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16 Things to Do in Ålesund, Norway – The Most Beautiful Fjord City

May 17, 2023 by Silvia 48 Comments

Did I ever mention that I strongly considered moving to Ålesund, Norway before moving to Trondheim ? It’s one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, there are so many things to do in Ålesund, and it’s the perfect base from which to explore the Norwegian fjords and mountains. Um, perfect much?

In fact, one of the coolest things about Ålesund is how proud the locals are of it. Ask anyone there how they feel about living in Ålesund (and since I was considering moving there I asked everyone!) and they will go on and on about how it’s not only Norway’s most beautiful city but the most beautiful city in the world.

And while the latter might be an exaggeration, I can confirm that Ålesund is by far the most beautiful city I’ve visited during my many years living in Norway. Plus it’s nearby some of Norway’s most spectacular nature, including Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen as well as Hjørundfjord , so it makes the perfect base from which to explore the country.

I would recommend flying straight into Ålesund ( you can find cheap flights to Ålesund here ), booking a hotel directly in Ålesund ( compare hotels here ) and then renting a car to explore the surrounding area as well (I use AutoEurope for car rentals in Norway). Because while there are loads of things to do in Ålesund that will take up several days (2-3 days there would be ideal), there’s also so much to do in the surrounding area.

While visiting Ålesund, Norway, be sure to also visit:

Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord  // probably two of Norway’s most famous (and stunning!) sites. Read more here .

Hjørundfjord  // arguably the most beautiful fjord in all of Norway. Read more here . 

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen  // this is the most beautiful road trip I’ve done in Norway, and most people don’t even know about it! Read more here .

Atlantic Ocean Road // if you want to head a bit farther north, you could visit Molde , Kristiansund , and Norway’s most famous road, the Atlantic Ocean Road

Or if you want to see more of Norway, a visit to Ålesund is included in a couple of my one week Norway itineraries .

You could also drive from Ålesund to Bergen , which will take you through some of Norway’s most epic fjords and mountains. 

Norway Travel Guides!  I’ve gathered all my best advice for planning an incredible trip through Southern and Northern Norway in two 95-page ebooks covering my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and how to plan the perfect itinerary.

You can  purchase the Norway Travel Guides here .

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Ålesund, Norway

Walk through downtown ålesund’s art nouveau district.

Ålesund is built on a row of islands extending out into the ocean, but it’s most famous for its beautiful architecture, which is certainly something that not many (any?) Norwegian cities can say. You see, after a fire destroyed the city in 1904 it was rebuilt in vibrant Art Nouveau.

And that’s what’s really wonderful about Ålesund – I had seen pictures of the center before, but I always assumed it just had a few beautiful Art Nouveau buildings here and there. But because the entire city had to be rebuilt, it really is  all Art Nouveau. I felt like I was wandering through the streets of some Central European city, not a Norwegian one (in a good way).

If you want something more guided, check out this walking tour .

Walk up to Fjellstua for a view over Ålesund

Ålesund is incredibly walkable, as the downtown isn’t too large, and the famous viewpoint over the city, Fjellstua, is just a 418 step walk up from the city park. Okay, maybe 418 steps are sort of a lot, but it’s definitely worth it for the best view over Ålesund!

If you’re planning to do a tour of, the Fjellstua viewpoint is included in this one .

Sample local Ålesund delicacies

Ålesund is also home to Norway’s most important fishing harbour! So, of course, you need to eat some fish while you’re there. Plus there is nothing better than a hot bowl of fish soup on a rainy day. If the weather is better then you could sit outside with some fresh fish and chips and enjoy the views out over the harbour.

Also, eat the pizza

And this is totally random, but I also ate the best pizza I have ever had in Norway here. It was at a little pizza/kebab place in the center square, which I unhelpfully can’t remember the name of, but if you go to the center you’ll see it. Because you don’t need to eat fish  all the time while in Ålesund (though maybe don’t tell any locals that I told you to eat pizza!).

Visit Ålesund’s record shops

If you’re a music fan you are in luck, as Ålesund has several great record shops.

The first one I went to was Jukebox , right in the town center. It’s one of those super cool shops where the staff wear suits and while I browse through records I try to pause on ones that I know are considered cool in the hopes that no one notices that I’m actually not even a tiny bit cool.

But the next shop, Serie Antikvariatet , was much more relaxed. I chatted with the guy running it (who thought I was Danish! ha) and browsed through piles and piles of records, vintage magazines, and movie stills. And I left confident that when I move to Ålesund I’ll be visiting this store often. Because yes, after hanging out here I once again really wanted to move to Ålesund.

Visit Atlantic Sea Park

Ålesund’s aquarium is quite famous in Norway – and for good reason. Here you’ll find penguins, otters, and all sorts of other sea creatures. This one is especially good for families, or if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day.

Visit the Ålesund Museum

I’m not a big museum person, but the lifeboat display here was really cool! The museum offers a really comprehensive way of learning more about Ålesund’s history and culture.

Listen to the Mark Kozelek song

Okay, you don’t  have  to listen to Ålesund while in Ålesund, but it is pretty cool to listen to the song while you’re actually there!

Drive out to the Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy

If you have a car and want to go somewhere peaceful nearby the city, you can drive out to the Alnes Lighthouse on the island of Godøyfor some pretty views. The lighthouse is about 30 minutes from the city. It’s really quiet out there as there isn’t much there besides the lighthouse, so it makes for a very peaceful escape. Plus if you visit in the summer you might see some surfers in the bay!

If you wind up not renting a car, you a visit to the Alnes Lighthouse is included on this shore excursion tour .

Stop in the Ålesund Church

Even if you’re not religious, the Ålesund Church is worth a peek inside. The stained glass windows are beautiful and the church gives you a bit of a sense of what life was like for locals in Ålesund in the last century. It’s a lovely little spot, and I think they only ask for 3 kroners to come in and see it.

Hike up Slogen

This isn’t an easy hike by any means, but if you want a challenge and some beautiful mountain views near Ålesund then Slogen is perfect! You can see the Sunnmøre Alps from Slogen and there are some dramatic drops into the see (so don’t lose your balance!)

  Epic. Slogen, Norway. #travelnoire #slogen #norway 📷: @andreasebbesen A post shared by Travel Noire (@travelnoire) on Feb 11, 2017 at 10:33am PST

Take a trip out to Hjørundfjord

Ålesund is near some amazing mountains and fjords, with one of the closest being Hjørundfjord. Hjørundfjord is surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, which are some of the prettiest peaks I’ve seen in Norway, making it extra special. You can drive here from Ålesund, but if you want an even more beautiful experience then take the boat! You can book your boat trip here

The boat trip to from Ålesund to Hjørundfjord takes 4 and a half hours and includes lunch at the famous Hotel Union Øye, which I’ve written about before.

The hotel was built in 1891 and is often referred to as the most beautiful hotel in Norway – most Norwegians know of it, even if they aren’t lucky enough to have stayed there. I stayed here in spring 2020 and loved it. You could also combine your boat trip with a night at the hotel if you want to get the full experience. Check current rates and availability at Hotel Union Øye here

You can also check out this kayaking tour through Hjørundfjord .

Go kayaking around Ålesund

Instead of walking, explore Ålesund via kayak. You could do either an architecture-themed tour around the city or go out to an archipelago near the island of Ellingsøya on this tour .

Take advantage of Ålesund’s hop-on, hop-off bus.

The 24-hour bus goes around to a few major sites: Sunmore Museum, Aksla Viewpoint, Parken Culture Centre, the Art Nouveau city centre, Alesund Church, and the Norwegian Aquarium. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive one day, it might be the most convenient way of getting around.  Check here for more details

Go night ski touring in the Sunnmøre Alps

Why go skiing during the day when you can use a headlamp and explore the Alps at night? Check here for more on this unique tour

Go for a sea kayaking and hiking adventure

Kayak from Ålesund through Brosundet and across Aspevågen. Then once you get to the island of Hessa, you can hike up Mount Sukkertoppen and see views of the ocean, the Sunnmøre Alps, and Ålesund.

The Best Ålesund Hotels and Accommodation

Luxury ålesund hotels.

  • Hotel 1904  is Ålesund’s oldest hotel, located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building downtown. This is such a lovely boutique hotel with a lot of character and history, while still having all the modern luxuries you want. Check here for current rates and more details
  • Hotel Brosundet  is in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau warehouse, with views out over the water. I love the decor here, with wooden beams in the rooms and creaky old wooden floors, but also how it still feels super modern, with gorgeous new bathrooms. Check here for current room rates and more details
  • Scandic Ålesund  is also directly on the waterfront and has huge, spacious, modern rooms, many with sea views. The location is perfect – right downtown – with beautiful views, but the coolest thing about this hotel might just be the restaurant, with it’s amazing panoramic views. Check here for more details and current rates

Mid-Range Ålesund Hotels

  • First Hotel Atlantica is a four-star hotel in right on the canal in downtown Ålesund, but it offers surprisingly affordable mid-range hotel rates. The breakfast is amazing here and the staff are incredibly friendly. Check current rates here
  • Scandic Scandinavie is located in an old Art Nouveau building from 1905, but its rooms are spacious and modern. Just a few minutes from Ålesund museum, this is a lovely location within easy walking distance of all of Ålesund’s main sites. Check current rates here

Budget Accommodation in Ålesund

  • The first time I visited Ålesund, I stayed at this apartment , which was as cheap as a hostel, plus it had a kitchen so I didn’t have to pay for eating out (one of the biggest expenses when traveling in Norway).
  • Alesund Hostel offers dorm accommodation downtown. Click here to see current rates and availability

What to pack for visiting Ålesund, Trollstigen, and Geiranger

To my great joy, after a very rainy week on Norway’s coast, the weather forecast predicted clear skies for my entire stay in Ålesund! Except that apparently in Ålesund clear skies really means “clear skies,” or actually just pouring rain. All the better, as that meant we’d get to experience what Ålesund is really like, since apparently sunny days there are quite rare.

The lesson? Bring appropriate clothing with you!

You can find my packing list for summer in Norway here , and winter in Norway here .

