What to do in Alesund?

[TLCOhio]

WOW. We are really grateful for both Terry and Boeckli. You have to love that this kind of detailed info is quickly available here. We were able to get an tiny Economy car for less then $90 which makes it about the cheapest thing in Norway where even a hamburger can cost $30. Now I need to think about whether we need a more powerful car since we wonder how a 1.3 Liter engine can handle the hills in the region (sounds like a motorcycle engine in a car :) Part of our thinking is that we might want to Geiranger Fjord and take a ferry into the Fjord. With nearly an 11 hour driving day that seems really doable. We are also interested in Terry's Runde Island drive....and then there is also the Troll Highway. So many options...so little time. Now we just have to pray for good weather (it was perfect when we were there last June). Hank

 

THANKS, Hank, for the follow-up comments! As I recall, we didn't have any massive hills or climbs in going south to Runde Island. There were four of us and our car was mid-sized. You've reserved the smaller car, but maybe you'll get a little larger one. You're right, lots of great options and so little time. We'll hope for the best on your weather.

 

Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 35,890 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[melissasimon]

This thread is full of great information -- many thanks to all who have contributed. We will be in Alesund on Friday, August 5 from 8AM to 9PM. We are on the Eurodam. (Hello, CanadaRocks!) After reading all the information here, I'm intrigued with the possibility that CanadaRocks has discovered of going to Geiranger fjord. I have contacted Destination Alesund about the possibility of the tour described below. The time frame works, but the tour is unguided, which concerns me. We are confident travelers who have been all over Europe unescorted, but I worry that on such a tight time frame we might get lost or confused and not make it back. I'd love you guys' opinion about the ease or difficulty of this plan. The tour is from 9:00 until 19:15.

Thanks very much!

Melissa

 

public bus from Ålesund via Sykkylven (reknown for its furniture production), across the mountain to Stranda, beautifully situated by the Storfjorden. The trip goes further on to the tourist village Hellesylt, where the fjord cruise starts. Bus back to Ålesund with ferry via Eidsdal-Linge

[canadarocks]

This thread is full of great information -- many thanks to all who have contributed. We will be in Alesund on Friday, August 5 from 8AM to 9PM. We are on the Eurodam. (Hello, CanadaRocks!) After reading all the information here, I'm intrigued with the possibility that CanadaRocks has discovered of going to Geiranger fjord. I have contacted Destination Alesund about the possibility of the tour described below. The time frame works, but the tour is unguided, which concerns me. We are confident travelers who have been all over Europe unescorted, but I worry that on such a tight time frame we might get lost or confused and not make it back. I'd love you guys' opinion about the ease or difficulty of this plan. The tour is from 9:00 until 19:15.

Thanks very much!

Melissa

 

public bus from Ålesund via Sykkylven (reknown for its furniture production), across the mountain to Stranda, beautifully situated by the Storfjorden. The trip goes further on to the tourist village Hellesylt, where the fjord cruise starts. Bus back to Ålesund with ferry via Eidsdal-Linge

 

Well hello right back at you Melissa! :D So we are on the same cruise (I saw your post on our Roll Call as well).

 

I'm now leaning toward doing the 62Nord cruise of the Hjørundfjord Fjord. It is from 3:00 - 7:00 PM, which would allow us time to tour Alesund beforehand, and the price is a fraction of what HAL is charging for their similar tour.

 

Like you, I'm reluctant to venture so far from the ship on our own without a guide. I think I would be so stressed worrying about timing that I would ruin the trip for my husband and I! :o

[Koz1]

Good to hear, Hank, that you've got your car lined up and that it is not on a Sunday. Plus, having a 9 to 9 day there really gives you lots of nice flexibility. YES, from both the map and the address, it seems that you will be picking up from car from the 7-11 there in Alesund. They have fuel at this location, too. We walked there from the docking area and it was an easy and interesting walk to get there and sample a portion of the town. Great map and details from boeckli.

