Uteguiden’s Top 6 Tips for Your West Coast Holiday

Uteguiden’s Top 6 Tips for Your West Coast Holiday

We’ve gathered our six best recommendations for your trip to Norway’s west coast – we hope you’ll find some inspiration here. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to learn more about the areas. Uteguiden runs tours year-round from our bases in Ålesund, Valldal, Stranda, and Åndalsnes.
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Ålesund – The Venice of the North

Ålesund in summer has something for everyone. Rent a SUP, bike, or kayak with us at Uteguiden, hike the nearby mountains, or visit the family-friendly Atlanterhavsparken. Food lovers will enjoy the wide range of restaurants – from Apotekergata No. 5 and XL Dinner to Bro, Anno, and many more. For true adventurers, we recommend heading out to Alnes for surfing – where long, white beaches meet the open Atlantic. Ålesund offers accommodation to suit all budgets, from hostels and campsites to hotels.

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A Fjord Cruise to Geiranger

Start with a swim at the beach in Hellesylt, then board a scenic fjord cruise with The Fjords into Geiranger. Normally packed with international visitors, this summer the ticket price is half the usual – the perfect time to go! In Geiranger, stay comfortably at Hotel Utsikten and dine at Brasserie Posten. Don’t miss Bengt’s famous chocolate boathouse in the village center, where you’ll find locally made chocolates in flavors like brown cheese and aquavit. The area offers many great hikes, and for those who can’t let go of winter – there’s still snow in the mountains for one last ski trip. You can also rent kayaks, SUPs, or bikes with us in Hellesylt, or join one of our guided tours.

Hiking in Hjørundfjorden

Hjørundfjorden is famous for our guided ski touring in winter, but it also offers incredible hikes like Saksa and Slogen. Classic multi-pitch climbing awaits in beautiful Molladalen – perfect for an overnight tent trip. For accommodation in a class of its own, check out Hotel Union Øye, one of our favorite stays and an experience in itself. We also run kayaking tours on the fjord, and if you’re staying at Union, you can rent kayaks directly from the hotel. After your adventure, stop by the cozy Kaihuset café in Urke – you won’t find a better spot.

Cycling Over Trollstigen

We’re big fans of road cycling and last summer launched “The Classic Fjord Tour” – a seven-day road trip starting and ending in Ålesund, with stops in Molde, Angvika, Åndalsnes, Valldal, Geiranger, and Øye. Nico, our cycling specialist, insists that biking over Trollstigen is a must-do. Start in Valldal, ride over Trollstigen down to Åndalsnes for lunch and coffee at Sødahlhuset, then turn back again. For a shorter ride, stop at the Trollstigen plateau viewpoint, or rent an e-bike with us. In a normal summer, Trollstigen is packed with campervans and buses, but this year will see far less traffic – the perfect opportunity!

Valldal – The Adventure Valley

Valldal is our summer jewel. Families looking for adventure will find it all here: rafting, canyoning, climbing, kayaking, and hiking are just some of the options. Or try Valldal Adventure Park – a treetop ropes course for thrill-seekers. Stay at Valldal Fjordhotell or the local campsite, or for something truly unique, check out Juvet Landscape Hotel – world-class architecture in the middle of nature. Many of our guests stay here year-round and always leave happy. And of course, don’t leave Valldal without trying the famous strawberries and strawberry cake!

Loen Skylift & Adventures

Loen has become one of the adventure hubs of the west coast in recent years. Hike to Skåla, Lodalskåpa, or Kattanakken, go kayaking or swimming in Lake Lovatnet, or try one of Norway’s most spectacular Via Ferrata routes. After climbing to the top, simply take the Loen Skylift back down to the fjord. Nearby you’ll also find “Beachen,” a great sport climbing crag. Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury, making Loen a perfect destination for the whole family – even we like to come here on holiday!

At Uteguiden we tailor trips for groups of friends, families, and individuals, and are happy to help you plan your summer adventure.

Best regards,
Oscar – CEO, Uteguiden AS

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