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September 23, 2016 at 12:23 pm

Maybe you should move to Tromsø 🙂 I’ve been living here now for 4 months and I love it! There’s is so much going on in the city, but you’re still really close to the mountains and there is so so much to explore withing an hours drive. Best of both worlds 🙂

Silvia says

September 27, 2016 at 1:58 pm

We actually talked about moving to Tromsø! It’s great to hear that you love it so much. I think now though we’re really considering just staying in Rauland forever, ha. It’s not the most convenient though, so I guess we’ll see what happens.

Amanda says

January 9, 2021 at 11:59 pm

I came to this page after a FB post directing me to google my initials as an airport code. Looks beautiful and I guess I have a new place on bucket list when world returns to “normal”.

September 23, 2016 at 3:11 pm

AAA… I was in the same old books store. The guy looks like G. Marcin whos hiding to write secretly his book?! With lots of comic books there? What you describe as adventages it did not impreza me at all…maybe becaue we travelled from the far north and maybe because we saw the aiport (tiny…with cheap connection to polish Gdansk and Vilnus… And..well.. no much more than that). And the city is spread between the islands. I kept wondering how they did they organised the public transport? Although pretty… I felt this is a village and I would prefer to live in some more lively city… But…in the end… Im not living in Norway. Some people like it there i guess :). They have a Runde island not far away. And that was a magnificent place!!!

September 27, 2016 at 2:00 pm

Haha that’s awesome! And yeah, I thought they would be advantages, but it turned out to be much smaller and quieter than I had hoped. Though the surrounding area was quite beautiful!

Katie @ the tea break project says

September 23, 2016 at 5:51 pm

What a beautiful placee! I’d never even heard of it till I saw it on your blog, so thanks for introducing me to it 🙂 I know what you mean, it’s always hard deciding where to live. I’m a country girl, but I also get frustrated with the lack of people / things happening / transport links etc. But then, I know if I moved to a city I’d get frustrated with the lack of mountains and outdoor spaces, and the constant presence of people everywhere I went… Good luck deciding though!

September 27, 2016 at 2:07 pm

Yes, that’s me exactly! I totally want both worlds, haha. I think now I’m leaning towards staying in the countryside, but it honestly does always change for me.

Van @ Snow in Tromso says

September 23, 2016 at 10:02 pm

Ahh I’m not sure about the weather in Ålesund but your pictures sure make the place look so koselig!! Definitely on my bucket list and I’ve heard you can see puffins nearby? What more reason do you need? 😉

September 27, 2016 at 2:08 pm

Yeah, Dan had originally wanted to move to Ålesund instead of Trondheim, but I vetoed it based on the weather. So when it rained our entire time there I realized that might have been a wise choice. Then again, puffins! ahhh

Choo k k says

February 13, 2022 at 12:43 pm

Hi , I have intended to do a self drive to those beautiful places mentioned . Are the petrol stations manned or unmanned and do they accept cash? If not , can we buy a pre paid card ?

Danielle says

September 24, 2016 at 2:26 pm

You’ve convinced me – sounds (and looks!) perfect! 😉

September 27, 2016 at 2:15 pm

Yess you should go!

Michelle says

September 25, 2016 at 3:35 am

We’re heading to Norway at the end of the year, and now I totally want to add Ålesund to our list! Is it very difficult to get to?

September 27, 2016 at 2:16 pm

If you’re going to be in Trondheim or Bergen it’s not too far if you rent a car, otherwise you can look at domestic flights, since they have an airport! Lately it’s been my #1 recommendation for people who ask me for advice about where to go in Norway, especially since the surrounding nature is so beautiful.

Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says

September 25, 2016 at 10:41 am

go on, move there!:) it looks really beautiful!

Yosemite says

September 26, 2016 at 2:13 am

HAHAH the snowflakes are a reference to me though right. RIGHT?!! I HOPE YOU STILL HAVE THEM because I think I forgot how to crochet

Victoria @The British Berliner says

September 27, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Alesund looks very, very picturesque! And if it’s Art Deco come to life, yes please! I’m thinking all of Norway looks like a dream, but where to wake up seems to be your dilemma!

I look forward to the adventure!

September 28, 2016 at 11:07 am

It’s not the worst dilemma to have, I guess!

Richelle says

September 29, 2016 at 5:45 am

“YOU’RE MY FAVORITE PERSON EVER LET’S ALWAYS BE FRIENDS HERE ARE SOME WEIRDLY INTRICATE SNOWFLAKES I CROCHETED FOR YOU.” hahahaha oh my god… you basically just described me too. Can I come visit you in Alesund next year? I’ll bring you Chinese paper cuttings.

Miroslav says

October 3, 2016 at 8:12 pm

I cannot give you some advice about Alesund or Trondheim or smth. like that. I wish you to find you way soon! But the picture are really precious to me! So, thank you that you showed them here!

October 11, 2016 at 8:31 pm

Thanks, I will have to figure it out on my own!

October 30, 2016 at 6:14 pm

Hello, I am an Australian who recently moved to Ålesund with my Norwegian husband. We had 3 weeks in a row of sunshine this Autumn so the weather is not as bad as I was expecting. It is a beautiful city to live in =)

santi rukminingtyas says

July 4, 2018 at 1:37 pm

What will the weather be like on September? I am coming from a tropical country and cold weather is not my favorite. Would you please advise about the weather, can I pack my winter gear?

Thanks a lot!

July 9, 2018 at 11:09 am

https://www.yr.no/

Jessica says

July 16, 2018 at 10:19 pm

Hello! Your posts are very informative and helpful. My partner will be in Trondheim for a work trip next month, and I am planning to visit him for a weekend. I’ll be flying in and out of Oslo (it has best flights coming from Washington DC). I have maybe 48 spare hours after the weekend in Trondheim before I need to be back in Oslo, and I am trying to decide whether my time is better served with 1) a quick flight to Bergen or 2) a scenic train ride down to Andalses, with bus to Alesund, and spending a night there. I do not want to rent a car (prices are extremely high and I’m not the best at navigation). Either way, I don’t think I’ll have time for an intensive fjord excursion (unfortunately)! But I would consider any nearby hikes or quicker boat trips in those areas. Would you recommend I go to either Bergen or Alesund area?? I’m sure either would be great, I just can’t decide!

August 14, 2018 at 1:41 pm

We’re in Alesund now, it’s a stop on our honeymoon cruise. Thanks for the heads up about the pizza place – it was awesome. The name is Centrum Pizzeria and Kebab and is totally random but very good pizza.

Scott Stelpflug says

September 13, 2018 at 6:09 am

Hey- awesome blog! Thank you so much for helping us all out 🙂

So, my question:

I’m flying into Copenhagen May 1, 2019 and have to return from Copenhagen May 8… I only plan to spend like 2 days there and then plan to book a flight to either Bergen or Alesund, and I plan to rent a car at either city when I get there. Because I only have 4 days I don’t want to spend the entire time compacted trying to cover everything- I more plan on setting a base and driving to various day trips.

Main things I want to do: – see Norway’s natural beauty- at least one beautiful hike (would go to Pulpit rock if in Bergen, would do Slogen if in Alesund, but I am open to suggestions!) -Kayak a Fjord -road trip the countryside -experience the culture and food of a coastal Nordic City (Bergen or Alesund)

Questions: which would be better given the weather in early May, and given what I want to do? Will Alesund’s surrounding areas such as Geirengerdjord and Trollstigen be unnaccessible this time of year? I’m leaning towards Alesund given your “Stay in One Place” blog but am unsure of weather.

September 14, 2018 at 11:58 am

You’re right, the weather will be unpredictable and you probably won’t be able to drive up to Trollstigen, but I would still choose Alesund because I like the city more and the surrounding nature is so spectacular. But Bergen is also a great choice! If you like big cities, go for Bergen, and if you like quieter cities/towns and countryside, choose Alesund.

November 19, 2018 at 1:53 pm

Great blog! Tons of great information! I have visited Norge on September 2018, I saw Oslo, Bergen, Flåm, Ålesund, Geiranger, Trollstigen, Trondheim, Jutenheimen, Bodø, All of Lofoten, and all the lands in between… best trip of my life with no doubt! I am currently going through the process of moving to Norge, And I am in debate on whether Bergen would be the better choice for its relatively medium size (I live in a city with 8 million inhabitants) and the cultural diversity.. and the beautiful surrounding mountains/hills; or whether Ålesund would be the better choice for its uniquely built on seven islands and the nature in sonmøre is truly mesmerizing! My visit to those two cities was a short one.. not enough to draw a full picture about daily life there.. so, how was it like in Ålesund, how is the traffic, shops, night life, cultural diversity, police, weather, and most importantly the people?

Natalie says

January 28, 2019 at 4:06 am

Hi! Thank you So very much for this amazing blog! It has really been extremely helpful. I am planning my first solo travel and I have chosen to go to Norway! I’m nervous being a woman traveling alone but also extremely excited and can’t wait to explore. Would you still recommend Ålesund as your top area to visit if you only have about a week in Norway? I don’t want to be traveling super far distances every day, but would love to trek out and see nature and the fjords and culture. I am planning on flying into Bergen. Is it pretty accessible to then get to Ålesund? I would love to do the famous From railway too but I’m not sure if I’ll have time coming from Ålesund or if it’s worth it. Thank you!

Cynthia van de Putte says

February 2, 2019 at 6:16 pm

Hi great blog! We are planning a 10-day roundtrip in April/May this year with our teenage sons (15 and 12 yrs): Trondheim-Molde-Alesund-Oppdal-Trondheim. Any budget-friendly and must-see/go tips in this area? Will check out your blog posts and wonderful pics thoroughly, and make a list of places-to-visit. What about food and affordable restaurants? Greetz from the Netherlands

Shubhi Tyagi says

February 27, 2019 at 11:12 pm

Thanks for all the great pointers ! I am planning to visit Alesund (especially Geiranger Fjord) this April (Easter break) for 4-5 days. I was wondering if that could work. I wish to experience the raw beauty of the region by hiking, kayaking etc. Will these activities be possible during that time ? Or will I be restricted to the city area only ? I wished to explore the region when its not crowded with tourist hence the preference for April 🙂

February 28, 2019 at 1:25 pm

That’s a great time to visit Norway and you should be able to do all those activities, especially if you rent a car. Just be aware that Easter is a huge holiday in Norway so you should book your accommodation and car rental as soon as possible.

