Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Fly to Ålesund

  Your trip begins by flying from the UK to Ålesund, either directly or via Oslo or Bergen. It’s a beautiful port town spread across several islands that stretch out into the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Norway, within striking distance of some of the country’s most spectacular fjords and the jagged peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Ålesund is particularly well known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, which came into being after a major fire destroyed the town’s predominantly timber buildings in 1904. As such, it has a totally different aesthetic to most Norwegian towns and cities. For the best views overlooking the town and the surrounding islands from above, it’s well worth climbing the steps to the Fjellstua viewpoint at the top of Mount Aksla. 

  Stay: Thon Hotel Ålesund

• Day 2 » Geirangerfjord cruise & Romsdalen Gondola

  After breakfast, you’ll embark on a breathtaking boat cruise along Geirangerfjord – widely regarded as one of Norway’s most mesmerising fjords. It’s actually a small branch of the much longer Storfjord, stretching a total of 15 kilometres between the villages of Hellesylt and Geiranger, with steep mountains rising over 1,500 metres on either side and a series of waterfalls tumbling down sheer cliff faces. Together with Nærøyfjord, 120 kilometres to the south, it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  Having marvelled at the fjord from the water, you’ll then embark on a scenic bus journey that winds through mountain valleys en route to Åndalsnes, a town that’s renowned as Norway’s mountaineering capital, on the banks of Romsdalsfjord. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at Trollstigen, a particularly famous stretch of road that snakes its way up a mountainside via 11 hairpin bends. From here, we’ve included tickets for the Romsdalen Gondola, taking you up to the viewpoint at the summit of Mount Nesaksla at 708 metres above sea level. Should you fancy a drink or a bite to eat, there’s a superb restaurant at the top with magnificent panoramic views. 

  Stay: Grand Hotel Åndalsnes 

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 3 » Rauma Railway & return to Ålesund

  Today, you’ll enjoy a return journey on the Rauma Railway, also known as the Golden Train, which is revered as one of Europe’s most sublime rail journeys, weaving through some of Norway’s most striking alpine scenery between Åndalsnes and Dombås. Think soaring mountains, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and remote villages tucked away in forested valleys. Admire the ever-shifting showreel of stunning landscapes from the train window while listening to the free audio guide which provides a richly informative insight into the destinations along the route.

  Then, on returning to Åndalsnes, you’ll take another delightfully scenic bus journey back to Ålesund, where you’ll spend the final night of your trip. 

  Stay: Thon Hotel Ålesund

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 4 » Return to the UK

  After breakfast, return to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.

  Meals: Breakfast