 

For Ken or Koz1, your timing is tighter. Hopefully, it maybe will ALL work. Maybe not. Much will depend on your weather, how many ships are in port that day, etc. At the 7-11 when picking up our car, they were a little slow and busy at the time. It all worked fine for us, but you need to be flexible. Love so much there in and around Alesund. In most cases, it doesn't get over-run with too many tourists, making it easier to see and experience so much. Lots of good options to consider.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Thanks Terry. We have our car booked with Hertz but I'm going to cancel as their location is at Lerstadveien 517 and according to Google Maps it's 10km from the dock and I'll lose too much time getting to and from their office. With the time we have in port I think it's too risky to travel too far.

I've looked at cars available from Budget and Hertz which are both listed as the Nedre Strandgate 50 location that is 1km from the dock but they all seem to be manual transmission cars and I haven't driven a manual car for about 12 years whereas I had an automatic booked with Hertz.

 

I'm thinking now that we'll just stay around Alesund and walk up to the Aksla viewpoint that day as if we do the Celebrity "Path of the Trolls" tour we won't have time to see any of the town.

 

Ken

[TLCOhio]

Thanks Terry. We have our car booked with Hertz but I'm going to cancel as their location is at Lerstadveien 517 and according to Google Maps it's 10km from the dock and I'll lose too much time getting to and from their office. With the time we have in port I think it's too risky to travel too far. I've looked at cars available from Budget and Hertz which are both listed as the Nedre Strandgate 50 location that is 1km from the dock but they all seem to be manual transmission cars and I haven't driven a manual car for about 12 years whereas I had an automatic booked with Hertz. I'm thinking now that we'll just stay around Alesund and walk up to the Aksla viewpoint that day as if we do the Celebrity "Path of the Trolls" tour we won't have time to see any of the town. Ken

 

Ah, that old manual versus automatic transmission thing!!?? In Europe, it is mostly all manuals. Clearly, getting your car closer in the city would be better. Hertz is probably as the airport. Do you have time to practice your use of a manual transmission before the cruise?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 36,850 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Koz1]

Ah, that old manual versus automatic transmission thing!!?? In Europe, it is mostly all manuals. Clearly, getting your car closer in the city would be better. Hertz is probably as the airport. Do you have time to practice your use of a manual transmission before the cruise?

 

 

 

I have a friend with a manual transmission car so I'll try to organize some time to drive it over the next few weeks and see how I go. Even if I do still rent a car I think it will be too far to go as far as the Trollstigroad, Path of the Trolls with needing to have the car back by 4pm and back at the ship for the 5pm departure but it would still be good to have a car for the day and maybe drive as far as Valldal.

 

Hertz is also at the airport, at Vigra, and that shows on Google Maps as being 18km from the city. When I booked the city location at Lerstadveien 517 I hadn't checked the address on a map as I assumed that it would be close to the main part of the city.

 

Ken

[TLCOhio]

I have a friend with a manual transmission car so I'll try to organize some time to drive it over the next few weeks and see how I go. Even if I do still rent a car I think it will be too far to go as far as the Trollstigroad, Path of the Trolls with needing to have the car back by 4pm and back at the ship for the 5pm departure but it would still be good to have a car for the day and maybe drive as far as Valldal. Hertz is also at the airport, at Vigra, and that shows on Google Maps as being 18km from the city. When I booked the city location at Lerstadveien 517 I hadn't checked the address on a map as I assumed that it would be close to the main part of the city. Ken

 

Good luck, Ken, in those efforts. Lots of options in and around Alesund. It's a wonderful area. Very beautiful.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 36,880 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[rubens]

Can someone clarify if there is public transport available to Aksla viewpoint or do we have to walk all these stairs ;)

[KirkNC]

The only transportation I am aware of would be a cab. We plan on walking it.

 

Hank,

 

The 1.3 liter is the same size as a Prius I believe so it will get you up the hills but you might have to stand on it. Good news is it should be good on gas, I can only imagine what that costs in Norway :D.

 

Kirk

[Hlitner]

The only transportation I am aware of would be a cab. We plan on walking it.

 

Hank,

 

The 1.3 liter is the same size as a Prius I believe so it will get you up the hills but you might have to stand on it. Good news is it should be good on gas, I can only imagine what that costs in Norway :D.