Olivia says

March 12, 2019 at 8:20 pm

Hi! thanks for all the info you shared with us! I always wonder, how is the drive in Norway? I saw on the map that some roads are totally curvy, esp those that goes up the mountain like the trolls ladder. I will be coming for California, and our roads here are pretty much straight and I am pretty sensitive with motion sickness 😂😂. Thank you so much!

March 14, 2019 at 3:18 pm

Oh yes, most of the roads are very curvy. I also suffer from motion sickness and used to get sick on pretty much every drive. Now I use sea bands and they help SO much. Definitely get some if you haven’t tried them (you can find them on Amazon, and they have them at most pharmacies in Norway).

Rachel says

July 8, 2019 at 10:47 am

Love your blog but … Ålesund can be seen in entirety in a day. We’re here in July, the only people around are tourists, 90% of restaurants are shut and shops too. It’s a very boring town.

January 14, 2020 at 2:53 am

My family and I are planning 9 days in the area. I was hoping we could stay in the one place and do day trips (we will be hiring a car). Is there a particular area that you think would work for this sort of holiday? I was thinking maybe an Airbnb around Sykkylven

February 4, 2020 at 2:48 am

Have booked a lovely looking Airbnb in Orsta for late June this year.

June 21, 2020 at 7:52 pm

Im so glad I came across your blog! You have me sold on Ålesund! A group of four of us are planning a trip to the Scandinavian countries in September of 2021. We are a ways out, but I like to start my planning ahead of time! Would it be possible to do a day trip from Ålesund to a fjord and back? Would you recommend ferry or rental car? Do these ferries still run in September? If so, could you send a link to a trustworthy place to book a day trip ferry ride?

Thank you so much!!

June 23, 2020 at 5:18 pm

Personally I prefer seeing the fjords by car as you can stop and take photos wherever you want, and I feel like they look most dramatic from land, looking at the water. But if you prefer to be out on a boat there are boat trips from Ålesund as well. This is the boat trip I recommend: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/hjorundfjord-cruise

Henriette Kvalsvik Hatløy says

October 29, 2020 at 9:45 am

The ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger is running between April 1st and Oktober 31st, usually – this year the season first started June 12th, due to the pandemic. But it is possible to drive: Ålesund – Sulesund (ferry) Hareid – Ulsteinvik – Volda – Grodås – Stryn – Up the mountain (choose between the old mountain road or a tunell. Old mountain ends up in Grotli, and you’ll need to go towards Stryn again, but take off before the tunell down to Geiranger) – I RECOMEND: Take time and go to Dalsnibba View Point, before going down to Geiranger – Geiranger – Eidsdal (ferry) Linge – Valldal (TASTE THE VERY BEST STRAWBERRIES IN THE WORLD). Look for the S in the mountain side, it’s the proof of a Norwegian Lock-ness monster that attaced the the royal ship Visund in year 1029. But King Olav Haraldsson (Saint Olav) grabed the monster by its tail, and throu it in the montainside. – Take road 62 – Stop at Gudbrandsjuvet, feel the power of the nature – continue on road 62 and expirience Trollstigen – Åndalsnes – And back to Ålesund.

Tim Neeble says

October 19, 2020 at 12:56 pm

What an incredible place! We were planing to visit Norway later this year, but unfortunately bcoz of pandemic we have to cancel all our plan, but it’s definitely on my Norway bucket list – as is puffin watching! So great that you got to see them! 🙂

Lin Saberski says

May 19, 2022 at 11:03 pm

So helpful! But I am getting overwhelmed. We are booked in Alesund July 5 and July 9. We don’t arrive on the 5th until evening. And we leave super early flying to Bergen on the 10th. We have reservations in Norddal and in Trandal and at the Hotel Union Oye for the 3 nights in between. Alesund nights can’t be cancelled. Others can. Can you give us some guidance on how to do this? Thinking maybe another night in Alesund and cancel Nordall? Any and all help much appreciated!! Lin Saberski

May 30, 2022 at 9:42 am

Hi I will arrive Alesund at August 23rd with MSC Magnifica 10am. Need a nature excursion for 3-4 hours in the area. for 2 adult 2 teens. Does any reliable local company with good guide you can recommend? Thanks AVI

Stamatis says

August 16, 2022 at 8:49 pm

I’m in Alesund right now and I went for a pizza. The place, if we’re talking about the same one (on the corner opposite of the bridge), was called Centrum Kebab but recently changed owner and is now called Palermo Pizza. It’s decent but not great. Very cheap by Norway standards though…

September 16, 2022 at 11:04 pm

Maybe it’s Emil’s Burger was where you had the great pizza?! It’s a pizza/kebab place. I’m going to try it tomorrow. It has excellent reviews on Trip Advisor, so maybe that’s the one you forgot the name of? 🙂

Sharma says

June 15, 2023 at 9:06 am

My wife and I will be in Alesund for 3 days in September. We have the option of arriving on 17th and leaving on 20th morning. We want to take group tour for Geirangerfjord, Trollstigen on one day and for Hurtigruten cruise on another day. I shall be grateful if you can kindly guide us on their feasibility and availability. We shall also be grateful for your guidance on accommodation. We are both senior citizens. Thanks

Dave Hooke says

July 30, 2023 at 2:29 pm

The pizza place is called Verona; we just found it & are there now!😊

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ålesund

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Famous for its magnificently preserved Art Nouveau architecture, the city of Ålesund is one of Norway's most popular tourist destinations. Not only is it blessed with one of those picture-perfect Norwegian settings - it's surrounded by fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps - but it has also benefited from the addition of many new cultural and entertainment attractions.

Byproducts of the incredible increase in wealth the nation has experienced in recent years, this combination of natural splendor and a rich cultural heritage undeniably make Ålesund one of the best places to visit in Norway for an authentic and memorable Scandinavian vacation. Straddling the islands of Nørvøy and Aspøy , Ålesund is also the most important fishing harbor in Norway, and serves as a great jumping-off point for boat tours, fjord cruises, and fishing adventures.

Ålesund's architectural splendor is the result of a massive fire in 1904 that destroyed 800 of the town's old timber houses. Determined that it wouldn't happen again, town officials took measures to rebuild the city in stone, brick, and plaster, a task given to the country's top master builders and architects. This forward thinking led to the construction of more than 320 Art Nouveau buildings in a compact central area, in the process creating Europe's most complete Art Nouveau cityscape.

Plan your Norwegian sightseeing adventures with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Ålesund, Norway.

See also: Where to Stay in Ålesund

1. Explore Art Nouveau Ålesund

2. watch the boats come and go at ålesund harbor, 3. take a walk around ålesund's town park, 4. take the kids to atlantic sea-park, 5. take a fjord cruise in hjørundfjord, 6. explore the sunnmøre museum, 7. visit runde, the bird island, 8. take a side trip to godøy island and the alnes lighthouse, 9. the fisheries museum & ålesund museum, 10. the ivar aasen center, where to stay in ålesund for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to ålesund, map of attractions & things to do in ålesund.

Art Nouveau Ålesund

The picture-perfect Art Nouveau heart of Ålesund, with its stunning architecture, towers, turrets, and other imaginative ornamentation, really needs to be explored on foot. For a fascinating insight into the city's remarkably well-preserved architecture, the top things to do in Ålesund include tagging along with an organized walking tour or picking up an informative guide from a tourist office or bookstore.

Better still, head straight for the interactive displays and exhibits at the Art Nouveau Center (Jugendstilsenteret). Built in 1905 as a pharmacy, the building - the first in Ålesund to be listed - now serves as a visitor center and museum. Highlights of a visit include seeing the town's best-preserved Art Nouveau interior, as well as fascinating multimedia exhibitions and displays relating to the town's rich history. English language guided tours are available, and a great café and gift shop are located on the premises.

The neighboring KUBE art museum is also worth a visit and is home to a number of interesting displays related to the town's architecture, as well as artworks. A variety of fun family tours and workshops are available.

Address: Apotekergata 16, 6004 Ålesund, Norway

Ålesund Harbor

Ålesund's harbor lies between the islands of Nørvøy and Aspøy , and is sheltered by the Skansen peninsula. As wonderful as it is wandering around and admiring the architecture-the picturesque harbor includes many older buildings once used by fishermen-you'll be tempted to sit awhile and simply watch the boat traffic come and go in this busy port area.

Not only is the harbor home to one of Europe's largest fishing fleets, it's also a stop on the Hurtigruten route, the fast coastal service connecting all of Norway. It has also become a popular destination for cruise ships.

Address: Skateflukaia, N-6002 Ålesund, Norway

View of Ålesund from Town Park

When you're done with all that exploring of Ålesund's spectacular architecture, take a walk up the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla for an unforgettable panoramic view of the city below. It's an especially awesome sight and one of the top free things to do in Ålesund day or night. Part of beautiful Ålesund Town Park, the stairs and grounds were laid out in 1885 by a local gardener, who drew inspiration from the area's topography.

The park was established in 1885 and is also home to two statues of men connected to Ålesund. One of these portrays Kaiser Wilhelm II , a frequent visitor to Norway, and commemorates Germany's assistance after the devastating fire of 1904. The other is of Gange-Rolf , a local Viking hero connected to William the Conqueror and presented to the town by the city of Rouen in 1911.

Address: Town Park, 6002 Ålesund, Norway

Ålesund Aquarium

The Atlantic Sea-Park (Atlanterhavsparken) in Ålesund, is a great place to learn about Norway's diverse marine life. One of the largest saltwater aquariums in northern Europe, this fun family attraction is just a short shuttle bus ride form the town center and provides a fascinating look at life under the sea.

Established in 1951 and built into the coastline, this spectacular family attraction is crisscrossed with numerous scenic walking trails allowing many great vistas of its fishy inhabitants. All told, the facility's exhibition area includes 11 large aquariums, as well as open touch pools and activity pools. If you can, try to time your visit to catch the daily fish feeding in the million-gallon Great Atlantic tank.

If you're traveling with kids, get in on the fun with the public fish feeding experience held each weekend. Another highlight is the four-million-gallon seal tank, Selbukta, the largest of its kind in the world. There's also a gift shop and café located on-site.

A great selection of educational programming aimed at kids is available, including hands-on experiences and day trips to real-life locations to see marine life in its natural habitat.

