Valldal is one of those valleys that quietly steals the show in Western Norway. Tucked between fjords and high peaks along the famous Route 63, it is a place of green slopes, glacier-carved rock, and a river that runs clear enough to make you want to drink from it. People often pass through on the way to Geiranger or Trollstigen, then realize they should have planned an extra night. I grew up visiting this area every summer, so I know the pull. It is the strawberry stalls, the scent of pine after rain, and the feeling that the mountains are close enough to touch.
If you are wondering whether Valldal is worth a stop, the short answer is yes. It is a perfect base for outdoor adventures with scenery that rivals the busiest fjord icons, without the same level of crowds. You can hike to quiet viewpoints, paddle on still water, walk a wooden path to a thunderous gorge, and end the day with a basket of the sweetest strawberries you will ever taste. If your time is limited, plan at least one full day. With two or three days, you can see the valley properly and add one or two day trips.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Valldal and how to make the most of your visit.
Where Valldal Is and What It Feels Like
Valldal sits along Norddalsfjorden in Møre og Romsdal county. The village itself is small, with a tidy harbor, a river running through, and fields stepping up the valley sides. Mountains rise quickly on all sides, which is the classic recipe for dramatic weather and dramatic views. It is within easy reach of Ålesund, Åndalsnes, Geiranger, and Stranda, which makes it a strategic overnight if you are tracing a loop through the northwest fjords.
The vibe is relaxed. Locals are busy in their gardens and fields, the bakery fills early, and by late morning the road brings in a few cars from the ferry at Linge. In the evening it gets quiet again except for the sound of the river.
Best Time To Visit Valldal
Valldal is in season from late spring through autumn. Trollstigen and the higher mountain roads typically open from late May or early June and close again by October, depending on snowfall. For hikers, July through September offers the most stable trails. If you are coming for fruit, summer is the sweet spot. Strawberry season usually peaks from late June to late July, sometimes into early August, and you will see roadside stands with baskets and jam.
Winter is calm with short days and deep snow on the peaks. You can combine Valldal with alpine skiing at Strandafjellet across the fjord or settle into a cabin with snowshoes. It is a slower rhythm, best if you enjoy quiet rather than ticking off viewpoints.
Getting To Valldal
Most visitors arrive by car. From Ålesund, drive Route 650 and take the ferry at Linge, then continue a few minutes to the village. From Åndalsnes or Geiranger, follow Route 63 over the mountains. That stretch includes Trollstigen to the north and the Eagle Road near Geiranger to the south, both of which can close in winter and spring due to snow or rockfall. If the high route is closed, you can reach Valldal via coastal roads and fjord ferries with a bit of extra time.
Buses operate in summer between Ålesund, Geiranger, and Åndalsnes with stops in Valldal, but the schedules serve day trippers more than spontaneous explorers. Driving gives you flexibility to stop at fruit stalls, trailheads, and viewpoints.
Getting Around The Valley
A car is useful. Distances are short, yet the terrain makes even short hops take longer than they look on the map. Parking is generally easy in the village and at main sights like Gudbrandsjuvet, but be courteous at small trailhead pullouts that serve local farms. If you are traveling by campervan, arrive early to popular lots and respect any posted overnight restrictions. EV drivers will find chargers in the village and near ferry quays, but in summer demand can spike around ferry times.
Top Things To Do In Valldal
Valldal is best done outside. Start simple, then layer in more. Here are the valley highlights that earn a place on most itineraries.
Gudbrandsjuvet
A five minute detour from the main road takes you to Gudbrandsjuvet, a narrow gorge where the Valldøla River blasts through polished rock. Architectural walkways let you look straight down into churning emerald water. After rain, the power is something you feel in your ribs. It is a quick stop, but I always linger. The interplay of water, rock, and light changes by the minute.
Valldal Strawberries
The valley is famous for fruit, and the strawberries are not a gimmick. Warm days, cool nights, and constant mountain water produce berries with concentrated flavor. Look for small wooden stalls along Route 63 and in the village. In season you can also buy raspberries, cherries, and jam. Carry cash or be ready for VIPPS or card, depending on the stall.
River Adventures
The Valldøla is a clean mountain river that feeds everything in this valley. Local outfitters run rafting and canyoning trips that range from scenic family floats to whitewater runs, depending on water levels. Kayak and SUP rentals are available for calmer sections or nearby fjord inlets. Wetsuits are standard. Even in summer, glacier-fed water is cold.
Valldal Aktivitetpark
If you are traveling with children or simply enjoy a dose of play, the local activity park offers zip lines and climbing courses set among the trees. It is the kind of place where kids burn energy and adults rediscover their balance. Bookings help on busy summer days.
Architecture In The Landscape
Design lovers make pilgrimages to the Juvet area for a reason. Contemporary architecture sits lightly in the forest near Gudbrandsjuvet. Even if you do not stay, you can appreciate how wood, glass, and rock are woven together. As a Norwegian, I like that it feels made for the land rather than placed on it.
