Geiranger – Trollstigen – The Atlantic Road is a spectacular road trip for those who want to experience the best of fjords, mountains and coastline in Western Norway. This journey takes you through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes, from majestic fjords and dramatic mountain passes to the famous Atlantic Road.
The route between Geiranger via Trollstigen to the Atlantic Road includes one UNESCO World Heritage Site (the Geirangerfjord), two Norwegian Scenic Routes (Geiranger – Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road) and one “construction of the twentieth century” (the Atlantic Road).
Season – Summer. This also depends on whether the winter-closed roads are open.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TROLLSTIGEN MOUNTAIN ROAD
Trollstigen Mountain Road is closed in winter. Many of the roads in Western Norway are prone to rockfalls, landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. Trollstigen Mountain Road is one of these roads and may therefore be closed during periods where the risk of rockfalls is high. See Vegvesen.no for information on whether Trollstigen Mountain Road is open or closed (in Norwegian only).
GEIRANGER – TROLLSTIGEN – THE ATLANTIC ROAD
This is a 200 kilometer long stretch of road in a landscape varying from deep and narrow fjords, steep and dramatic snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls and rivers, green valleys, numerous isles and a weather-beaten ocean landscape.
You can drive this stretch of road in one day, the drive alone is a great experience, but we recommend you to spend a few days so you can see and experience all the great places and spectacular nature that are worth seeing.
Some highlights from Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord area
The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the fjord is also included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
You should take a fjord cruise or join a fjord safari on the Geirangerfjord. The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt is a great way to see the Geirangerfjord and the spectacular nature with its many waterfalls and steep mountains. You will also see the waterfalls The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil from the fjord.
The Fosseråsa trail goes from the center of Geiranger via Norwegian Fjord Centre and up to Vesterås which is a great starting point for mountain hikes in Geiranger. The Fosseråsa trail ends at Storseterfossen Waterfall.
Visit Flydalsjuvet, Ørnesvingen and Dalsnibba viewpoints and see the iconic views of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. Combine a boat trip on the fjord with a hike up to Skageflå, one of the many abandoned mountain farms above the Geirangerfjord.
Ørnesvingen Viewpoint in Geiranger
Ørnesvingen (The Eagle Turn) is a viewpoint at the upper part of the Eagle Road in Geiranger. The Eagle Road is part of the 104 kilometer long Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route.
From Ørnesvingen there is a great view towards the UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord and to the small town of Geiranger.
NOTE! The car park at Ørnesvingen is small and narrow, and the car park can sometimes be full. It can be a challenge to park there, and there is a lot of traffic going straight past. You have to be careful and aware of many people and a lot of traffic in terms of parking.
SEASON – Summer. See link for more information about Ørnesvingen.
WINTER – There is no plowed parking space at the viewpoint, so it is not possible to park there in winter. The road to Ørnesvingen is narrow, steep and winding, and winter tires are required in winter. The road conditions are often poor, and the roads are often covered with snow and ice during winter. There might be a chance that the road to Ørnesvingen is closed in periods, especially during winter, due to weather and danger of rock- and snow avalanches and other dangerous conditions. The Trollstigen Mountain Road and the road between Grotli and Geiranger are also closed during winter.
Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint in Geiranger
Drive to the viewpoint at Flydalsjuvet and see the iconic view towards Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord with the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Flydalsjuvet is located four kilometer uphill from the center of Geiranger. It is possible to park the car there, but it might be busy during the high season during the summer.
SEASON – Summer. See link for more information about Flydalsjuvet.
WINTER – The road to Flydalsjuvet is narrow, steep and winding, and winter tires are required in winter. The road conditions are often poor, and the roads are often covered with snow and ice during winter.
There can be periods when there is no plowed parking space by the viewpoint in winter, so it may not be possible to park there in these periods.
There might also be a chance that the road to Flydalsjuvet is closed in periods, especially during winter, due to weather and danger of rock- and snow avalanches and other dangerous conditions. The Trollstigen Mountain Road and the road between Grotli and Geiranger are also closed during winter.
Hike to Skageflå Mountain Farm above the Geirangerfjord
This is a great adventure, combined fjord cruise and the steep and airy hike up to the abandoned moutainfarm Skageflå (250 meters above the fjord).
Start with fjord cruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, the starting point of the trail up to Skageflå. Order fjordcruise-tickets online in advance so you are sure to get seats on the boat.
From Skageflå there is a great view towards the UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord and to the Seven Sisters Waterfall on the other side of the fjord. From Skageflå, you can return back to the fjord and join the boat back to Geiranger. This hike is not suitable for children.
Geiranger – Trollstigen
The 68 kilometer long road between Geiranger and Trollstigen is one of 18 tourist routes in Norway. Parts of this road are closed during winter; it usually openes in May and closes in October, depending on the amount of snow in the mountains.
From Geiranger, you drive up the steep Ørnevegen (the Eagles Road). On the upper part of the steep hillside there is a viewpoint where you can stop and see Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord from a birds-eye perspective. From here you can also see the famous waterfall “The Seven Sisters” cascading into the fjord.