Address: Tueneset, 6006 Ålesund, Norway

Official site: https://en.atlanterhavsparken.no

Hjørundfjord

Stretching 32 kilometers south from Ålesund, Hjørundfjord is surrounded by the stunning Sunnmøre Alps mountain range, which in places rises dramatically out of the fjord to heights of 1,706 meters. This heavily wooded fjord's impressive scenery can best be explored by water, whether aboard a boat for a cruise or a fun paddle in a kayak. And if you can find it, grab a photo of you and travel partners enjoying the now famous Hjørundfjord swing, a humble wood affair that just so happens to provide the most remarkable views over the fjord.

A number of fun cruise options are available, stopping at places such as Hotel Union Øye , an exquisitely preserved hotel in the small village of Øye. A favorite since 1891 among Europe's elite, the 27-room hotel has been fully restored and is a great place for a meal or as a base from which to explore attractions such as the Sunnmøre Museum in Borgundgavlen , an open-air collection of historic homes and buildings.

Hjørundfjord is also popular among hikers, and offers a variety of great camping options near the shoreline.

Address: Borgundgavlen, 6015 Ålesund, Norway

Sunnmøre Museum

One of the top things to do when visiting Ålesund-and by far the best way to learn more about this lovely region of Norway-is to spend time exploring the many interesting museums dotted around the surrounding region. Topping the list is the excellent Sunnmøre Museum , an open-air museum an easy drive away from downtown Ålesund, which includes a collection of 55 traditional Norwegian buildings.

The museum also features a number of boats, including replicas of Viking ships, as well as original artifacts related to the region's cultural and social history.

Address: Museumsvegen 1, 6015 Ålesund, Norway

Official site: www.sunnmore.museum.no/english/sunnmoere-museum/

Puffins on Runde Island

A short distance southwest of Ålesund, on the island of Runde, is the most southerly seabird cliff in Norway. Known to many as Bird Island, this remarkable site serves as the nesting-place for some 500,000 birds. Included in the tiny island's 220 different species of birds are its most famous inhabitants, the puffins , drawn here by the plentiful supply of fish that spawn close to the island each year.

The island also operates an interesting Environmental Center with exhibits related to Runde's bird population, as well as the area's many historic shipwrecks. One of the best things to do is join an organized tour of the island, with options including high-speed boats or more leisurely tours led by experts in the field that allow plenty of time for bird-watching. Runde is also a popular destination for hikers, and features a number of well-marked trails that are accessible year-round.

Address: Runde Miljøsenter, 6096 Runde, Norway

The Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy Island

The island of Godøy is a popular excursion that's just a 30-minute drive from Ålesund. This pretty location is as famous for its 497-meter mountain, Storhornet , as it is for its old lighthouse. One of the top things to do here is visit the Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes Fyr), located near the quaint fishing village from which it takes its name, (Alnes fyr og opplevelsessenter).

Built in 1876, the lighthouse's galley and tower are open for tourists from May through October, and the old keeper's house has a museum, café, and an exhibition hall with displays of art by local artists. While on the island, be sure to also visit the Godøy Coastal Museum , with its archaeological exhibitions and Viking-era displays.

Address: Alnesgard, 6055 Godøya, Norway

The Fisheries Museum

Also worth a visit when exploring Ålesund, the Fisheries Museum is notable for its fascinating displays relating to the impact and importance of fishing, the history of fish processing, along with a number of original fishing boats that can be explored. There's also a great display on the production of cod liver oil, along with the chance to purchase some of this Norwegian staple.

Also worth visiting, the Ålesund Museum focuses on the town's history as a fishing port, as well as dealing with the fire of 1904 and the German occupation during WW2.

Other interesting area museums include the Nature Museum in nearby Sykkylven, popular for its displays relating to native animal and plant species, as well as the interesting Furniture Museum , which pays homage to the region's rich history and traditions of furniture making.

Addreess: Molovegen 10, 6004 Ålesund, Norway

The Ivar Aasen Center (Ivar Aasen-tunet) is located on the very farm where the famous poet/playwright/philosopher was born in 1813. Revered as the creator of Nynorsk-a language based on Norwegian dialects-Aasen's home is now the country's national Nynorsk documentation and experience center.

Designed by architect Sverre Fehn, the building is an attraction in itself, and hosts the annual Festival of New Norwegian Literature, Art, and Music held in the last week of June every year. The site boasts a great cafe plus a gift shop. English language guided tours are available.

Address: Indrehovdevegen 176, 6160 Hovdebygda, Norway

Luxury Hotels :

  • Offering a quality luxury stay, the 4-star Hotel Brosundet is a family-owned hotel set in a lovely historic building boasting water views, antique beams, and relatively large rooms.

Mid-Range Hotels :

  • The Scandic Parken hotel offers reasonable mid-priced stays in a bright building with modern décor, along with an excellent complimentary breakfast and amenities such as a fitness center and sauna.
  • Also worth a look is the Quality Hotel Waterfront Alesund , popular for its contemporary design, sea views, great breakfast (included with your stay), and friendly staff.
  • The Scandic Alesund is another good choice, and boasts magnificent water views, comfortable beds in a choice of rooms and suites, and a great free breakfast.

Budget Hotels :

  • Those seeking a reputable budget place to stay should look into the Ytterland Apartments , popular for its peaceful setting and choice of one- or two-bedroom units with kitchens.
  • Another affordable option worth considering is Norhostel Apartment , with its good-priced rooms and apartment-style units.
  • Sea Kayaking Adventures : For a truly unforgettable Norway experience, book a sea kayak and hiking adventure from Ålesund . This combined excursion departs from Ålesund morning or afternoon and includes the services of a professional tour guide. The fun starts with a breathtaking kayak journey across Aspevågen to the beautiful island of Hessa. From here, it's an easy hike up Mount Sukkertoppen, famous for its magnificent views over the Sunnmøre alps and Ålesund. Included with your tour package is all necessary equipment, as well as a fascinating running commentary from your guide.
  • Shore Thing : A great choice for those seeking a first-rate shore excursion, the Ålesund Ultimate Sightseeing Tour includes the top natural and cultural attractions in and around this popular cruise port. Lasting 4.5 hours and including pickup and drop-off, this fun excursion takes in the lovely island of Giske, where you'll have a chance to explore Alnes Lighthouse, Norway's most famous such structure. The tour also includes a visit to nearby Godøy, home to the excellent Sunnmøre Museum with its many authentic traditional Norwegian buildings and sailing vessels, including a replica Viking ship. Other highlights include Mount Aksla, as well as time to explore Ålesund's famous Art Nouveau architecture.

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Norway Travel Guide

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  • 1 Understand
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By rail
  • 2.4 By boat
  • 3.1 By foot
  • 3.3 By taxi

tourist information alesund

Ålesund [dead link] is the largest city in Møre og Romsdal county, West Norway , with about 53,000 inhabitants, 66,000 in the surrounding area (2018). Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords (among which Geirangerfjord is particularly famous) and surrounding alpine mountains. After the devastating 1904 fire, the entire city was quickly rebuilt in the distinct Art Nouveau ( Jugendstil ) of the time. Ålesund is the centre for Sunnmøre district in Møre og Romsdal county, and the most important town between Bergen and Trondheim.

Understand [ edit ]

tourist information alesund

Ålesund is built on a row of islands extending towards the Atlantic. The compact old city centre is thus surrounded by water and Ålesund is one of Norway's major fisheries harbour (number 1 measured in revenue). To the east are the Sunnmøre Alps which offers a dramatic backdrop. Ålesund sits at the entrance to iconic Geirangerfjord , majestic Hjørundfjord as well as other great fjords in the Sunnmøre district.

The old city centre of Ålesund was built from wood and totally destroyed by fire in 1904, only a single small house remained. Much international aid, including personal gifts from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany who used to holiday there, helped to rebuild in what was then high-fashion, Art Nouveau or Jugendstil as it is known in Ålesund. The consistent architectural style gives Ålesund a distinct central European vibe and Ålesund's cityscape is instantly recognizable. Few hours after the disaster became known to the world, Germany sent ships with food, medicine and blankets towards Ålesund. Because of the aid to the homeless people of Ålesund, this is one of the few places where Kaiser Wilhelm remains a hero. For instance one of the key streets downtown is Keiser Wilhelmgate .

At the time of the fire, Ålesund was a young city that from around 1850 expanded rapidly from the small trading post at the present centre of the town. Ålesund was from the beginning based on fish trade. During the middle ages there was however a small town or trading post further east at Borgund Church, now the site of Sunnmøre Museum. The Borgund trading post vanished around year 1500.

tourist information alesund

While Ålesund faces the ocean, the great Sunnmøre alps and the iconic fjords make up Ålesund's scenic and famous hinterland. Ålesund is the regional centre and the natural starting point for visitors arriving by air or sea. Because Ålesund sits on islands in the northwestern corner of the region, it is not however a natural hub for overland transport. For independent travelers Ålesund is not the best base to explore the wild interior as time and money must be spent on transport. Public transport is however centered on Ålesund.

Ålesund is the regional centre, a hub for transport and shopping with about half of the population in Sunnmøre area. The old centre is cramped on a handful of islands, and a new centre has emerged some 10 km further east (inland) around shopping malls at Moa/Spjelkavika. Sunnmøre area stretches from the Stad cape to Romsdalsfjord, and from the ocean to eastern end of fjords.

Get in [ edit ]

tourist information alesund

By plane [ edit ]

  • SAS Scandinavian Airlines [dead link] from Oslo , Bergen , Trondheim and Copenhagen
  • airBaltic from Riga
  • Norwegian from Oslo and London
  • KLM' from Amsterdam

By rail [ edit ]

The local railway station is situated in Åndalsnes . The train line was supposed to continue to Ålesund city center but was never completed. There is a replacement bus service operating between Ålesund and Åndalsnes for every arrival and departure.

Trains go to Dombås and back three times a day, connecting with the main service from Trondheim to Oslo . In addition, a once-a-day service to Lillehammer operates, connecting with local trains to Oslo.

You can also change at Dombås for services from or to Trondheim , but this usually involves a considerable wait at Dombås. However, Dombås town center is very close to the station and has moderately priced restaurants and convenience shops as well as some tourist attractions on its own.

