Eleven hairpins and a troll-sized view. This 6-hour Trollstigen Land of Trolls tour from Ålesund hits the best viewpoints early and builds in photo stops that make the drive feel like a mini road trip, not a slog. I especially like the 45 minutes at the Trollstigen Plateau for proper looking time, plus the quick roadside stops that break up the ride. One catch to keep in mind: Norway’s mountain roads can close quickly, so you might get a shortened route and lose the Troll Wall segment on certain days.

You meet at the Prestebrygga cruise pier, hop into an air-conditioned vehicle, and the whole day is timed for cruise passengers to be back on board. It’s also small, capped at 48 travelers, and run in English, so you get real explanations, not just a bus tour script.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Early start equals fewer crowds, especially at the Trollstigen Plateau
• Short, focused stops keep the day moving without wasting your time on long detours
• Trollstigen Plateau is the main event, with 45 minutes to take photos and get your bearings
• Trollveggen Besoksenter and Troll Wall are quick photo stops, not a long hiking plan
• Road closures are a real possibility on an old mountain road, even when it is currently open

Trollstigen from Ålesund, what this tour really gets you

This is a classic “big sight in one day” trip, built for people who are short on time in western Norway. You start in Ålesund, then spend the bulk of the day heading toward Trollstigen, with several photo breaks along fjords and valleys.

The best part is the pacing. You’re not stuck on a bus for hours with nothing to see. Instead, the schedule keeps handing you windows of scenery, plus two main photo moments at Trollstigen itself and the Stigefossen area. If you like road trips, this one is designed to feel like a string of highlights.

The morning drive: why the timing matters more than the map

You’ll meet at the Prestebrygga Cruise Pier and board an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive out of Ålesund. From there, you pass Sjoholt and get a quick first stop at Kokarsteinen, then continue through Stordal and Valldal.

The big reason I like this tour timing is simple: early means you reach viewpoints before the worst of the tour-bus rush. That matters at Trollstigen because it is a narrow, dramatic road with limited space for stopping. Get there first, and you spend more time looking, less time waiting.

Also, cruise timing is baked in. The tour includes a back-on-time guarantee for cruise ship passengers, as long as your ship name is registered and the official end time is at least one hour before departure.

Ålesund as a starting point, and what you’ll notice on the way out

Ålesund sets the tone right away. It’s known for its Art nouveau style, and it has a distinct island setting spreading out into the Atlantic. The city was devastated by fire in 1904, and rebuilding is why the Art nouveau character is so concentrated.

You won’t be touring Ålesund on foot for long, but it’s worth noticing as you roll out. It’s the kind of place where, even from the road, you can feel you’re leaving something unique behind and heading into the mountains.

If you’re visiting on a port day and want one organized plan that makes sense, this route does that. You’re not gambling on renting a car, and you’re not trying to stitch together multiple buses with tight timelines.

Kokarsteinen: a quick fjord stop that snaps the day into focus

Your first photo stop is Kokarsteinen along the Storfjord, with about 5 minutes on the clock. There is no admission ticket required for the stop, and it’s mainly about framing photos and resetting your eyes after the city.

Think of this as a warm-up. You’ll be able to get a fjord backdrop, take a few quick shots, and then get back on the bus for the longer scenery stretch toward Gudbrandsjuvet and the mountains. If you’re the type who likes to photograph everything, you’ll appreciate the small breaks that keep your day from feeling monotonous.

Gudbrandsjuvet and Valldal: fjord views plus the strawberry story

Next up is Gudbrandsjuvet, with about 15 minutes. You’ll drive via Stordal and Valldal, which is famous for local strawberries.

Here’s the practical angle: that strawberry fame doesn’t always mean you’ll see ripe berries. One traveler noted that in mid-May, strawberries were not yet ready. So if you’re hoping to snack on strawberries, treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee.

At Gudbrandsjuvet, the point is the dramatic view and another clean photo moment. It’s one of those scenic spots where the photos look good even in typical weather. If clouds roll in, it can still be worth it, because the viewpoint gives you a clear sense of how the coastline and valley cut through the mountains.

Trollstigen Plateau: 45 minutes to do more than take one photo

This is the main event. After the ascent to the Trollstigen Plateau, you get a longer stop of about 45 minutes for views from the foothill viewpoint. Food and drinks are available at the cafeteria, but that part is own expense.

What I like about this stop is that it gives you time to slow down. At many tours, Trollstigen is a quick “look, snap, move on” moment. Here, you get enough time to:

• take photos from the best angles without rushing
• watch how the road and surrounding hills change as light shifts
• find a comfortable spot to stand and actually enjoy the view

Bathrooms are not mentioned as an included feature, but one traveler warned that facilities at the plateau were not as good as they hoped. So if you’re sensitive to bathroom breaks, you might want to use facilities at earlier stops when they’re available.

Also, the tour description highlights the Trollstigen experience right where it matters. You’re not just driving by. You’re built for looking.

Stigfossen: a 5-minute waterfall photo stop that works with the schedule

On the descent from the Trollstigen Plateau, you get a photo stop close to Stigefossen waterfall. The stop is brief, about 5 minutes, with no admission ticket required.

This is another pacing choice. It’s short on purpose, so you still have energy and time for the late-day stop at Trollveggen. If you’re expecting a long walk, this isn’t that kind of outing. But if you want a memorable waterfall moment without turning the day into a hiking mission, it fits well.