Continue the drive over the mountainpass to Eidsdal, a small, cosy town down by the Storfjord. Cross the Storfjord by ferry to Linge and continue driving to Valldal where tasting the strawberries from the local farms is a must – the best strawberries in the world!
Between Valldal and Trollstigen, 11 kilometers from Valldal, you should stop at the new view point at Gudbrandsjuvet. This is one of many architectural constructions made in connection with the road´s status as a National Tourist Route. Here you can visit Juvet Hotel. This hotel has won many prizes for its special construction and integration into its wild and beautiful surroundings.
Trollstigen, Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord
Trollstigen, 16 kilometers from Gudbrandsjuvet, is together with Geiranger one of the most visited attractions in Norway. The mountains which encircle the Trollstigen road are enormous. The Stigfossen Waterfall gushes down the mountainside towards the luscious Isterdalen Valley and in the middle of all this the Trollstigen Road winds its way up the mountainside. There are two viewpoints at Trollstigen only a few minutes walk from the road.
From Trollstigen it is only a short distance to Åndalsnes, a small town down by the Romsdalsfjord. Before arriving at Åndalsnes, drive eight kilometers up the Romsdalen Valley to the base of Trollveggen and Romsdalshorn. From here there are great views to the mountains, to the valley and to the Rauma River.
Drive to the town centre of Åndalsnes, down by the Romsdalsfjord, where you have a lovely view towards Isfjorden and the surrounding mountains. The Romsdal Gondola goes from fjord to mountain in four and a half minutes. From Eggen Restaurant at the top of Mt Nesaksla you have a fantastic view down to Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord.
Continue towards Isfjorden, six kilometers from Åndalsnes. A small side step, worth taking in Isfjorden, is a short drive up the mountain road (toll road) to Vengedalen. Drive almost to the end of the road and walk up to Litlefjellet, a 20 minutes hike to a mountain ridge where you can see down to the Romsdalen Valley and the Rauma River and its surrounding mountains Trollveggen, Romsdalshorn and Vengetind among others. You can also see down to Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord. Romsdalseggen needs no further description, it is Norway’s roughest and most beautiful mountain hike.
Vengedalen Valley and Mt Litlefjellet in Isfjorden
There are many valleys that are claimed to be “Norway’s most beautiful”. Vengedalen Valley is one of them. What is certain is that the Vengedalen is right up there in the lead.
Vengedalen is one of several side valleys in Isfjorden in Romsdal. The nature experiences are there for everyone, whether you choose to walk, cycle or drive along the road into the valley, or to experience the valley from all the mountains that lie there like pearls on a string.
Vengedalen has been a favorite destination for both locals and tourists since the dawn of time. It is primarily the sport of climbing that has put Vengedalen in Isfjorden on the map of Norway.
Today, Vengedalen is best known for being the starting point of the Romsdalseggen and Litlefjellet hikes.
Kavliheian Mountain Pasture in Isfjorden
The hike to Kavliheian in Isfjorden is a short and easy hike, and is a great hike for families with small kids. Fjord view towards the Romsdalsfjord is included.
Drive 2.5 kilometers eastwards from the center of Isfjorden to Øvre Kavli. From Øvre Kavli, at the crossroads where Romsdal Lodge is located, it is around three kilometers to drive to the parking lot at the end of the mountain road (toll road).
From the parking lot you have a great view towards Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord. Turn around and you see eastwards towards mountains like Mt Juratind which is one of the most beautiful and majestic.
It is one a kilometer easy hike in flat terrain to the mountain pasture at Kavliheian. This is also a great starting point for more demanding hikes in the Isfjorden mountains.
Kavliheian is also a popular goal for cross-country skiers in winter. Usually there are well prepared ski tracks to Kavliheian and further into the valley. You can start your ski trip from the car park at Skytebanen (Shooting range) or from Hellerøra at Stormyra in Isfjorden.
Norway´s most beautiful detour – Eikesdal and Mardalsfossen Waterfall
From Isfjorden you continue to Åfarnes. A nice detour is to drive east from Åfarnes along Langfjorden to Vistdal and Vistdalsheia and continue to Eresfjord and Lake Eikesdalsvatnet (22 masl).
Drive along the 18 kilometer long lake to Eikesdal, a small village which is surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. From Eikesdal you can walk up to the Mardalsfossen Waterfall, one of Norway´s highest waterfalls with its 705 meter drop, divided into two vertical waterfalls. This hike takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The waterfall is regulated for hydroelectric power, but is “open” between June 20th and August 20th.
A great place to stay in Eikesdal is Eikesdal Camping. Season: Summer. There is no grocery store in Eikesdal. Depending on where you come from, the nearest grocery stores are Coop Marked Eresfjord in Eresfjord, about 28 kilometers north of Eikesdal and Coop Marked Vistdal in Vistdal, about 51 kilometers northwest of Eikesdal.
Innerdalen and Innerdalstårnet
Innerdalen Valley in Trollheimen is known for being Norway’s most beautiful valley. Innerdalen is located in Sunndal in Nordmøre, just northeast of the Romsdalsfjord.
