Winter adventures
in Ålesund and the Geirangerfjord
So quiet, yet so majestic …
What's hiding around the next bend?
The breathtaking UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, clad in white ...
… snowy adventures at Stranda Ski Resort …
… and urban winter adventures in the coastal town of Ålesund.
Climb the 418 steps to the top of the Aksla viewpoint to enjoy these stunning views of the city and the surrounding fjords!
Here, you'll also find the Fjellstua Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Buy a coffee at one of the cute local coffee shops and enjoy people watching from the window.
Apotekergata No.5 is a charming little gem, selling delicacies from producers in the area and lunch and coffee to take away or enjoy in its cafe.
Or bring a coffee with you and go for a stroll.
The Molja lighthouse is a nice spot for a break with its view of the coast. You can even spend the night there!
Feeling adventurous? Explore the coast and the city from a kayak!
Join a guided tour with experienced guides, and bring your swimsuit with you because …
… the hot SVAI sauna in Brosundet awaits!
But be aware: the temperature in the water is for real Vikings! How long can you last?
Get a glimpse into the past as the experienced Fjord Rangers tell you stories about life on the small, abandoned farms clinging to the steep mountain sides.
Can you spot them?
“The farm Knivsflå is located on the edge of the cliff, close to the waterfall “De Syv Søstre” (The Seven Sisters)". Up here, the terrain was so steep that they tied the children down, so they would be safe while the adults worked.”
Ioannis Hoel Zervas,
Fjord Ranger at The Norwegian Fjord Centre
Don't forget to wear warm clothing, so you can catch the best panoramic views topside. The wind can sometime get pretty rough out there!
When you arrive in Geiranger, check in to your hotel and head out to experience …
… impressive views like this one, at the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint!
If you arrived on the sightseeing boat, you can join a guided bus tour up here.
There are many hikes in the area, but the Fosseråsa hike is one of the most popular ones. Starting by the harbour in Geiranger, the trail takes you past several beautiful waterfalls all the way up to the Storsæterfossen waterfall.
The trail consists of three parts, and is around 3.9 kilometres long in total. At the end of the first 0.9 kilometres, you can take a break and have lunch at the Norwegian Fjord Centre before you continue!
What's better after a long day than sinking down into a hot swimming pool with amazing views with good friends?
At the historic Hotel Union, you can enjoy wonderful spa treatments, as well as delicious meals at its two restaurants.
Strandafjellet mountain is just a 30-minute drive from Hellesylt. If you have the chance, stay for a couple of days to explore all the activities in the area …
… like riding the gondola to the top at Stranda Ski Resort, while enjoying the scenic views!
You can also take the gondola to visit the Fjord Restaurant at the top of the mountain, and go down again the same way.
After a drive of about an hour and half from Stranda, we are back in Ålesund again.
Important note: don't forget to pick up some gifts for the folks back home (and for yourself)!
Just a 10-minute scenic boat ride from city, you'll find one of Norway's biggest outlets, Devoldfabrikken with lots of Norwegian and international brands like Devold, Bergans, Swims, Swix, and others!
The area also consist of more than just fashion and niche shops. The old factory also houses ceramics workshops for local artists …
... a museum, an indoor activity park for kids, and a café with a rich selection of food and drink for when you and your credit card need a rest.
Are you ready for an unforgettable winter adventure?
Fjord Norway is waiting for you!