By bus [ edit ]

Hourly regional services between Ålesund and Kristiansund , Molde and Volda .

Nightly and daily departures from and to Oslo (takes approximately 10 hours).

Several daily services between Ålesund and Trondheim calling at Molde and Sunndalsøra .

Daily services from and to Bergen calling at Volda, Nordfjordeid and Førde with connecting services to Sogndal and Stryn .

By boat [ edit ]

Hurtigruten calls Ålesund, once daily in southern direction (from Trondheim towards Bergen ), and once daily in northern direction (from Bergen towards Kirkenes ).

tourist information alesund

Ålesund is also a regular port of call for many cruise ships, which dock just south of the old city centre. There are two berths, right next to one another, and all cruise ships use the same exit, which is just a few minutes from the bus station in the city centre.

By car [ edit ]

Ålesund is at the end of the E136 main route, which starts at Dombås where it connects with the E6 main route between Oslo and Trondheim .

It is also on the E39 coastal main route between Bergen and Trondheim. This route requires taking quite a few ferries in either direction which makes it take as long to Trondheim as the ferry-less E136/E6 combo but more expensive.

The modern business and shopping district is at Moa-Spjelkavik district, this is also the hub for road transport as roads E39 (from Bergen ), E136 (from Åndalsnes ) and 60 (from/to Stranda, Hellesylt , and Stryn ) converge there.

Get around [ edit ]

tourist information alesund

By foot [ edit ]

Ålesund is long and narrow, stretching from west to east over five islands, with the old city centre on the western end near the Atlantic. From the old city centre, most attractions are available within a short-medium walk (less than 20 minutes).

Tourist Information Office in Ålesund at Skateflukaia ( ☏ +47 70-157600 , [email protected] ), open daily 08:30–18:00 in summer, at western foot of Skaregata in the old city centre, caters to most needs a visitor to the region could have, including brochures and guides [dead link] .

Some 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the old city centre is the modern business and shopping district, located in the Moa-Spjelkavik district, but this area is of little interest to visitors.

Local city bus service is provided by Nettbuss on behalf of Møre og Romsdal county. The Ålesund bus station ( Ålesund rutebilstasjon , Keiser Wilhelmsgate 6 ) is near the cruise ship terminal in the old city centre.

For the Atlantic Sea Park on the west shore of Hessa island, there are special bus services during the summer signed "Akvariebussen" from the city centre bus terminal.

The bus to Sunnmøre open-air museum is the regular bus, 618 or 624, heading towards Moa; fare is 40 kr. Alternatively, you can use a Travel Card called "Reisekort" [dead link] , which is a pre-paid card for travelling on public transport in Ålesund. When using it, you get a 17% fare reduction. Load the Travel Card with the exact amount you will need; for example, in the case of going to Sunnmøre Museum and back: 40 kr x 2 x 0,83 = 66 kr. You can load more than one ticket onto a Travel Card.

In general there are plenty of bus services in Ålesund. It is worth noting, however, that they are very limited in the late evenings, after 5pm on Saturdays and all day Sundays. To get information about local buses, call 177. Bus service to the surrounding area is also available .

By taxi [ edit ]

There are two taxi companies operating, and taxis can be booked by telephone at 7012 or 70103000. Taxis in Norway are very expensive, expect to pay at least 200 kr for even a short trip. They are also more expensive in the evenings and weekends.

See [ edit ]

Map

Much of the joy of seeing Ålesund is to be found in just strolling past the many art nouveau shops and other buildings.

  • 62.471939 6.15724 1 Aalesunds Museum , Rasmus Rønnebergs gate 16 , ☏ +47 70 12 31 70 .  
  • 62.471255 6.15101 3 Art Nouveau Centre and Art Museum KUBE ( Jugendstilsenteret ), Apotekergata 16 , ☏ +47 70 10 49 70 . May-Sep: 10:00-17:00, Oct-Apr: 11:00-16:00 (closed Mondays), every Thursday open until 20:00 . Housed in an old apothecary in the centre of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau Centre is dedicated to the period after a fire in 1904 when the whole town was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. The ticket is valid for both buildings. Adult 85 kr; child under 18 years free; student 50 kr; senior 70 kr . ( updated Jul 2017 )

tourist information alesund

  • 62.4689 6.2363 4 Sunnmøre Museum ( part of the Stiftinga Sunnmøre Museum ) ( East of the old city centre served by bus 618 or 624, or the hop-on hop-off bus ), ☏ +47 70 16 48 70 . Summer: M-Sa 10:00-16:00, Su 12:00-16:00 . Sunnmøre museum is an outdoor folk museum of the Norwegian coastal culture, located on an area of 120 hectares (50 acres) with more than 55 old and distinct houses from the past 300 years moved to the site. Also located on the premises are the museum’s vast boat collection, including replicas of Viking ships, and the ancient Borgund Church. The Medieval Age Museum features artifacts from excavations of the old trading centre and reproductions of medieval illustrations depicting the west Norwegian coast way of life. Museum shop and cafeteria. Admission including Medieval Age Museum: adult 80 kr, student or senior 60 kr, children 40 kr . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • City Train Sightseeing ( Bytoget ) ( starts at the cruise terminal/bus terminal or the tourist office when no cruise ship is in town ). Departs every 30 minutes when there's a cruise ship in town . Blue and white tram tours the city centre of Ålesund (does not include Atlantic Sea Park and Sunnmøre Museum), stops at the viewpoint Fjellstua for 10-15 minutes; entire round trip takes around 70 minutes; commentary in English and 7 other languages. Free Wi-Fi. Adult 190 kr, child under 15 years 90 kr . ( updated Jul 2017 )
  • CitySightseeing Ålesund ( Hop on Hop off Bus ), [email protected] . Operates when cruise ships are in port during the summer between May and the end of August. Departures occur every 45 minutes between 09:00 in the morning and 16:55 in the afternoon. Hop-on, Hop-off stops include the Sunnmøre Museum, the Mt Aksla Viewpoint, Fjellstua, The Atlanterhavsparken/Aquarium. Adult (from 16 years) 275 kr, child (5-15 years old) 140 kr . ( updated Aug 2017 )

Do [ edit ]

tourist information alesund

  • 62.4742 6.1642 1 Mt Aksla and Fjellstua ( Walk, taxi or sightseeing bus/tram ). From the city park (from the pedestrian shopping street Kongensgata, follow Lihauggata past the Rollon statue to the Byparken) walk up the stairs cut into the cliff to Fjellstua for a breathtaking view of local fjords and mountains. This can really not be underlined enough. Even if you are not up to climbing all 418 steps, even half way up the view is stunning. Alternatively, you can get a taxi or sightseeing tram to drive you up there for the view from the top. This is a must-see. At the top of the mountain there are walkways that allow you to walk around in natural surroundings while enjoying the view of the islands and mountains around you. There is also a restaurant at Fjellstua serving basic dishes. ( updated Jul 2017 )

The Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken) at Tueneset is the biggest salt water aquarium in Northern Europe and is built into its stunning environment in the Tueneset conservation area. It offers a range of activities, including diving. After visiting, you can enjoy Tueneset, which is a nice green area with walkways and a fascinating seemingly endless view of the Atlantic Ocean.

In both of the above places you will find bunkers and remnants of the German war machinery from World War II for those that might find that interesting.

Brosundet separates the two central islands of Aspøy and Nørvøy, bridged by Hellebroa. The view of Brosundet is quite stunning. By Hellebroa there is an outdoor restaurant area which is very popular among tourists and locals alike. From there you can walk down onto the tourist boat area and further along to Skateflua with further restaurants and outdoors serving areas.

Also, from Skateflua, you can catch various tourist and express boats to popular destinations, buy fish directly from fishermen's boats and go rafting if the weather is nice.

You should also visit the Geirangerfjord, which is a world heritage site and arguably the most fabulous fjord experience there is. During the summer, catch the Hurtigruten to Geiranger and back. This leaves in the morning and returns you just in time for dinner, unless you want to enjoy it on board, of course. At other times, take a bus to Hellesylt for a fjord cruise into Geiranger and catch a bus back to Ålesund from there.

In the winter, catch a bus to one of the many mountains around the town to go skiing.

Buy [ edit ]

There's a variety of shops in the town centre, particularly in Kremmergaarden near City hall and Aalesunds Storsenter near the town square.

The main shopping centre for the Sunnmøre region is located outside the city centre, 15 minutes away by express bus 628.

Eat [ edit ]

Ålesund is full of restaurants, and you can generally find anything for whatever taste you might have.

For cheap food, the town has quite a few pizza, kebab and burger shops. Next to the town square you will find Dolly Dimples pizza, a few meters away you will find Peppes Pizza, the local Burger King restaurant, and a 7-Eleven that is open 24/7 and sells hot food. You can usually get food for around 100 kr in these restaurants.

For more regular restaurants, you have choices such as Hummer og Kanari (Kongens gate) and XL Diner (Skateflukaia). XL Diner is the largest clipfish/bacalao restaurant in Northern Europe. Expect to pay a minimum of 300 kr.

More upmarket restaurants include Sjøbua, a somewhat famous seafood restaurant, where all food is prepared from the local fishermen's catch of the day. The fish is kept in tanks in the restaurant for maximum freshness.

In general, if you're out in Ålesund, you should make sure to try the local seafood dishes. It is the centre of fish exports in Norway and has a unique tradition is seafood cuisine. Clip fish is a local speciality, and a dish that locally is known simply as "bacalao" is a favourite not easily found in other parts of the world.

Wine is usually quite expensive in Norwegian restaurants: 300 kr or more for a bottle of wine is not uncommon.

  • 62.471345 6.151163 1 Anno , Apotekergata 9B , ☏ +47 71 70 70 77 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
  • 62.474245 6.164158 2 Fjellstua Aksla , Aksla , ☏ +47 70 10 74 00 . Has a great view. ( updated Oct 2017 )
  • 62.473569 6.156934 3 LYST , Kongens gate 12 , ☏ +47 991 00 560 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
  • 62.47311 6.153953 4 Sjøbua , Brunholmgata 1 , ☏ +47 70 12 71 00 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
  • 62.47437 6.154897 5 XL Dinner , Skaregata 1B , ☏ +47 70 12 42 53 . ( updated Oct 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

There are lots of places to go drinking in Ålesund. Expect to pay 80-90 kr for a pint of beer. This price level has resulted in a youth culture where people gather at someone's home first to drink and usually don't go out before midnight.