Hikes I Recommend
You could spend a week collecting summits around Valldal. If you only have a day or two, focus on hikes that balance effort and reward. Always check conditions locally and carry proper footwear, layers, and a map. Summer afternoons can bring fast weather changes in the mountains.
Dalevatnet and Døvingfjellet
A reliable moderate choice above the village. The path climbs through birch forest to open views over Norddalsfjorden and the farms below. On a warm July evening, the light stretches and the water reflects gold. If low cloud hides the higher peaks, this route still gives you that fjord panorama.
Mefjellet
For bigger views, Mefjellet offers a longer day with serious payoff. You get a classic ridge feeling with peaks in all directions. Bring food, water, and time. On clear days you can count layered ranges like waves.
Tafjord Area
Drive deeper along the fjord and you will find trailheads that lead into quieter mountains. The Tafjord mountains are a little less photographed, which is part of their charm. Lakes, granite slabs, and the occasional cabin on a grassy knoll make it feel like a postcard someone forgot to print.
Day Trips From Valldal
One of Valldal’s strengths is its location. You can reach several marquee sights without changing beds.
Trollstigen
The serpentine road of every postcard is about an hour north on Route 63. It is a summer-only drive, and it is spectacular. Go early or late in the day to avoid the peak tour-bus window. If you get a rainy day, do not write it off. Waterfalls multiply, and mist threads the rock towers. Just drive gently and use pullouts.
Geiranger
South along Route 63 you will crest into the Geirangerfjord area. The overlook at Flydalsjuvet is worth the stop even if you do not descend into the village. If you do, consider a short fjord cruise or a kayak tour along the cliffs to feel how the walls close around you.
Åndalsnes
To the north, Åndalsnes has the Romsdalseggen Ridge and the Rampestreken viewpoint, plus a touch of alpine town energy. Combine this with Trollstigen for a full, scenic loop.
Stranda and Hellesylt
Hop across the fjord by ferry and you are in Stranda’s territory. In summer, the gondola runs to a summit restaurant with far views. In winter, this is one of Norway’s favorite ski hills.
Food And Drink In Valldal
Keep it seasonal and local when you can. Start a day with fresh baked goods from the village bakery. For lunch, a simple plate of locally smoked fish or a bowl of soup after hiking hits the spot. In summer, fruit stands carry strawberries and raspberries that taste like sunlight. Try a scoop of strawberry ice cream on the harbor if the day is warm. Many restaurants and cafes will feature local produce in pies, waffles, or salads. Ask what is in season. Norwegians are proud of short food miles, and in a valley like this it is not marketing. It is just how people eat.
Where To Stay
You will find a mix of options that fit different travel styles.
Cabins and holiday homes are a classic choice for families or groups. Cooking for yourself saves money and gives you a place to sit on the porch at night. Small hotels and guesthouses in or near the village work well for short stays if you want breakfast handled. For a different kind of night, the forest-side design hotels in the Juvet area let you wake up with glass walls onto moss and rock. There are also tidy campgrounds with cabins and sites for tents or campervans. In high summer, book ahead for weekends and be flexible about room types.
Practical Tips From A Local
Weather changes fast. Pack a light rain jacket even on sunny days, and bring an extra layer for higher altitudes. Trail surfaces can be slick after rain, so shoes with good grip are better than city sneakers.
Driving is part of the experience. Keep your speed steady, use pullouts to let locals pass, and take breaks at viewpoints rather than stopping in the road. Ferry queues are calm but can be busiest around midday in July and early August. If you are tight on schedule, aim for a morning or late afternoon crossing.
The Right to Roam lets you hike almost anywhere with respect. Close gates behind you, leave no trace, and give livestock their space. If you plan to wild camp, stay at least 150 meters from inhabited houses and only one night at a time unless you have permission. Near farms and in signed areas, use designated sites.
Payment is easy. Cards are widely accepted, but a little cash can be handy for small fruit stalls. Mobile coverage is decent in the valley and patchier deeper in the mountains.
A Simple Two Day Plan
If you have two full days, this rhythm works well.
Day One
Arrive from Ålesund or Åndalsnes. Visit Gudbrandsjuvet to get the pulse of the river, then check into your accommodation. In the afternoon, hike to Dalevatnet or a similar moderate viewpoint above the fjord. End with a slow walk along the harbor and a bowl of something warm.
Day Two
Start early and drive Route 63 toward Trollstigen, stopping at the viewpoints and short walks that appeal. Return for a late lunch and a strawberry stand raid, then book an afternoon rafting trip or kayak session. If your legs still have energy, stroll a local forest path or dip your feet in the river. If the weather is wet, trade plans and head to Geiranger on the day with better visibility.
Why Valldal Sticks With People
I think it is the scale. The valley is intimate enough to feel like a place you can know, yet big enough to keep your eyes busy. It lets you slow down without feeling like you have missed the show. Visit for the headline roads if you like, but let the smaller moments do the persuading. The morning light on a berry field. The sound of water under a wooden bridge. The way the mountains hold the evening. Valldal rewards anyone who gives it a little time.