Are Hop-on/Hop-off Busses Worth it in Ålesund?

I’ve been asked this question many times by guests, both during booking inquiries and while on tour, and I also see it come up frequently online. This article is intended to help visitors make an informed decision.

First of all: Hop-on hop-off sightseeing can be a practical option for visitors with very limited time or reduced mobility. It offers an efficient way to move large numbers of people through the city during busy cruise days. Ålesund has seen 594.000 cruise guests in 2025, according to Kystverket, so there is a clear demand for transportation.

From a local perspective, however, this form of sightseeing represents a very specific style of tourism: high-capacity, tightly scheduled and largely disconnected from everyday life in the city. For many visitors, the experience can feel crowded and impersonal.

Visitors who want additional context may also consult publicly available, third-party reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor here and here.

Important update about Mount Aksla

Visitors should also be aware that the hop-on hop-off buses in Ålesund currently do not drive all the way up Mount Aksla. The road leading to the Fjellstua viewpoint is narrow and has been deemed unsuitable for frequent heavy bus traffic, which is why access for large tourist buses has been restricted under regulations introduced in early 2025.

As of January 2026, there has been no publicly available information indicating that this restriction will be lifted in the near future. Despite this, promotional material found online may still show buses at the viewpoint, and at least one operator has, at times, listed Mount Aksla as an official stop on relevant booking platforms. This can create misleading expectations, particularly for visitors who book the tour based on images or descriptions suggesting direct bus access to the viewpoint.

Visitors considering booking based on such material are therefore encouraged to check carefully what is currently included in the service. At present, direct access to Mount Aksla is only possible on foot or via alternative transport options — not by hop-on hop-off bus.

The buses typically stop partway up the mountain, which means that visitors must walk uphill for approximately 15 minutes to reach the popular Aksla viewpoint. For visitors with limited mobility in particular, this is an important consideration, as it differs from what many people expect from this type of sightseeing service.

Why this change matters

The removal of large tourist buses from iconic viewpoints reflects a broader discussion in Norway about how tourism should function in small towns and environmentally sensitive locations. Safety, traffic management, environmental concerns and the overall quality of the visitor experience have become increasingly important factors.

In recent years, Norwegian authorities have taken steps to limit heavy tourist traffic at popular viewpoints, including Mount Aksla above Ålesund. Similar discussions and measures can be seen elsewhere in Norway, such as in the Lofoten Islands, where tourist taxes and tighter rules for camper vans and RVs have been proposed.

Current information status

As of January 2026, there is no indication that the ban on large tourist buses driving up Mount Aksla has been lifted. At the time of writing, no official update suggests that hop-on hop-off buses have resumed direct access to the Fjellstua viewpoint. Instead, visitors must take a walk of approximately 15 minutes up the mountain road, as buses do not go all the way, which creates new issues.

Visitors should therefore be cautious when booking sightseeing services based solely on promotional photos that show buses at the Aksla viewpoint, whether on official websites or on booking platforms such as GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor/Viator. Some images appear to be outdated and may not reflect the current route of the hop-on hop-off service.

This information is shared to help visitors make informed decisions and avoid disappointment when booking sightseeing services.

A slower and more personal alternative

Ålesund is a compact and highly walkable city. Many of its highlights — architecture, history and harbour life — are best experienced on foot. Walking allows visitors to experience the city as a living place rather than a series of photo stops.

For travellers who prefer a calmer pace and real local insight, a guided walking tour offers a more personal way to experience Ålesund — without the feeling of mass tourism.

Recommended links

• Explore Ålesund on foot
  A relaxed walking tour focused on history, architecture and local life.