It is a four kilometer long hike from the parking lot to Innerdalen, and this beautiful hike is like being in the middle of a postcard.
Mt Innerdalstårnet and Renndalskammen are two popular mountain hikes with starting point from Innerdalen.
Renndølsetra and Innerdalshytta are two mountain cabins that welcomes you for a stay. Renndølsetra is also serving fresh waffles, light meals and soft drinks. Innerdalshytta is a DNT Self Serving Cabin. Season: Summer. See the websites of the tourist cabins for more information about the season and opening hours.
Kristiansund and the Atlantic Road
From Eikesdal you drive back to Eresfjord and continue in northwest direction towards Kristiansund, with the coast and the many isles dominating the landscape. Here are several driving routes to choose from.
Kristiansund is the third largest city in Møre og Romsdal, and is situated on four islands reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean.
The fishing village of Grip, 14 kilometers north-west of Kristiansund, is an important tourist destination for visitors in Kristiansund. In the summer season there are daily boat departures from the city to the small island.
From Kristiansund, there is only a short distance to the Atlantic Road, one of Norways 18 Scenic Routes. The road is 8.3 kilometers long and is known as the construction of the century within Norway.
It consists of eight bridges and traverses several small islands and reefs. This is a beautiful road set in great surroundings with activities like fishing, diving, cycling and ocean safari which can all be done in the area.
The small island of Håholmen is worth a visit and here you can try sailing a Viking Ship! Håholmen is an old fishing community with 28 preserved buildings and can be reached by boat from the Geitøya island just beside the Atlantic Road.
From Vevang, the south east end of the Atlantic Road, you continue on fv. 663 and fv. 664 towards Farstad and the fishing village of Bud.
We recommend you to drive detours on local roads toward the coast to be able to see more of the area and the coastal landscape.
From Bud you can walk along Kyststien (the coastal path), a four kilometer long trail along the coast with view towards the open ocean. Farstadstranda beach near Farstad is a popular destination for surfers.
Molde and Midsundtrappene
From Bud drive 54 kilometers towards Molde, the second largest city in Møre og Romsdal. Molde is known as the town of roses, for Molde international Jazz Festival and the Molde Panorama.
Drive to the viewpoint Varden, 407 masl, and take in the spectacular Molde panoramic view towards the Romsdalsfjord and the 222 snowcapped mountains.
Midsundtrappene at Otrøya in Romsdal are five beautiful hiking trails that have been made in stone by Sherpas from Nepal. Otrøya is an island in the outer part of the Romsdalsfjord, on the Atlantic coast outside Molde. From the trails and the mountains there is a fantastic view towards the Atlantic Coast and the Atlantic Ocean, and to the outer part of the Romsdalsfjord the with the surrounding islands and mountains.
In the summer, there are several boat departures from Molde to Hjertøya, a small island in the Romsdalsfjord. This is a great area for recreation and for swimming in the fjord. A small café is open on Saturdays and Sundays and a Fisheries Museum is located on the island.
Visit the Romsdal Museum in the centre of Molde. This is a Folk Museum where you can see more than 50 old buildings originating from the Romsdal region.
Ona Island and Ona Lighthouse
Take a day excursion to Ona Lighthouse, or stay over at Ona Havstuer.
Drive westwards from Molde and take the ferry to the island of Aukra. From Småge, in the west on Aukra, there are several daily boat departures to Ona and other islands.
Ona is the outermost island on the Atlantic coast in Romsdal, southwest of the Atlantic Road and northwest of Molde. Ona is the name of the small island community that consists of the two islands Ona and Husøya. The two islands are connected by a small bridge.
This small island community has its own summer restaurant, several accommodations and two pottery workshops.
Ona Havstuer and Onakaia on the pier at Ona are open all year round. The restaurant and reception at Ona Havstuer is open in the summer, and you can rent apartments all year round.
Below you can see a 360 panorama from the island of Ona. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations. The 360 panoramic pictures are provided by 360 Aircam by Arild Solberg.
NOTE – The best time to do this round trip is July to August. Note that some of the roads are closed during winter. Depending on the amount of snow in the mountains these roads usually open between late May and early June.
Explore the fjords of Western Norway with the Fjord Guide
The fjords in Western Norway have been voted the world’s best travel destination by National Geographic Traveler – and it’s easy to see why. Here you will encounter dramatic nature, vibrant culture and a tranquility that few other places can offer.
In the fjord guide you will find information about the ten most beautiful and well-known fjords in Western Norway – what you can see, do and experience in each of them. Experience a fjord cruise, go on a road trip, explore charming fjord villages, or hike to viewpoints where time seems to stand still.
Along the fjords you will find everything from historic hotels and cozy guesthouses to selected Michelin Key hotels where quality, comfort and a strong local identity are at the heart of the experience. Everywhere you go, you can enjoy locally sourced food and the warm hospitality of Western Norway. Here you can create your own “fjordcation” – a break from everyday life, where you disconnect from noise and reconnect with nature, culture, and peace.
Visit Northwest – Visit Ålesund
Visit Northwest and Visit Ålesund are the official destination companies for Møre og Romsdal.