Classic Norway family trip: Ålesund, the Trollstigen Road and the Atlantic Road

About

Bring your family on an active trip where you stay at three Classic Norway hotels – small hotels in big surroundings! The hotel chain has some of Norway’s most charming hotels and traditional rorbu accommodation. On this trip, you will experience Ålesund, two National Tourist Routes and exotic Finnøy, far out at the ocean's edge – and many exciting activities en route. 

Ålesund
The trip starts in Ålesund. Take the time to experience this town before driving to Valldal. Visitors who are interested in history should stop by the Art Nouveau Centre, and the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium is a must for families with children. Climb the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla to enjoy the view and a good lunch before hitting the road. 

Ålesund – Valldal, 84 km, 1 h 25 min
At Valldal, you check into Valldal Fjordhotell. Valldal is famous for its temperate climate and lush scenery – and, not least, for its strawberries! Do not miss this culinary experience if you are there during the strawberry season. Valldal is also a paradise for active experiences such as mountain hikes. Valldal Naturopplevingar offers several guided activities. Whitewater rafting and canyoning are suitable for families with adolescents (min. 15 years old), while kayaking on the fjord is fun for families with younger children (for 5 years and up). There is a popular shallow beach in Valldal and an open-air swimming pool in Tafjord, which is not far away. The climbing park, 8 km from the centre of Valldal, is also popular for adults and children alike (for 2 years and up).

Valldal – Trollstigen – Hustadvika Guesthouse, 134 km, 1 ferry, 3 h 
The trip to the next hotel goes over the Trollstigen Road (normally opens in the second half of May; check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration) – one of the most spectacular stretches of road in Norway. Include a stop at the top of Trollstigen and enjoy the view from one of the many viewpoints. There is also a café and souvenir shop. 
Please note: Google Maps (link below the map) sets out the route from Geiranger to Trollstigen via Åndalsnes, and not via Valldal. However, during the summer months, the RV63 road/Trollstigen is open, so you can drive from Geiranger via Valldal to Trollstigen and then continue down to Åndalsnes.

From Trollstigen, you drive via Molde to Hustadvika Guesthouse. Here you can stay in an apartment or a cabin with the ocean as your nearest neighbour. The waters of Hustadvika are among the most dangerous along the coast, and many ships have been lost in this area. Farstadstranden beach is a favourite destination for surfers, but this sandy beach is also perfect for other types of recreation on sunny days in summer. Hustadvika Gjestegård has campfires, fishing equipment and a Jacuzzi – everything you need for a perfect stay! 

Don’t miss a trip to the Atlantic Road while you are staying in Hustadvika. This world-famous stretch of road is only 20 minutes away by car. Known as ‘the Road in the Ocean’, the road winds its way across seven bridges like a serpent to Kårvåg on Averøya. Stop at Eldhusøya, where you will find a café, a scenic path and a lovely walk around the island. You can also hire a bike at the hotel and cycle to the Atlantic Road – voted the most beautiful bike ride in Norway! 

Hustadvika – Bud – Finnøy Havstuer, 91 km, 2 ferries, 3 h 5 min
The trip continues via Bud, a lively and charming fishing village, where you can eat lunch and visit Ergan Coastal Fort. 

The trip out to Finnøy is an experience in itself. To get there, you must take two ferries far out at the ocean's edge. Finnøy Havstuer is in the premises of the old trading station and fish landing facility. There are kayaks for hire. The water park Håp i Havet at Finnøy has magnificent views of the ocean. 

While you are at Finnøy, you can also take the ferry across to the island and fishing village Ona. It is home to around 20–25 permanent residents, a café that is open in summer and two ceramics workshops. There is a stunning view from the red lighthouse. 

Finnøy Havstuer – Ålesund, 72 km, 1 ferry, 2 h 
The final leg of the trip takes you back to Ålesund. If you have time, why not spend the night in this Art Nouveau town and take a trip to the bird island of Runde or go kayaking in Brosundet sound?