 

Kirk

 

Hmmmm. Guess I will have to suggest to DW that she be the offical pusher. Time to get in traiing :)

[TLCOhio]

Can someone clarify if there is public transport available to Aksla viewpoint or do we have to walk all these stairs ;)

 

As I re-call during our planning and being there, I don't think there is a public bus going up there. You could get a cab, maybe, or walk. Or, like us, if you have a rental car. Or, use a ship's tour that will get you up there to the top. Is it worth the effort? We enjoyed this scenic place and the great views from up there.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 36,990 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[boeckli]

Can someone clarify if there is public transport available to Aksla viewpoint or do we have to walk all these stairs ;)

 

The fun alternative to climbing the stairs is taking the little train (Bytoget) - details here

 

with nice views as it climbs up the mountain ...

 

 

then at the top you will be treated to this ...

 

 

[canadarocks]

Does the train have a stop at the cruise ship terminal?

How long does a full circuit on the train take?

[boeckli]

Does the train have a stop at the cruise ship terminal?

How long does a full circuit on the train take?

 

We joined the train tour at the designated place (see map) which is approx. 500m from where the ship docks. I think the train was at the dock earlier that morning but quite likely to pick up pax on a ship's excursion. The full circuit took approx. 1 hour (I just looked at the timings on my photos)

If you want to be sure, just send an email to the train company (include the date you will be in port) - I did last year and they were quite prompt with a reply.

 

[canadarocks]

Thanks so much boeckli! :)

[marazul]

canadarocks-

the Bytoget website says they have extra trains when there is a ship in town. It also seems to imply that they are at thedock, but it's not clear.

Let us know what they say.

marazul

[melissasimon]

Thanks to all for your great suggestions on how best to spend our day in Alesund. We will be in port from 8AM until 9PM, arriving on the HAL Eurodam on August 5, 2011. Since Alesund is the the northernmost stop that our ship makes in Norway, I really want to make the most of our day.

 

After exploring several tour options, I've come back around to the idea of renting a car and following the itinerary that Imyren suggested. Putting the itinerary into Google maps, it looks like this:

 

Alesund to Sykkylven: 29 km, 52 minutes --includes a ferry ride

Sykkylven to Hellesylt: 58 km, 57 minutes

Hellesylt to Geirangerfjord: 13 km, 33 minutes -- includes ferry

Geirangerfjord to Alesund: 116 km, 2 hours, 12 minutes

 

Total time: 4 hours, 33 minutes.

 

This itinerary unfortunately does not include the drive out to Andalsnes. (If the drive has gone perfectly up to that point we could always add it.) With 13 hours in port, we must allow time for picking up and returning the rental car, stops to admire the view, hopefully a lunch stop, and some wiggle room for getting confused or lost. Also -- and this is a big question -- how often do the ferries run? A lengthy wait for a ferry could wreck our schedule.

 

The great reward here is to get out into the gorgeous countryside and to spend a bit of time on the Geirangerfjord. Assuming that we hustle to get off the ship and get going, do you think that, barring disaster, this plan will work? Thanks so much once again for your advice!

Edited April 14, 2011 by melissasimon

[I-Cruiser]

Thanks to all for your great suggestions on how best to spend our day in Alesund. We will be in port from 8AM until 9PM, arriving on the HAL Eurodam on August 5, 2011. Since Alesund is the the northernmost stop that our ship makes in Norway, I really want to make the most of our day.

 

After exploring several tour options, I've come back around to the idea of renting a car and following the itinerary that Imyren suggested. Putting the itinerary into Google maps, it looks like this:

 

Alesund to Sykkylven: 29 km, 52 minutes --includes a ferry ride

Sykkylven to Hellesylt: 58 km, 57 minutes

Hellesylt to Geirangerfjord: 13 km, 33 minutes -- includes ferry The ferry is aprox 1 hour from Hellesylt to Geiranger

Geirangerfjord to Alesund: 116 km, 2 hours, 12 minutes - you can do it in 1.5 hours but then you have to step on the gas:)

Total time: 4 hours, 33 minutes.