Most establishments are open, but the more youth-oriented ones are usually close to empty before midnight. If you're a visitor out for some youthful partying, it might therefore be advisable to go somewhere else for a few pints first and then go out looking for where the action is after midnight.

All establishments close at 03:00 by Norwegian law. This usually leads to complete chaos (as most people stay until then) and people standing around for hours in taxi queues. If you need transportation, it is therefore advisable to call the taxi company no later than 02:00. If you live in the city centre, it might be advisable to plan on leaving a little earlier as well, just to avoid drunk people in the streets.

If you want to buy alcohol from a shop, beer can be gotten in normal supermarkets until 20:00 (18:00 Saturdays) for 25 kr for a 1/2 litre can. Anything stronger than 4.7% can only be got from state authorised Vinmonopolet (until 18:00 weekdays, 15:00 Saturdays), located in Kremmergaarden in the centre, as well as the Moa shopping centre in the suburbs. Note that supermarkets are not allowed to sell any alcohol after these hours, even if they are still open. Also, alcohol is not allowed to be sold in shops during Christian holidays such as Easter or Christmas.

Sleep [ edit ]

  • 62.475549 6.15625 1 Thon Hotel Ålesund , Kongensgate 27 , ☏ +47 70 12 29 38 , fax : +47 70 12 66 60 , [email protected] .  
  • 62.473407 6.15142 2 Scandic Ålesund , Molovegen 6 , ☏ +47 21 61 45 00 , fax : +47 21 61 45 11 , [email protected] .  
  • 62.4725 6.1622 3 Ålesund Vandrerhjem , Parkgata 14 , ☏ +47 70 11 58 30 . The youth hostel in the town centre. Dorm: 285 kr including breakfast & bed linen (10% discount with HI membership) .  
  • 62.472113 6.15209 4 Hotel Brosundet , Apotekergata 5 , ☏ +47 70 11 45 00 , [email protected] . The Hotel Brosundet is a 100-year-old protected harbour building in Ålesund that has been tastefully restored as a hotel.  
  • 62.47362 6.15887 5 Rica Parken Hotel , Storgata 16 , ☏ +47 70 13 23 00 , [email protected] .  
  • 62.47278 6.15848 6 Rica Hotel Scandinavie , Løvenvoldgata 8 , ☏ +47 70 15 78 00 , [email protected] .  
  • 62.47573 6.15514 7 Radisson Blu Hotel Ålesund , Sorenskriver Bullsgt. 7 , ☏ +47 70 16 00 00 , [email protected] .  
  • 62.47251 6.15218 8 Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen , ☏ +47 70 10 33 00 , [email protected] .  
  • 62.47089 6.15322 9 First Hotel Atlantica , Rasmus Rønnebergsgate 4 , ☏ +47 70 11 73 00 .  

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  • Runde - the most southerly of the great bird rocks
  • Åndalsnes - the alpine and transport centre, next to Trollstigen mountain pass
  • Valldal - fertile valley with mountain pass Trollstigen and scenic road between Åndalsnes and Geiranger
  • Geiranger - iconic fjord and scenic road to summit
  • Hjørundfjord - lovely fjord surrounded by sharp alpine summits
  • Molde - grand panorama on the northern shore of Romsdalsfjord
  • Nordfjord in Sogn og Fjordane district

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Must-see attractions in Ålesund

tourist information alesund

Jugendstil Senteret

The city's unique architectural heritage is documented in a former pharmacy, the first listed Jugendstil monument in Ålesund. Apart from the building's…

Kniven Viewpoint

For the best view over Ålesund and its fishhook-shaped peninsula, as well as the mountains and islands beyond, head up the 418 steps to the summit of…

Sunnmøre Museum

Ålesund's celebrated Sunnmøre Museum is 4km east of the centre. Here, at the site of the old Borgundkaupangen trading centre, active from the 11th to 16th…

Atlanterhavsparken

At the peninsula's western extreme, 3km from the town centre, this aquarium can consume a whole day. Be introduced to the North Atlantic's teeming…

The furthest offshore island from Ålesund, Godøy has a real off-the-map feeling, especially in the depths of winter. There are some great walks here, and…

Fishing Museum

The 1861 Holmbua warehouse (one of the very few buildings to survive the 1904 fire) has exhibits on the development of fishing across the centuries and…

Alnes Lighthouse

This picturesque 1853 lighthouse is in the fishing station of Alnes. For that end-of-the-world feeling, climb to the circular balcony via the five floors…

Ålesund's primary contemporary art space highlights Norwegian artists, as well as hosting the occasional design- and architecture-focused show. The old…

Aalesunds Museum

The town museum illustrates the history of sealing, fishing, shipping and industry in the Sunnmøre region, the fire of 1904 and the town's Jugendstil…

On the island of Valderøy, the Skjonghellaren caves have revealed bones of Arctic fox, sea otter and ringed seal, plus evidence of human occupation at…

There are two main reasons to visit Giske: its ornate 12th-century church, a lovely structure built largely of marble, and the Makkevika marshes, a prime…

Ålesund Church

Built of solid stone in 1909, Ålesund's parish church has a strikingly wide chancel, every square inch covered in frescoes over the wide sweep of its…

About 20km north of the town centre, Vigra is home to Ålesund's airport as well as a long white-sand beach called Blindheimssanden (also called Blimsand).

Rollon Statue

Rollo the Viking founded Normandy in 911; William the Conqueror is his descendant.

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Norway's art nouveau city

Situated on a cluster of small islands at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord is Ålesund, a charming port city renowned for its elaborate buildings with its myriad of turrets, spires and other decorative touches.

In 1904, a large factory fire virtually wiped out this entire city, but after a remarkable three-year effort it was rebuilt in that period's popular “modern” style of architecture, Art Nouveau. Today Ålesund is among Norway’s most visited cities, with National Geographic calling it a “backdrop for a Nordic fairytale”.

For a glimpse into the city’s history, the Ålesund Museum houses an exhibition on the great 1904 fire and the impressive rebuilding period. The Sunnmøre Museum provides another good glimpse into the past with some 40 historic homes and fishing vessels on display.

If you’d rather have an aerial view of this historical city, the view from the top of Mount Aksla will not disappoint! From the municipal park in the city centre, a pathway with 418 steps leads up to the viewing area called Kniven (“the Knife”). Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the archipelago, the city centre and the snow-capped peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Hungry after those stairs? Have a bite and a beverage at the Fjellstua mountain lodge up at the top. As Ålesund is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage , it makes an ideal starting point for exploring the area’s surroundings, including the beautiful coastline, deep valleys, fjords and mountains. The city boasts a variety of shops, galleries and cafes, and nature lovers can take part in activities in the area like angling, sailing, hiking and kayaking.  

Alesund in Norway

Alesund in Norway

Mount Aksla in Norway

Mount Aksla in Norway

Cabins in Alesund in Norway

Cabins in Alesund in Norway

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Geirangerfjord, atlantic ocean road, tours including ålesund.

You could experience Ålesund through any one of these tours below.

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Destinasjon Alesund & Sunnmore

tourist information alesund

Top ways to experience Destinasjon Alesund & Sunnmore and nearby attractions

tourist information alesund

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Vadim

Destinasjon Alesund & Sunnmore - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $45.53)
  • Amazing city walk in Ålesund (From $46.64)
  • Alesund 3 hrs Private tour Medieval Village Sunnmore (From $441.93)
  • Alesund Private Excursion Viking`s islands (From $551.86)
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R (From $176.56)
  • (0.11 mi) Scandic Parken
  • (0.10 mi) Quality Hotel Ålesund
  • (0.08 mi) Hotel Noreg
  • (0.16 mi) Thon Hotel Alesund
  • (0.08 mi) Aalesund City Apartment
  • (0.02 mi) Milk Bar & Lounge
  • (0.02 mi) XL Diner
  • (0.03 mi) HAPPY ELEFANTE Bar-Grill-Music
  • (0.04 mi) Zuuma
  • (0.04 mi) Long Cheng Resturant
  • (0.02 mi) Memorial Shetland Bus
  • (0.02 mi) Guided Walk in Alesund Day Tour
  • (0.04 mi) Hike to Skopphornet
  • (0.04 mi) Hike to Dalegubben
  • (0.04 mi) Hike to Lauparen

isfjorden

NORWAY – WESTERN NORWEGIAN FJORDS

A local's guide to the fjords in Western Norway.

FJORDS NORWAY - Ålesund seen from the stairs between Byparken and Mt Aksla

ÅLESUND – THE GATEWAY TO THE GEIRANGERFJORD AND HJØRUNDFJORD

Ålesund is known as one of the most beautiful cities in norway. the city is also known as the gateway to two of the most beautiful fjords in norway; the geirangerfjord and the hjørundfjord ..

GEIRANGER AND THE GEIRANGERFJORD – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE.

Ålesund is a great starting point for exploring the Sunnmøre region with the fjords, mountains and the beautiful coastline of islands and reefs. But most of all, it is well worth spending time to enjoy the great hotels, restaurants, activities and experiences in the city itself.

Visit ålesund.

Visit Ålesund is the official destination company for the Sunnmøre, Geirangerfjord,  Hjørundfjord and Ålesund area.

Ålesund – History

FJORDS NORWAY - Ålesund in the old days

In the 18th century, the area around Ålesundet , including Brunholmen, was home to a few merchants. Cod fishing in the Borgundfjord was one of the reasons why there was permanent settlement in the Ålesund area at that time.

Ole Andreas Devold established a textile factory Devold in the center of Ålesund in the 19th century. Parts of the business were moved from Ålesund to Langevåg in 1868, and the factory in Ålesund burned down during the Ålesund City Fire in 1904. Devold is now Norway’s largest and most well-known clothing manufacturer of woolen clothes.

The city center of Ålesund got its current shape after the big city fire in 1904. This was one of the largest fires in Norway, and more than 800 houses burned down. Around 12,000 people became homeless.

From Brosundet, the canal that divides Ålesund in two. The brick buildings are built in the distinctive Art Nouveau style.

