Drive from Alesund to Geiranger

Why not stay on board as these ships enter the fjord?

The Hurtigruten cruise does not go into the fjords until June or late May so I have to plan the excursion on my own..

I have zero experience in that area (or driving in Europe for that matter), but ViaMichelin suggests that it's possible. Note that Option 1 is the only one of the three that doesn't involve getting on a boat, so if you would like to take a different route back to Alesund, you'll need to check on the schedule for that ferry traveling west from Geiranger and also be sure your car-rental agency doesn't forbid putting its car on the ferry.

ViaMichelin is a very cool website. I will check it out for sure. Thank you for the link!

I don't think there will be restrictions with taking the car on the ferries else this will really restrict the renter. When I rented (Hertz) and drove in this area about 4 years ago, I took the car on a lot of ferries - most were short 5-10 min ones but I also took the ferry from Hellesylt to Gieranger.

1. I haven't done the drive myself but I can't see why it shouldn't be doable. But it will take the better part of the day, make sure you have enough time. Driving in Norway takes time, the roads are narrow and winding. And don't forget to leave time to wait for the ferry on the return trip.
2. It's a paved road, so why shouldn't it be able to make it?

In May the roads may not be open due to snow fall.

Thank you for the great info!!
Do you know if there is a website, preferably English, where I can check road closure in the area? Google maps seems to indicate the road is open all the time...

As far as I know, the road between Ålesund and Geiranger is not subject to winter closure. But the road south of Ålesund is closed in the winter. You can see the status of the mountain passes here: https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikkinformasjon/reiseinformasjon/fjelloverganger/ Vinterstengt = closed for the winter. Nattestengt = closed night time. Kolonnekjøring = convoy driving.

Hi,

We did it! The drive was a breeze. Geiranger was spectacular this time of the year (a few waterfalls were still frozen) with few tourists!!
Thank you all for the great suggestions.

Jill

Thanks for bringing us the update. That was very helpful! Sounds like it was a fun trip.