Bus Geiranger - Ålesund

Welcome to this bus tour that takes you on a visual journey through the beautiful and dramatic landscapes of Sunnmøre, rich with nature and history. Around every bend, a new story unfolds — and by the time we reach Ålesund, you’ll be full of impressions and memories. The journey takes about two and a half hours, including the ferry crossing from Eidsdal to Linge. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride through one of Norway’s most breathtaking regions.

You may be wondering what life was like here in the old days. In Geiranger, life was hard, dramatic, and beautiful all at once. People clung to the steep mountainsides and lived off what nature could provide. All transport went by boat — food, livestock, hay, and people alike. In winter, the village could be isolated for weeks, and families had to survive on what they had. Yet, the sense of community was strong, and the people were proud. If you look up at the towering cliffs, you’ll spot some of Norway’s most spectacular mountain farms. Skageflå, Knivsflå, and Blomberg were built on tiny ledges high in the mountains, where families kept cows and goats and harvested hay from the steep slopes. To reach them, they had to climb using ropes and ladders, and children were sometimes tied to keep them from falling. Today you can hike to Skageflå, but imagine living there year-round — with snow, storms, and the endless silence of the fjord. These farms tell a story of courage, endurance, and an incredible ability to live in harmony with nature’s forces.

Now you can see the Geirangerfjord in all its glory! It’s perhaps Norway’s most beautiful and iconic fjord. It stretches from Geiranger to Hellesylt, and from there the sea continues through a maze of dramatic Sunnmøre Alps and peaceful fjord villages, eventually reaching the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund. The Geirangerfjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Norway’s most visited destinations. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors come here on cruise ships from all over the world — and today, that includes you, traveling with Havila Kystruten. The fjord before you is more than just a natural wonder; it’s a symbol of Norway itself — where nature, silence, and history come together in perfect harmony.

We’re now climbing one of the world’s most spectacular and photographed roads – the Eagle Road, or Ørnevegen. It twists through eleven sharp hairpin bends, from the Geirangerfjord all the way up to the famous Eagle Bend viewpoint, 620 meters above sea level. The road opened in 1955, becoming the first proper connection between Geiranger and the rest of Sunnmøre. Before that, people had to travel by boat to Eidsdal or Valldal, and many crossed the mountains on foot. The name Eagle Road comes from the steep cliffs where eagles still nest and glide majestically over the fjord. From the top, you’ll enjoy one of Norway’s most breathtaking views — the Seven Sisters waterfalls and the deep blue fjord winding between towering mountains. A sight that truly takes your breath away.

Afraid of heights? Then you might want to close your eyes for a moment. But if you’re ready to witness one of Norway’s most breathtaking views, keep them wide open. In front of us lies Eagle Bend, the most famous viewpoint along the Eagle Road. From here, the entire Geirangerfjord unfolds between towering cliffs — with the village of Geiranger to the east, and to the west, the Seven Sisters waterfalls and the old Knivsflå farm, perched like a green jewel halfway up the mountain wall. The view is like a living postcard, changing colors and light from minute to minute. Look closely at the mountainside across the fjord, slightly to the west — can you see it? The outline of a troll’s face, carved by nature itself, with nose, chin, and brow. Perhaps a friendly guardian of the fjord? Eagle Bend reminds us just how small we are — and how magnificent the Norwegian mountains truly are.

We’re now entering the Indreeide Tunnel, one of the most important road improvements in this region for decades. The tunnel between Korsmyra and Indreeide was officially opened in March 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for Geiranger. This 5-kilometer tunnel gives the village a year-round road connection for the very first time, replacing a dangerous stretch with no fewer than thirteen avalanche zones. In the past, the road could be closed for weeks due to snow and rockslides, but today the journey is both safer and more predictable. For local residents, it means secure access to school, work, and essential services — and for travelers like you, a comfortable and reliable road link between Geiranger and the rest of Sunnmøre.

Now you can see Eidsdalsvatnet, also known simply as Eidsvatnet – considered one of the best trout lakes in Norway that you can reach directly from a main road. It has been an important spot for both locals and visitors for generations. Along the shores you’ll find small campsites and cabins for rent, perfect for those who want to experience the peace and quiet, fish for trout, or simply enjoy being close to nature. Many families return year after year to swim, paddle, or hike in the mountains surrounding the lake. In winter, the ice lies smooth and still, while summer brings laughter, campfires, and the scent of pine. Eidsdalsvatnet is a place where people come to find peace — a fine example of how this valley has combined nature, tourism, and tradition in a sustainable way.