After the fire, the inhabitants received help from all over Norway and also from abroad. The German Emperor Wilhelm II was one of those who gave extra help to the reconstruction of Ålesund. Before the fire, the city center consisted almost exclusively of wooden buildings. The city was rebuilt in just three years and now consists mainly of brick buildings in the distinctive Art Nouveau style.

Here you can see a 360 panorama from Ålesund. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations.

360 Panorama of Ålesund in Møre og Romsdal.

Ålesund – What to see and do

There are so many things to see and do in Ålesund and the near by area. Here are some of the many great things that are worth exploring while you visit Ålesund.

The Stairways to the city-mountain Aksla in Ålesund

Mt Aksla is the city-mountain in Ålesund. From the viewpoint there is a fantasic view over Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean with all the surrounding islands and skerries.

You can walk the 418 steps in stones from the city to Aksla, or you can go there by car. At the top (189 masl) you have an outdoor restaurant, a café and a panoramic viewpoint.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to avoid walking the stairs when there is snow and ice on the steps. Respect the barriers if the stairs are closed.

FJORDS NORWAY - Ålesund seen from the stairs towards the city mountain Aksla

Guided Sea Kayaking from Brosundet in Ålesund

Join a Guided Sea Kayaking tour and see Ålesund from the sea. The kayak tours start from Brosundet in the centre of Ålesund. It is guaranteed that you will have a fun day exploring the city of Ålesund from a unique point of view.

Guided and combined Sea Kayaking and Hiking in Ålesund

This is a combined adventure with start at the centre of Ålesund. The kayak tour start from Brosundet, you then crossing over Aspevågen to Slinnings Point. The hike start from the shoreline and end at Mt Sukkertoppen with fantastic panoramic view of Ålesund with the Sunnmøre Alps as a backdrop.

Guided SUP-Board adventure in Brosundet in the centre of Ålesund

This is a short and fun and guided tour on SUP-Board (Stand-Up Paddleboard) in the Brosundet canal in the middle of Ålesund. SUP is a fun activity which is ideal for all.

Guided combined E-Bike-tour and Hike to Mt Sukkertoppen

First you will have an easy ride in an E-bike from the centre of Ålesund, then you will hike to Mt Sukkertoppen with fantastic panoramic view of Ålesund.

Fjord Cruise from Ålesund to the Geirangerfjord

Geiranger Fjordservice takes you on a boat trip into the Geirangerfjord where you can see the beautiful fjord landscape with the waterfalls Bridal Veil, The Suitor and The Seven Sisters . The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the Geirangerfjord is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

Fjord Cruise on the Hjørundfjord

This is a fjord cruise that goes between Ålesund and Øye in the heart of Norangsfjorden. The fjord cruise has season in the summer and visits Ålesund, Trandal, Sæbø, Urke and Øye. The boat goes both ways. See the Cruise Service website for more information about the season, boat routes and booking. Below you see the inner part of the Hjørundfjord with a marked boat route and places where the boat stops.

Fjord Cruise on the Hjørundfjord, view from Mt Saksa. Here you see the inner part of the Hjørundfjord with a marked boat route and places where the boat stops.

Deep Sea Rafting in the ocean and to the fjords with 62°NORD

In the summer you can join 62°NORD on the daily RIB-Boat departures from Brosundet in Ålesund. You can also book a private tour all year round.

Fjord Fishing with 62°NORD

During winter you can join a fishing boat and fish your own dinner in the Borgundfjord which is situated south of Ålesund.

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

Atlanterhavsparken is Northern Europe’s largest Saltwater Aquarium and show you the life in the ocean along the Norwegian coast.

The Aquarium is surrounded by beautiful coastal landscapes at the island of Hessa, 3.5 kilometer west of the center of Ålesund. Video by Atlanterhavsparken.

Bybadet Aquacamp

Bybadet is Ålesund’s new great water park. There you can experience, among other things, therapy bath, family bath, whirlpools, children’s pool, water slides and diving tower.

There is also a cafe in conjunction to the water park. Bybadet is located in the center of Ålesund, close to Byparken. Video by Bybadet.

Alnes Lighthouse

Alnes and Alnes Lighthouse on the north side of the Godøya Island is a wonderful experience. There has been a lighthouse at Alnes since 1857. Alnes Lighthouse as it stands today was built in 1937 and is still in operation.  The lighthouse is 22.5 meters high and is made of wood and iron, it was automated in 1982.

In addition to the lighthouse, there is an art gallery and a café that are open for visitors. Season, see Alnes Lighthouse Website .

FJORDS NORWAY - Alnes Lighthouse on Godøya Island outside Ålesund

Recommended places to Eat in Ålesund

RESTAURANT APOTEKERGATA No. 5 has a menu that is inspired by local and short-travelled food traditions from Sunnmøre combined with inspiration from the international cuisine. The restaurant is located in the old warehouse in Apotekergata No. 5  in conjunction to Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund.

BRO is a restaurant with focus on local food made of local produce from Sunnmøre. The restaurant is located in Notenesgata on the east side of Brosundet at the centre of Ålesund.

ANNO is located on Apotekertorget in the centre of Ålesund and serves delicious dishes that is inspired from both local and international cuisine. Their Pizza is baked in a stone oven. The a la carte menu varies with the different seasons.

XL DINER is a Bacalao restaurant located in Skaregata right in the heart of Ålesund. There you can enjoy great food and drink with a view towards Ålesundet and the sea. The restaurant is recognized as one of Europe’s best Bacalao and Dried-and-salted-Cod restaurants. They also offer other tasty dishes.

MARTIN WALDERHAUG BAKERI & KONDITORI is a family-run bakery and patisserie from 1893. They offer traditional cakes and pastries with real ingredients and handicrafts. The recipes have been passed down through generations. The patisserie is located on Skansekaia in the center of Ålesund.

Recommended places to Drink in Ålesund

ARKIVET BAR in Apotekergata No. 5  is also in conjunction to Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund. The local trader Peder Devold ran his fish oil business out of the old warehouse in Apotekergata, and he had his personal office and archives in the room which now has become Arkivet Bar.

VINO BAR in Apotekergata has a wine menu with more than 700 wines from wine districts all over the world. The menu includes beer, drinks and non-alcoholic drinks. They also serve planks with cheese, salami, ham and focaccia in addition to a separate snack menu.

Recommended Hotels and places to stay in the Ålesund area

HOTEL BROSUNDET in Ålesund offers a different experience. It is a family owned hotel creating experiences satisfying all senses and paying attention to what is seen, heard, smelled, tasted and felt.

From the delicate interior design, stunning artwork, antique beams to fresh local seafood, the passion is to preserve the buildings as they originally were warehouses and significant to the fishery in the small town of Ålesund. The outer walls of the hotel extend directly into the waters of Brosundet, the true city-center of Ålesund.

FJORDS NORWAY - Brosundet and Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund

MOLJA LIGHTHOUSE at the breakwater pier in Ålesund. Room 47 at Hotel Brosundet is in the Molja Lighthouse at the breakwater pier at Molovegen, on the north side of Brosundet. If you stay at Molja Lighthouse, you have the whole lighthouse to yourself.

QUALITY HOTEL WATERFRONT is a family and conference hotel located down by the water’s edge. The hotel, which also has a restaurant, has a great view towards the Aspevågen bay on the south side of the center of Ålesund, only 300 meters from Brosundet in the city center.

HOTEL 1904 is located near the city park. This is where the 418 steps in stone up to the viewpoint of the city mountain Aksla start. Hotel 1904 is Ålesund’s oldest hotel, it’s in the name. The hotel, which is one of Ålesund’s typical Jugendstil buildings, was built in 1904, the same year that the great fire in Ålesund destroyed 850 houses in the city.

SCANDIC PARKEN is located in the heart of Ålesund, close to Byparken and the stone steps up to Aksla. The hotel can boast of having Ålesund’s best breakfast, they were voted to have Møre and Romsdal County’s best hotel breakfast in 2022.

THON HOTEL ÅLESUND is beautifully located down by the sea in the center of Ålesund, by the road Molovegen at the northern end of Brosundet. The hotel has a bar and restaurant and its own pier for boats.

JERVELL GJESTEHUS – Mr and Mrs Jervell’s historic mansion, just a short drive from Ålesund. The hotel is located next to the Sunnmøre Museum , six kilometers east of the center of Ålesund. Jervell Gjestehus is special. They organize Afternoon Tea, Quiz evenings, Gourmet evenings and “Murder Mystery Evenings”. In addition, the hotel has a rich history and rooms and common areas in a mix of old and new with a high standard.

STORFJORD HOTEL at Glomset in Skodje, 30 kilometers east of Ålesund. The hotel is located on a wooded hillside which has a fantastic panoramic view of Storfjorden at Sunnmøre. The view alone is well worth a visit. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there is also a spa and wellness department in the hotel. Storfjord Hotel is a high-standard hotel with a mix of Norwegian traditions and modern design.

The Hjørundfjord – What to see and do

FJORDS NORWAY - The Hjørundfjord at Sunnmøre

The innermost part of the 35-kilometer-long Hjørundfjord is surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys, waterfalls and glaciers. In between all this, there are small idyllic villages down by the fjord, all of which are great starting points for adventures in beautiful nature.

The idyllic fjord village of Sæbø is a perfect starting point for activities and adventures in and around the Hjørundfjord. Sagafjord Hotel is located right down by the fjord at Sæbø. There you can enjoy the silence down by the fjord with the characteristic view towards the Hjørundfjord and Hustadneset with the mountains Slogen and Stålberghornet as a fantastic backdrop.

Try the world’s most famous swing at Christian Gaard Bygdetun in Trandal. A picture of a swing at Trandal on Instagram made the Hjørundfjord world famous.

The mountains surrounding the Hjørundfjord are great for hikes with fjord view. Slogen, Saksa and Urkeegga are the most popular mountains for hiking. Uteguiden organizes guided mountain hikes to Mt Saksa and Slogen, they also offer tailor-made mountain hikes to the other mountain peaks in the area.

Join a fjord cruise or a kayak trip on the Hjørundfjord. Experience beautiful Norangsdalen valley and dive into the ruins of an old mountain pasture in Lake Lyngstøylvatnet .

Drink beer at Fjordpuben in Urke. Fish salmon in Bjørkeelva River at Bjørke. Maybe you get to meet the beautiful ghost Linda if you stay overnight in “The Blue Room” at Hotel Union Øye ? The Hjørundfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.