My advice: use those few minutes strategically. Don’t spend all your time fiddling with camera settings. Aim for one or two solid shots, then enjoy the roar for your own senses.

Trollveggen Besoksenter (Troll Wall): the quick face-to-face moment

Your final sightseeing stop is Trollveggen Besoksenter, also known as the Troll Wall. It’s a popular area for mountain climbers and base jumpers, and you’ll get about 10 minutes there.

In practical terms, this is a photo stop, not a full exploration. You’re meant to see the iconic cliff backdrop, soak in the scale, and move on.

It can also be the most sensitive stop on days when road conditions change. If the Trollstigen road down the mountain gets closed, the tour notes that you may miss the Troll Wall segment. Even then, you should still see most of the sights from the higher viewpoint coming from the south.

Getting there and back: cruise timing, group size, and seat reality

This tour is capped at 48 travelers, so it’s not a giant crowd. Still, you’ll want to plan like a group tour: buses are full, photo stops are short, and everyone’s moving at the same time.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a real comfort help in summer months. But a couple of reviews raised a concern that windows can be streaked and visibility can be limited on one side of the bus. If you care about photos from the road, pick a seat that faces the most scenic direction when you board, and bring a small lens cloth or even just wipe your camera lens before you start shooting.

Guides are in English (with a second language depending on availability and passenger mix). You can also expect commentary during the drive, including local stories. Some guides have been praised for troll-themed storytelling, which is exactly what you want on a Trollstigen day.

Food timing and what to budget for during the stops

The tour includes photo stops and scenic time, but lunch is not included. At Trollstigen Plateau, you can buy food and drinks at the cafeteria (own expense). That’s the only clearly stated food purchase point.

A helpful way to plan: bring a small snack or water if you know you get hungry between stops. Even with 45 minutes at Trollstigen Plateau, the queue and ordering can eat into your view time. Having a backup means you can stay focused on the scenery, not the clock.

Road closures, snow, and the reality of Trollstigen

Here’s the honest part. This tour operates on an old mountain road, and the information you’re given is clear: even if the Trollstigen road down is open, authorities can close the road suddenly because of rock falls or landslides. The tour states there is still a chance you reach the viewpoint on top of the road coming from the south, and you will see all sights except the Troll Wall if the road closure happens.

Other seasonal factors show up too. One traveler described snow disrupting access and causing a shortened trip. Another noted that the Troll Pass closure changed what they could actually reach. The lesson is simple: don’t treat the Troll Wall stop as guaranteed in every weather scenario.

Your best strategy is to show up with flexible expectations. Trollstigen itself and the wider fjord-valley drive are still a win, even if conditions limit the very last segment.

Price and value: is $139.61 worth it

At $139.61 per person for about 6 hours, this is not a bargain price. But it can be good value if you want convenience and you value having someone handle the mountain-road logistics.

What you are paying for:

• an air-conditioned vehicle
• a guided day with multiple stops, not just one viewpoint
• time at the Trollstigen Plateau that makes the effort worth it
• a cruise-friendly schedule and back-on-time guarantee for ship passengers
• English narration and organized photo stops

Where value can dip:

• you may still face weather and road closures that shorten the experience
• the bus experience can vary, especially if windows are not as clear as you’d like

For me, the key value test is this: if you want a reliable one-day plan from Ålesund that concentrates on Trollstigen and iconic stops like Stigefossen and Troll Wall, the price can feel fair. If you’re hoping to wander freely and stay as long as you want at every viewpoint, you might prefer renting a car or using public options instead.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• are on a port day and need a timed plan back to your ship
• want to see Trollstigen without driving the hairpin road yourself
• prefer guided commentary and short, efficient stops over long hikes
• like scenic road trips, with multiple photo opportunities built in

It might be less ideal if you:

• get frustrated by road closures and schedule changes
• hate being rushed at viewpoints, since several stops are very short
• strongly rely on clear window visibility for photography, since bus window quality can vary

Should you book the Trollstigen, Land of Trolls tour?

If your main goal is Trollstigen and you want an organized day that gets you there early, I’d book it. The biggest reason is the combination of early timing plus meaningful time at the Trollstigen Plateau. That mix turns a dramatic road into an experience you can actually enjoy.

I’d be more cautious if your travel dates are late in the season or you’re booking with no flexibility at all, because mountain-road closures can change the final segments. If you can roll with weather and keep expectations realistic, this is a solid way to see why Trollstigen is one of Norway’s most photographed stretches of road.

FAQ

Where is the tour meeting point?

You meet at Prestebrygga, Ålesund, Norway. The tour also ends back at this same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Is the tour timed for cruise ship passengers?

Yes. It includes a back on time guarantee for cruise line passengers, as long as the ship name is registered when you book and the official tour time ends at least 1 hour before the ship’s departure.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll have photo stops at Kokarsteinen, Gudbrandsjuvet, Trollstigen Plateau (foothill viewpoint), Stigefossen, and Trollveggen Besoksenter (Troll Wall).

Is food included?

Food and drinks are available at the cafeteria at the Trollstigen Plateau, but you buy them yourself.

What language is the tour guide speaking?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the Trollstigen road gets closed?

Even if the road down Trollstigen is closed, the tour information says you should still reach the viewpoint on top of the road coming from the south and see all the sights except the Troll Wall.