You’ve probably noticed how green and lush it is around us, even up here in the mountains. People living along the fjords have made use of that fertility for centuries. Not far from here lies Herdalssetra, one of the best-preserved and largest mountain farms in Norway. Farming here has continued unbroken for more than 300 years. Every summer, cows, goats, horses, and sheep are moved up here to graze in the mountain pastures — just as they did in the old days. The farm consists of about 30 log buildings, many of which are still in use and even available for overnight stays. Visitors can also come for the day to meet the milkmaids, taste freshly made brown cheese, and see how the old traditions are kept alive. Herdalssetra is a living museum — a rare meeting between the hard work of the past and today’s commitment to preserving Norway’s rich rural heritage.

The landscape opens up as we arrive in Eidsdal, a small but vibrant and charming fjord village surrounded by high mountains and green pastures. From here, we’ll take the ferry across to Linge — a short 15-minute crossing that forms part of the classic tourist route between Geiranger and Ålesund. Eidsdal has long traditions of farming and mountain dairy production, and many families have worked their land here for generations. Today, the village is also known for tourism, with campsites, cabins, and farms welcoming visitors from all over the world. Although Eidsdal is small, the community spirit is strong. In summer, the village comes alive with travelers, as the ferry moves back and forth across the fjord like a steady heartbeat through the valley.

We’re now crossing the Norddalsfjord, an arm of the mighty Storfjord. Looking west, you’ll see Stranda, often called the “pizza village,” famous for its food industry, the ski paradise at Strandafjellet, and of course, its warm and welcoming people. Looking the other way, the fjord leads inland toward the villages of Norddal, Valldal, and Fjørå, and at the very end lies the power village of Tafjord, surrounded by steep cliffs and dramatic scenery. For centuries, the fjord has been the very lifeline for the people who live here. Before the roads were built, all travel took place on the water. Boats carried people, animals, and goods between the settlements, binding the small communities together. Today, it’s part of the scenic tourist route between Geiranger and Ålesund, but it still carries traces of the old coastal life — perhaps a fishing boat or a lone kayaker, quiet reminders of the fjord’s role as both workplace and destination.

Do you like strawberries? Here at Linge, we’re continuing toward Ålesund, but if we had taken the road in the opposite direction, we’d reach Valldal – often called the strawberry valley, famous for what might be the sweetest and juiciest berries in all of Norway. Thanks to the mild fjord air and long summer evenings, the red berries thrive here. In summer, the roadside is lined with small stands selling freshly picked strawberries, homemade juice, and jam. Further along the fjord lie the villages of Fjørå and Tafjord, both surrounded by dramatic mountains. And from Valldal, you can also turn onto the legendary Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most famous mountain roads. It winds through lots of sharp hairpin bends, past waterfalls and viewpoints. Trollstigen is not just an engineering masterpiece — it’s a fairytale carved in rock and water, where the trolls are still said to keep watch.

On the night of April 7th, 1934, a massive rockslide thundered down the mountain Langhamaren, crashing straight into the fjord by the beautiful village of Tafjord, at the very end of the fjord we’re driving along now. The impact triggered a gigantic tsunami — taller than most houses, reaching up to 62 meters high — that swept over the villages of Tafjord and Fjørå. In just a few seconds, 40 people lost their lives, and many homes were washed away into the sea. The catastrophe shook the entire nation, but it also led to improved emergency preparedness and pioneering research on mountain slides and fjord waves. Today, Tafjord stands as a symbol of resilience — a village that rebuilt itself and learned to live in harmony with the same forces of nature that once brought devastation. It is now known for its hydropower production and ongoing research on natural hazards — proof that even from tragedy, strength can grow.

We’re now passing Liabygda, an idyllic fjord village at the meeting point of the Storfjord and the Norddalsfjord. People here live close to nature, combining farming and small-scale industry with outdoor life and tourism. From the village, trails lead up toward Ansokhornet, a mountain offering breathtaking views across the Storfjord and the mighty Sunnmøre Alps. On clear days, you can see all the way to Stranda and deep into the Tafjord mountains — a view that perfectly captures why this region is known as Fjord Norway. Down by the fjord, the ferry crosses to Stranda, a vital link that has connected these communities for decades. It provides work, connection, and safe passage for both locals and travelers — just as it always has.

