Winter adventures

Explore the fjords, islands and mountains of Sunnmøre and the stunning Geirangerfjord in winter. Whether you wish to travel by public transport or by car, here are some excellent tips for an unforgettable trip.

The charming art nouveau town of Ålesund is nestled among majestic fjords and mountains on the west coast of Norway. It's an excellent base for outdoor activities and for experiencing the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord in the tranquil winter season.

Make sure you set aside enough time to experience everything there is to do in the area, from skiing and other winter sports, cruises, and hikes, to spas and fine dining.

You can fly directly to Ålesund from many places in the world with KLM, SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe. Another popular route is by sea, onboard Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages or on the beautiful train ride to Åndalsnes, combined with a bus to Ålesund. You can also enjoy an epic road trip through picture-perfect landscapes.

Let's start our journey with the truly unique and iconic coastal town of Ålesund!

Towers, spires and beautiful architectural details are all around as you stroll through the historical streets and by the Brosundet strait, which divides the town in two.

The town has some of the finest architecture in the world as a result of a massive reconstruction project following a devastating fire in 1904. The buildings' designs were influenced by architects who was inspired by the Art Nouveau movement that was popular in Europe at that time. At this time, Norway had also recently become an independent nation (1905), and there were many who wanted to build up the national identity. Therefore, on several of the buildings you can see ornament similar to what you find on stave churches and inspiration from the Viking Age, etc.

The town is surrounded by the majestic Sunnmøre Alps and is situated at the gateway to several of the country's most famous fjords, including the Hjørundfjord and Geirangerfjord.

The famous fishery that built the town

This fjord is a very special place for more than just swimming. The Borgundfjord fishery has a long history dating back to the Viking Age, and remains an important industry for the local economy and culture in the Sunnmøre region to this day. In waters just outside Ålesund, the Borgundfjord cod spawns from around the middle of January to the end of March, which it has done for countless years. The cod is known for being big and rich in flavour, much like its “brother” in Northern Norway, Skrei.

The fjord is also known for its rich stocks of species such as haddock and saithe, and the rich culinary traditions that has sprung from such an abundance of fresh seafood.

Although klippfisk (salted and dried cod) is one of the main ingredients in the well known Bacalao dish, which is popular worldwide, it is also used in many other local delicacies.

Do you want to go fishing yourself? Contact visitalesund.com for information on group tours, which are held during the annual cod fishing festival “ByTorsken”, among others. You can also join fishing trips on the fjord and participate in competitions with wonderful prizes.

Winter cruise

Let's move on to exploring a really magical experience: The UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord.

One of the best ways to explore this area this time of the year is on a winter cruise. Geiranger Fjordservice, offer boat tours hosted by Fjord Rangers, who conveys interesting stories related to the unique fjord landscape while you travel through. The winter months are typically quieter, which means you can enjoy the breathtaking views without the crowds.

The boat usually makes two to three trips a week and goes there and back to Ålesund in one day. But if you want to really explore Geiranger, you should definitely add some more days to your visit.

Winter experiences in Geiranger

As most tourists visit Geiranger in summer, a lot of cafés and restaurants are only open during the main season. You should therefore remember to double-check the opening hours if you want to visit a specific place. Another thing to note is that some of the nature attractions might look a little different now than during summer season. One example is the Seven Sisters waterfalls, which sometimes freeze in midwinter, while other mighty waterfalls are still flowing.

Luckily, there are also a variety of activities on offer at the hotels. At Hotel Union, you can visit the restaurants, pools, spa area, bars, and nightclub and there are fun activities for the kids all year around.

The historic hotel, located in the middle of Geiranger with a fantastic view of the valley, was built in 1891 in the iconic Swiss style. The original hotel was taken down in 1979, before being rebuilt and expanded to what it is today. Don't miss the hotel's vintage car exhibition and exhibits that let you learn all about the history of the hotel and Geiranger.

Travelling to Geiranger in winter

The sightseeing boat from Ålesund is only one of the ways you can get to Geiranger in winter. You can also go by bus, with connection to major places such as Ålesund and Oslo.

Travelling to Geiranger in winter by car can be a thrilling experience with its breathtaking scenery. Just keep in mind that winter driving conditions can be challenging, so make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and check the weather forecast to be prepared.

There is a car ferry, connecting Geiranger to Hellesylt, where you can travel on to the ski paradise of the Strandafjellet mountain, Ålesund, and other towns in Fjord Norway. The ferry ride is also an experience in itself, as it winds its way through the beautiful Geirangerfjord. Enjoy a coffee and the typical Norwegian “ferry food” favourite, svele (a thick pancake), while taking in the beautiful scenery from the café window on the boat.

The Sunnmøre Alps are a snowy paradise

Stranda Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the famous Sunnmøre Alps. The resort is situated on the shore of the Storfjord, and offers visitors a unique combination of fantastic skiing opportunities and stunning scenery.

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Strandafjellet and the local guide company, Uteguiden, also hosts a range of other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. There are plenty of dining options, including restaurants, cafés, and bars, many with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal or après-ski drink.

You can also go up and down the mountain with the gondola and simply enjoy the views or have a snack at the Fjord Panorama restaurant, of course!

Home of Norwegian culinary favourites

The Stranda area is not only famous for being a ski and snow paradise. It's also home to the most popular frozen pizza in Norway: Grandiosa. Every year, over 25 million are consumed (in a nation of 5.5 million!). The pizza has even been named one of Norway's national dishes in several surveys.

Other local favourites, which are perhaps more suitable for a gourmet palate, include Stranda Skinke from Stranda and Fenalår made by Tind Spekevarer (both of which are types of cured ham) and the ciders from local farm Skarbø, which is also famous for their award-winning cheese. These specialities are often found on Norwegian plates on a variety of different occasions.