 

This itinerary unfortunately does not include the drive out to Andalsnes. (If the drive has gone perfectly up to that point we could always add it.) With 13 hours in port, we must allow time for picking up and returning the rental car, stops to admire the view, hopefully a lunch stop, and some wiggle room for getting confused or lost. Also -- and this is a big question -- how often do the ferries run? A lengthy wait for a ferry could wreck our schedule.

 

The great reward here is to get out into the gorgeous countryside and to spend a bit of time on the Geirangerfjord. Assuming that we hustle to get off the ship and get going, do you think that, barring disaster, this plan will work? Thanks so much once again for your advice!

 

ferry schedules

 

Magerholm (ålesund)-Sykkylven:

 

http://www.177mr.no/public_files/docs/Ferge-Hb2010-11/Magerholm-Sykkylven.pdf

 

time over 15 minutes

 

Hellesylt - Geiranger:

 

http://www.fjord1.no/filesystem/2009/11/rute_18_geiranger_hellesylt__2010_a4_l_1654.pdf

Edited April 14, 2011 by lmyren

[sansterre]

FYI: 62Nord do not begin their tours until June 23rd.

HAL Prinsendam is in Alesund on June 15th.

The train sounds great - their tours begin June 11th.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

Edited April 14, 2011 by sansterre

[melissasimon]

Thanks for the ferry schedules, Imyren! I think we're going to go for it. When I looked at the route on Google maps and clicked street view at various points along the way, every one looked like a picture post card. We can't wait to see for ourselves! Thanks for suggesting this itinerary.

[I-Cruiser]

Thanks for the ferry schedules, Imyren! I think we're going to go for it. When I looked at the route on Google maps and clicked street view at various points along the way, every one looked like a picture post card. We can't wait to see for ourselves! Thanks for suggesting this itinerary.

 

Anytime:)

This is truly a stunning part of the world. After 15 years abroad I love being back in Norway.

[marazul]

lmyren-

our cruise is offering an excursion to Giske and Godoey. What do you think?

We are also considering an independent excursion to Runde. Which would you choose? We are in port from 8:00 to 17:00 so we will have time to walk around the town after either excursion.

The cruise visits Geirangerfjord at another stop.

Thanks.

[I-Cruiser]

lmyren-

our cruise is offering an excursion to Giske and Godoey. What do you think?

We are also considering an independent excursion to Runde. Which would you choose? We are in port from 8:00 to 17:00 so we will have time to walk around the town after either excursion.

The cruise visits Geirangerfjord at another stop.

Thanks.

 

I would go for Runde...the drive there is more dramatic and the mountain with the birds are more interesting.....

Giske and Godoy is .....just 2 flat islands...:D...its where the airport is ....I am surprised your cruise line has tours to Giske/Godoy:)

[marazul]

I would go for Runde...the drive there is more dramatic and the mountain with the birds are more interesting.....

Giske and Godoy is .....just 2 flat islands...:D...its where the airport is ....I am surprised your cruise line has tours to Giske/Godoy:)

 

Thank you! That makes our decision to go to Runde. I am actually looking at a boat trip out there.

BTW - the Giske/Godoy excursion takes 4 hours!

Thanks again.

[Honorine]

My ship is offering Giske and Godoey with following description:

 

"The community of Giske consists of several islands, two of which you visit: Giske Island and Godoey Island. Today, the islands' inhabitants have a ferry-free connection with the town of Aalesund and the mainland. Giske is known as the Saga Island for the Viking Chieftain Rollo, who was born here. To reach the islands, drive via bridges and undersea-tunnels, the longest about 2.5 miles long. On the fairly flat and fertile Giske Island, there have been settlements since the early Bronze Age. Visit Giske Church dating back to 1150, originally a chapel belonging to the mighty Giske family.

 

Continue to Godoey Island and the small fishing village of Alnes, facing the Atlantic Ocean, where you visit its interesting lighthouse. On clear days, visitors are afforded a fantastic view of the ocean and surrounding islands."