatic terrain. The road itself is a memorable experience, with each turn revealing new, breathtaking views of valleys and peaks.

At the top, we stop at the award-winning Trollstigen Viewpoint, where striking modern architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Here you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, explore the viewing platforms, and visit the visitor centre, which includes a café and gift shop.

From the platforms, we enjoy a spectacular panorama over the winding road we just ascended, the jagged mountain peaks such as the Trolltindane and the picturesque waterfalls that plunge down the steep mountainsides. The most striking is Stigfossen, which drops 180 metres in a dramatic cascade right beside the road. 

After Trollstigen, we descend toward the fjord through more dramatic terrain, stopping at Gudbrandsjuvet, a narrow and spectacular gorge carved by the rushing Valldøla River. Over time, the river has sculpted swirling pools, deep chasms and potholes through the rock.

Over centuries, the water has shaped the rock into deep chasms, potholes, and swirling pools. A network of walkways and viewing platforms lets you experience the force of nature from close range, while the site also carries a local legend connected to the name Gudbrand.

Before returning to Ålesund, we make a final short scenic stop at Korkarsteinen. This is a pleasant opportunity to take in the surrounding landscape, enjoy the view, and reflect on the day before the journey back to the coast.

We arrive back in Ålesund in the afternoon, bringing with us unforgettable impressions of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and some of Norway’s most iconic natural scenery.