We’re soon crossing the Stordal River, which flows down from the mountains and out into the Storfjord. The river is the lifeline of the valley — providing power, food, and a rich habitat for wildlife. On warm summer days, you’ll often see anglers standing along the banks, hoping to catch trout or salmon, just as people here have done for generations. From this area, you can also turn off toward Overøye and Stordalsfjellet, home to Arena Overøye, a modern ski resort with several slopes, lifts, and cross-country trails. In winter, it’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors, while summer invites you to peaceful mountain hikes and quiet reflection. Stordal is a place where nature is part of everyday life — a source of work, recreation, and pure joy, all year round.

We’re now arriving in Stordal, and just ahead you’ll see the beautiful Rose Church, one of the village’s most famous landmarks. The church was built in 1789 and is renowned for its detailed rose-painted decorations and carved motifs, created by local craftsmen and artists. It’s often described as a wooden work of art — a testament to a time when both faith and craftsmanship stood strong in the fjord communities. Inside, you can see biblical scenes and colorful patterns covering the walls, galleries, and ceiling. Many consider the Rose Church to be one of the most beautiful churches on the Sunnmøre coast. It reminds us how rich the cultural life once was — even in small, remote villages far from the larger cities.

How are you enjoying the journey so far? We’re now driving through Stordal’s center — the very heart of the village — where mountains, river, and fjord meet. Stordal has long been known as the furniture village, famous for its solid craftsmanship and proud design traditions. Many well-known Norwegian furniture brands have their roots here, and today, modern industry and design exist side by side with farming and small local businesses. Stordal is also a modern rural community, with a school, sports facilities, and an active cultural life. Here, old and new meet — rose-painted church walls on one side, modern production halls on the other. It’s a living example of how small communities can preserve their traditions while still looking toward the future.

We’re now driving along Vaksvik, a small village on the shores of the Storfjord where people have lived close to nature for hundreds of years. In earlier times, people settled by the fjord because it offered everything they needed — fish, game, grazing land, a natural travel route, and access to trade. Farms were tucked between the mountains and the sea, and families combined farming with fishing and small crafts to make a living. Today, Vaksvik is still a vibrant local community, though life has changed. Many residents commute to work in other towns, while nature has become a central part of leisure time. Vaksvikfjellet, the mountain above, is now a popular area for hiking and skiing. Marked trails and prepared cross-country tracks follow the old summer road over the mountain toward Tresfjord, offering stunning views across the beautiful Sunnmøre landscape.

What’s 3,539 meters long and has an opening at both ends? It’s the Stordal Tunnel, which we’re now driving through. Opened in 1998, it gave travelers a safe and reliable road through what was once one of the most avalanche-prone areas in the region. When we come out of the tunnel, keep your eyes open — the beautiful fjord village of Dyrkorn will appear like an oasis between the mountains. People here have lived off farming for generations, and at the top of the valley you’ll find old farms with sweeping views of the fjord. From Dyrkorn you can visit the traditional Gjerdsstølen summer farm, or start one of several hiking trails leading straight up into the mountains. Down by the fjord are the old Dyrkorn industrial buildings, once used to produce fishing gear. Today, the world-renowned textile company Devold runs a summer outlet here. Nearby stands the Dyrkorn Power Station, built in 1913, which supplied electricity to the factory, local farmers, and homes. Dyrkorn may be a small village, but its sense of community is strong — and its traditions live on, just in slightly more modern forms.

Feeling tempted by a hot dog, a baguette, or maybe a hamburger? You wouldn’t be the first! Many travelers have stopped right here in Sjøholt for a break — a coffee, or a quick bite at the local Shell station. We’re now at one of the most important traffic junctions in the Sunnmøre region, where the roads from Ålesund, Molde, Geiranger, and Åndalsnes all meet. Sjøholt grew naturally as a place for people and goods to stop and connect. In earlier times, a grand and elegant hotel stood here — the scene of weddings, meetings, and celebrations — though today the building is privately owned. Now, Sjøholt is home to shops, workshops, and small local businesses that thrive on fjord traffic and everyday trade. It’s a typical crossroads village — alive with daily routines, travelers, and the hum of life on the road.

