Norway - A Multisport Exploration of the Magnificent Sunnmøre Alps
Trip Itinerary
Norway Fjords Kayaking and E-Bike Tour
Arrive Ålesund
Arriving in Ålesund, you'll be struck by the town's distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, a legacy of its early 20th-century reconstruction, after checking into the Hotel 1904, a beautifully restored building that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts. After meeting your guides in the hotel lobby, we will have a trip orientation and then take a short walk to a local restaurant for a welcome meal of traditional Norwegian cuisine. After dinner, the evening sunlight of the summer at this latitude will likely entice you to take a stroll through this picturesque coastal town.
Overnight: Hotel 1904 Ålesund
Meals: Dinner
Kayak Ålesund and E-Bike Valldal
Our day begins with an introduction to the sea kayaking equipment we will use throughout the trip. Once set up, we'll glide through the historic Ålesund harbor and enjoy the town's Art Nouveau architecture from the unique water-level perspective. We'll enjoy lunch in town and then take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Valldal, your base for the next two nights. Here, you'll be introduced to your e-bikes and get comfortable with their operation. To cap off the day, you'll embark on an introductory ride to a local farm in Linge, where we'll indulge in an artisanal cider tasting and experience the flavors of Valldal's generations-old fruit cultivation tradition. The day concludes with dinner and a restful night at the Valldal Fjordlodge.
E-Biking - 6km
Overnight: Valldal Fjordlodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
E-Bike to Herdalsætra
Today's adventure begins with a quick e-bike ride from Valldal to Linge, followed by a scenic ferry crossing. The journey continues through the village of Eidsdal before ascending a steep gravel road into the mountains. This fascinating route is punctuated by numerous waterfalls, culminating at Herdalsvatnet, a picturesque lake stretching 2 km into the valley. After following the lake, we emerge onto the grassy plains of a wide valley floor. At the head of the valley lies Herdalsætra, a traditional summer farm and UNESCO-protected site of 30 old mountain farmhouses. Here, have a delicious lunch, sample local cheese specialties, and learn about the ancient system of seasonal livestock management and cheese production. The day concludes with an exhilarating ride back to Valldal, followed by dinner at a fjord-side restaurant.
E-Biking 40km with 1100m of elevation
Overnight: Valldal Fjordlodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kayaking Norddalsfjord and Tafjord
After a hearty breakfast, we start an extended day of paddling from Valldal to the hidden gem of the UNESCO-recognized Tafjord. The paddle begins Norddalsfjord before entering the majestic Tafjord itself, a landscape of cascading waterfalls and imposing mountains. Our guide will share local lore and historical tales, providing context to this awe-inspiring day of kayaking. The day includes breaks along the way and a picnic lunch amidst the wild beauty of the fjord. Our adventure concludes in the village of Tafjord, where transport will be waiting to return us to Valldal. This day not only showcases the Tafjord but also offers glimpses of the Geiranger-Herdalen Landscape Conservation Area and views into Reinheimen National Park, underscoring the area's significant national and international value.
Overnight: Valldal Fjordlodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
E-Biking Gerainger and Norangsdalen
Our journey continues as you depart Valldal and cycle to the ferry Eidsdal, where we'll begin an exciting mountain road ride to Geiranger. The Ørnesvingen viewpoint provides an opportunity to capture a perfect photograph of Geiranger's UNESCO World Heritage fjord landscape. We board a ferry for a voyage through Geirangerfjord and some of Norway's most awe-inspiring natural and cultural scenery. Ancient farm hamlets perch precariously on small green patches high up the mountainsides and numerous waterfalls that plummet dramatically into the deep fjord. When we reach Hellesylt, we'll remount our bicycles for the next leg of our ride through a captivating landscape that earned royal approval. Our route takes you through Norangsdalen, aptly nicknamed the Queen's Route. This narrow valley is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Our final descent takes us to our historic Hotel Union Øye accommodations.
E-Biking 55km with 1000m of elevation
Overnight: Hotel Union Øye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kayaking Norangsfjorden and Hjørundfjord, Trandal
Our last paddle of the trip begins mere steps from Hotel Union Øye. We'll set out onto the waters of Norangsfjorden, an arm of the majestic Hjørundfjord. Our trip will cover approximately 13 kilometers through an absolutely stunning fjord landscape. As we paddle the shoreline, we'll be surrounded by towering mountains while making our way to the secluded village of Trandal. This hidden gem, nestled in the heart of Hjørundfjord, is accessible only by boat or kayak, which adds to its air of seclusion and charm. In Trandal, we visit the delightful Christian Gaard Bygdetun, a lovingly restored former farm that offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian rural life. We'll enjoy a relaxing lunch, allowing you to refuel and reflect on your morning's paddle. Our destination in Trandal is the delightful Christian Gaard Bygdetun. This lovingly restored former farm offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian rural life. Here, we'll enjoy a relaxing lunch to refuel and reflect on your morning's paddle. After lunch, there will be time to explore this unique setting before we board a boat for the scenic return journey to our hotel. This evening, we'll enjoy another exquisite meal in the hotel's dining room and enjoy the view of the Sunmøre Alps.
Overnight: Hotel Union Øye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
E-Biking Hjørundfjord
After a final breakfast at the charming Union Øye, we set off on our final ride - a breathtaking 60-kilometer e-bike journey along the stunning Hjørundfjord. The ride takes us through a string of quaint villages nestled along the fjord's edge. The winding road traces the fjord's dramatic contours, often skimming close to the water. At every turn, we're greeted with sweeping panoramas. Our path weaves through verdant meadows bursting with wildflowers, through patches of dense, mysterious forests, and alongside thundering waterfalls. This final leg of your journey is both challenging and rewarding and provides a fitting grand finale to our Norwegian cycling and kayaking odyssey. One last ferry ride takes us to the outskirts of Ålesund, where we are met by wait transport back to the Hotel 1904. This evening's celebratory dinner will be held at a restaurant specializing in modern Norwegian cuisine.
E-Biking 60km with 800m elevation
Overnight: Hotel 1904 Ålesund
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ålesund - Departure
After breakfast in the lovely lounge of the 1904, it's time to say farewell. Transportation to the airport or ferry is easily arranged.
Overnight: NA
Meals: Breakfast
Testimonial
Jo Frey, WA View TripsI had a wonderful time and I’m so glad I decided to go! All three of my kayak excursions with Tofino Expeditions have been more than vacations, they have been life enriching and educational. A joy, thank you!!
National Geographic Award
Tofino Expeditions was the highest rated sea kayaking adventure travel company in a National Geographic Adventure survey of international outfitters based on:
- Quality of Service
- Education
- Sustainability
- Spirit of Adventure