We’re now approaching the junction on the E39 toward Sjøholt, where we’ll continue in the direction of Ålesund. If you were to drive the other way, you’d reach Molde or Åndalsnes — both about an hour from here. Ahead lies Sjøholt Folk High School, a modern school built on a proud Norwegian tradition that values learning, community, and personal growth. Folk high schools were established in Norway in the 19th century, inspired by the Danish philosopher N.F.S. Grundtvig and his idea of “life enlightenment” — that education should be about more than academics; it should help people become whole human beings. These buildings once housed the Sunnmøre Housekeeping School, where young women learned cooking, sewing, and homemaking. Back then, the housewife was the cornerstone of both family and community life. Today, the building is used for new forms of education, but the history still lingers in its walls — a meeting place between past and future, where new ideas continue to take shape.

We’re now passing Solnør Farm, a stately manor with roots going back to the 18th century. The farm has long been an important part of the region — both as an agricultural estate and as a meeting place for culture and local life. Famous visitors such as Henrik Ibsen, Norway’s world-renowned playwright, and Ivar Aasen, the linguist and poet who created Nynorsk, one of Norway’s two official written languages, once stayed here. It’s said that Aasen’s time at Solnør may have been the turning point that inspired him to revive the Norwegian language — perhaps it was here that the idea of a written language for ordinary people first began to take shape. Today, the estate is surrounded by green meadows that now form the Solnør Golf Course, one of the most scenic in Norway. With sweeping views of fjord and mountains, you can quite literally putt through history — where culture, heritage, and leisure meet in perfect harmony.

Feeling like spending some money? Then it’s probably a good thing we’re not stopping here! We’re now passing Digerneset, one of the largest shopping and commercial areas in the Sunnmøre region. People from all over come here to shop, eat, or fill up their cars before continuing toward Ålesund, Ørsta, or Molde. Digerneset has grown naturally as a major traffic crossroads, where the main roads between the fjords and the coast meet. Today, large stores, car dealerships, and warehouses stand where small farms and forests once were. This development has made Digerneset a symbol of how Sunnmøre continues to evolve — from traditional rural communities to a modern region of commerce, industry, and new opportunities.

This narrow channel, called Dragsundet, is all that separates Uksenøya from the mainland. Here the fjords meet, and the water rushes strongly through the sound as the tide turns. In earlier times, people rowed across to trade, go to school, or visit neighbors — today, we glide safely over on modern roads and bridges. Uksenøya is the largest island in the municipality of Ålesund, and an important link between the towns of the Sunnmøre region. It’s also the most populated island in Sunnmøre — and among the most populated in all of Norway. Here you’ll find Ålesund Hospital, as well as major commercial centers such as Moa, Spjelkavik, and Digernes, along with several large residential districts including Hatlane, Åse, Lerstad, Spjelkavik, Blindheim, Flisnes, and Emblem. We’ll be staying on the island for about 30 kilometers, and in many ways, Uksenøya represents the new Sunnmøre — a place where tradition, nature, and modern life meet side by side, between fjord and mountain.

We’re now passing Valle, a small village also known for the industrial area of Håhjem. From here, you can take a beautiful alternative route to Ålesund — a narrow, winding road that follows the fjord past farms, boathouses, and small coves all the way to Blindheim and Moa. Across the fjord, in an area called Smeltevika, lies the village of Skodje, a lively community with shops, schools, small industries, and a rich cultural life. Thanks to its sheltered and strategic location, Valle was an important place in Viking times. It was known as one of the 16 “skipreider” under King Håkon the Good, meaning the village was responsible for building, equipping, and manning ships ready for expeditions or war. It’s fascinating to imagine life here over a thousand years ago — hard, no doubt, but perhaps also a little less stressful than today. What do you think?

We’re now driving along Brusdalsvatnet, a place that’s not only popular for hiking, fishing, and swimming — it’s also Ålesund’s main source of drinking water. From here, the entire city receives its clear, fresh mountain water, purified and delivered straight from nature’s own reservoir. Around the lake, you’ll find roads used by locals and cabin owners, as well as trails and bike paths that are enjoyed all year round. On warm summer days, the mountains reflect perfectly in the calm surface of the water, and many locals come here to find peace, enjoy the silence, or take a refreshing dip. Brusdalsvatnet marks the transition from countryside to city — a final breath of nature before the rooftops of Ålesund begin to rise on the horizon to the west.

We’re now arriving at Moa, which has grown from open farmland into one of the largest commercial and business areas in all of Norway. Here you’ll find shopping centers, housing, cinemas, cafés, a library, a swimming hall, offices, and a vibrant urban area that attracts people from across the region. Just at the Amfi shopping centers alone, you’ll find an incredible 200 stores and restaurants — a true paradise for shoppers. Development began in the 1970s, when Ålesund needed space to expand. Today, Moa serves as a natural link between city and countryside, and stands as a symbol of modern growth on the Sunnmøre coast. Behind the large shopping malls and the busy roads, you can still spot traces of the old village — a few farms that remind us of the time when this was all agricultural land.

We’re now driving through Lerstad, a district that marks the transition from countryside to city. You might be wondering about Ålesund’s early history. The name Ålesund actually appeared quite late in written records. In the oldest sources, we instead find places like Steinvåg, mentioned as early as the 11th century in connection with Saint Olav, Erling Skakke, and King Sverre. At that time, Borgund and Giske were the main centers of activity in the area. Borgund, which we’ll soon pass, was a small medieval town with lively trade, a church, and bustling life along the coast. By the 1700s, the priest Hans Strøm described Ålesund merely as a narrow sound between the islands of Nørvøya and Aspøya, with just a few houses and merchants. But the town slowly grew — driven largely by fishing. The spring cod fishery in the Borgundfjord led to permanent settlement, and the drying of codfish, or klippfisk, became the city’s most important industry. From these modest beginnings, Ålesund developed into a vibrant community — and eventually, a city known throughout the world.

We’re now crossing Nørvasundet, one of the most important junctions in Ålesund. On both sides of the sound, you’ll find places that tell the story of both the city’s past and its future. To the right is NTNU in Ålesund, a modern university that attracts students from all over the world. Here, the next generation of engineers, ship designers, and marine researchers are trained — continuing Sunnmøre’s proud maritime traditions. Across the sound lies the Sunnmøre Museum, an open-air museum with historic wooden houses, boats, and buildings that show how people lived and worked along the coast for hundreds of years. Down by the road, you’ll also pass the Norwegian Maritime Competence Center, where business, research, and education come together to create tomorrow’s maritime innovations. It’s a place that truly embodies the spirit and pride of modern Sunnmøre.

We’re now driving across Nørvøya, the largest of the islands that make up the city of Ålesund. Here you can see how the city has grown between mountains and fjords, connected by bridges, waterways, and vibrant neighborhoods. In front of us lies Color Line Stadium, home to Aalesunds Fotballklubb, or simply AaFK, as the locals call it. On match days, thousands of orange-clad fans fill the stands to cheer for their team in Norway’s top league. Right next to it stands Sunnmørshallen, a large indoor arena used year-round for football, concerts, and exhibitions. The area around the stadium has developed into a small modern city center of its own — with schools, housing, gyms, and social spaces. Nørvøya shows another side of Ålesund — young, active, and modern — just on the edge of the historic center that rose from the ashes after the great fire of 1904.

In the streets above us, one of the most dramatic events in Norwegian history took place. On the night of January 23rd, 1904, the people of Ålesund awoke to a nightmare. In a fierce storm and biting cold, flames spread from house to house — and within just a few hours, the entire city was ablaze. Wooden homes cracked and roared, sparks filled the sky, and the glow of the fire could be seen far out across the fjord. After 18 hours, it was over. The wind had calmed — and Ålesund lay in ashes. More than 10,000 people lost their homes that night, but miraculously, only one life was lost. Within just a few years, the city rose again — rebuilt with help from Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and a massive national effort. This time, it was built in stone, brick, and Art Nouveau style. The fire changed everything. It destroyed a city — but also sparked the rebirth of the Ålesund we know today.

Welcome to Ålesund, the city that, more than any other, rose from the ashes to become one of Norway’s most beautiful destinations. Here, ocean and mountains meet — as do tradition and modernity, hard work and adventure. The city is famous for its unique Art Nouveau architecture, built after the great fire of 1904, and for its dramatic location on the edge of the sea, where fishermen, sailors, and traders have shaped its story for more than a century. Ålesund is also the gateway to the majestic Sunnmøre Alps and the grand fjords stretching deep into the country — places that tell stories of nature’s power and humanity’s ability to adapt to it. The journey from Geiranger to here has shown you just a glimpse of all that Sunnmøre holds — from mountain farms and summer pastures to fjords, commerce, and history. Thank you for joining us on this trip, and welcome to Ålesund – the city between ocean and mountains.