On the trail towards Mt Saksa. View from Bentebu towards Øye and Norangsfjorden.

Geiranger and Geirangerfjord – What to See and Do

FJORDS NORWAY - Geiranger and Geirangerfjord seen from Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint

The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the fjord is included on  UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

You should take a fjord cruise or join a fjord safari . The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt is a great way to see the Geirangerfjord and the spectacular nature with its many waterfalls and steep mountains. You will see the waterfalls The Seven Sisters , The Suitor and The Bridal Veil from the fjord.

The Fosseråsa trail goes from the center of Geiranger via the Norwegian Fjord Centre and up to Vesterås which is a great starting point for mountain hikes in Geiranger. The Fosseråsa trail ends at Storseterfossen Waterfall.

Visit the Flydalsjuvet , Ørnesvingen and Dalsnibba viewpoints and see the iconic views of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. Combine a boat trip on the fjord with a hike up to Skageflå , one of the many abandoned mountain farms above the Geirangerfjord.

Take a Road Trip from Geiranger via Trollstigen to the Atlantic Road . On this tour, you will experience two National Tourist Routes and one “construction of the twentieth century” in Norway. Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.

View from Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint towards the Geirangerfjord.

Wikipedia Bybadet Aquacamp Hotel Brosundet Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium 62°NORD

Eat and Drink in Ålesund

Arkivet Bar Apotekergata No. 5 Restaurant

Hotels and Accommodation in Ålesund

Hotel Brosundet Molja Lighthouse Quality Hotel Ålesund Hotel 1904 Ålesund Hotel Noreg Scandic Parken Hotel Thon Hotel Ålesund Jervell Gjestehus

HOTELS - ACCOMMODATION - LINKS

Ålesund – map overview.

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Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund is open all year and has extended opening hours during the summer. We have a wide selection of brochures about Ålesund and Sunnmøre and the rest of the country, as well as an assortment of souvenirs, postcards and stamps. The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund can also help you with booking and reservations of accommodation, sightseeing tours and other activities.

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  • Country Norway
  • Region Fjords
  • Destination Sunnmøre - Ålesund & Geiranger
  • Provided by Visit Norway

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Accommodations near Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

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Niklas Ålesund City Center Apt. (sleep: 3 pers).

Niklas Ålesund City Center Apt. (sleep: 3 pers).

Stunning penthouse in the city!

Stunning penthouse in the city!

Apartment in Ålesund city center (Storgata)

Apartment in Ålesund city center (Storgata)

Hotel Noreg

Hotel Noreg

City Center Apartment

City Center Apartment

Quality Hotel Ålesund

Quality Hotel Ålesund

Ålesund City Center - Modern 80-m2 flat with 3 bedrooms

Ålesund City Center - Modern 80-m2 flat with 3 bedrooms

Things to discover near Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

Roundtrip to Langevåg & Devold Factory Outlet

Roundtrip to Langevåg & Devold Factory Outlet

Sunnmøre - Ålesund & Geiranger

Coasteering in Ålesund

Coasteering in Ålesund

Ålesund City Train Sightseeing

Ålesund City Train Sightseeing

Hiking trip to Molladalen (774 m. O. H. )

Hiking trip to Molladalen (774 m. O. H. )

Rotarystien

Rotarystien

Round trip to Trollstigen & Valldal

Round trip to Trollstigen & Valldal

The Hjørungavåg National Monumentet

The Hjørungavåg National Monumentet

The Arctic Museum Aarvak

The Arctic Museum Aarvak

Round trip to Stranda & Storfjord

Round trip to Stranda & Storfjord

Round trip to Godøy & Alnes Lighthouse

Round trip to Godøy & Alnes Lighthouse

Hellesylt & UNESCO Geirangerfjord (one way)

Hellesylt & UNESCO Geirangerfjord (one way)

Guided walk in Ålesund

Guided walk in Ålesund

Hjelsetgården Bobilparkering

Hjelsetgården Bobilparkering

Alnes Lighthouse

Alnes Lighthouse

Aksla Viewpoint

Aksla Viewpoint

Molja Lighthouse

Molja Lighthouse

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COMMENTS

  1. Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

    Opening hours. The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund is open all year and has extended opening hours during the summer. We have a wide selection of brochures about Ålesund and Sunnmøre and the rest of the country, as well as an assortment of souvenirs, postcards and stamps. The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund can also help you ...

  2. Ålesund: Things To Do In Norway's Most Beautiful City

    Ålesund, Norway: Travel guide to one of the country's most unique towns. See fairytale architecture in a remarkable natural setting on the coastline of Norway. ... A fun part of my visit to Alesund was watching a wedding when the bride and groom left in an bright red old Plymouth convertible. Reply. Jan. August 22, 2020 at 3:17 pm .

  3. Ålesund & Sunnmøre

    Enjoy a winter cruise on the Geirangerfjord, travelling through pristine nature in a dramatic, rugged, varied and historically rich fjord landscape. The 35-km long fjord is surrounded by steep mountains that rise up vertically from the fjord with peaks reaching 1,700 metres above sea level. Don't worry if it isn't winter when you're visiting ...

  4. Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

    The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund can also help you with booking and reservations of accommodation, sightseeing tours and other activities. Schedule September - May Weekdays:08:30-16:00 Saturday:Closed Sunday:Closed Summer (June - August) Weekdays:08:30-18:00 Saturday:08:30-18:00 Sunday:08:30-18:00. Contact Address:

  5. 16 Things to Do in Ålesund, Norway

    Visit Ålesund's record shops. Visit Atlantic Sea Park. Visit the Ålesund Museum. Listen to the Mark Kozelek song. Drive out to the Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy. Stop in the Ålesund Church. Hike up Slogen. Take a trip out to Hjørundfjord. Go kayaking around Ålesund.

  6. Alesund, Norway 2024: All You Must Know Before You Go

    About Alesund. Perched at the top of Norway's Western Fjord country, picture-perfect Alesund is spread over several islands stretching into the Atlantic, with the spectacular Sunnmøre Mountains as a backdrop. If its natural beauty doesn't grab you, its architecture surely will: After an early 20th-century fire destroyed much of the town ...

  7. 10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ålesund

    Address: Borgundgavlen, 6015 Ålesund, Norway. 6. Explore the Sunnmøre Museum. Sunnmøre Museum. One of the top things to do when visiting Ålesund-and by far the best way to learn more about this lovely region of Norway-is to spend time exploring the many interesting museums dotted around the surrounding region.

  8. Plan your trip to Ålesund & Sunnmøre

    Plan your trip to Ålesund and Sunnmøre. Admire the city's unique Art Nouveau architecture, go hiking or skiing, explore the fjords - or just kick back and enjoy the view. It's no coincidence that Ålesund and Sunnmøre are among the most visited tourist sites in Norway. Ålesund is beautifully situated on several islands stretching out ...

  9. Ålesund travel

    Europe. The far northern port of Ålesund might be far from the bright lights of metropolitan Norway, but it's rich with some of the country's finest examples of Jugendstil (art nouveau) architecture - a legacy of a huge rebuilding project that took place after a devastating fire in 1904. Set out over a hook-shaped peninsula, the town is now ...

  10. Ålesund

    Ålesund. Ålesund is the largest city in Møre og Romsdal county, West Norway, with about 53,000 inhabitants, 66,000 in the surrounding area (2018). Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords (among which Geirangerfjord is particularly famous) and surrounding alpine mountains. After the devastating 1904 fire, the entire city was ...

  11. Sunnmøre

    Sunnmøre can offer some of the most spectacular fjords in our region. Geirangerfjord is the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords. One of most beautiful tourist destinations in the world, which has been included on UNESCO`s list of World Heritage sites since 2005 and is considered to be among the most scenically outstanding fjord area on ...

  12. Must-see attractions Ålesund, The Northern Fjords

    Ålesund. Rollo the Viking founded Normandy in 911; William the Conqueror is his descendant. Discover the best attractions in Ålesund including Jugendstil Senteret, Kniven Viewpoint, and Sunnmøre Museum.

  13. Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

    The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund is open all year and has extended opening hours during the summer. We have a wide selection of brochures about Ålesund and Sunnmøre and the rest of the country, as well as an assortment of souvenirs, postcards and stamps. The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund can also help you with booking and ...

  14. Ålesund : Norway Travel Guide : Nordic Visitor

    As Ålesund is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, it makes an ideal starting point for exploring the area's surroundings, including the beautiful coastline, deep valleys, fjords and mountains. The city boasts a variety of shops, galleries and cafes, and nature lovers can take part in activities in the area like angling, sailing ...

  15. Destinasjon Alesund & Sunnmore

    The tourist information office in Aalesund is open all year and has extended opening hours during the summer. We have a wide selection of brochures about Aalesund and Sunnmoere and the rest of the country, as well as an assortment of souvenirs, postcards and stamps. ... Destinasjon Alesund & Sunnmore Information. Excellent Reviews: 85: Very ...

  16. Ålesund

    Ålesund is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Norway. The city is also known as the gateway to two of the most beautiful fjords in Norway; the Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord. Ålesund is a great starting point for exploring the Sunnmøre region with the fjords, mountains and the beautiful coastline of islands ….

  17. The BEST Ålesund Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    The last stop will be at Trollvegen, which is Europe's tallest vertical rock face. Before your adventure comes to an end, enjoy a lovely drive through Åndalsnes. 3. Alesund: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Alesund is a picturesque town in Norway and is well-known for suffering from a large fire back in 1904.

  18. Ålesund

    Ålesund (Norwegian pronunciation: [ˈôːɫəsʉn] ⓘ), sometimes spelled Aalesund in English, is a municipality in Møre og Romsdal County, Norway.It is part of the traditional district of Sunnmøre and the centre of the Ålesund Region.The town of Ålesund is the administrative centre of Ålesund Municipality, as well as the principal shipping town of the Sunnmøre district.

  19. Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

    Die Tourist Information Office in Ålesund ist Ihr idealer Ansprechpartner für alle Fragen rund um Ihren Aufenthalt in der schönen Stadt am Fjord. Hier erhalten Sie Tipps zu Sehenswürdigkeiten, Aktivitäten, Unterkünften und Verkehrsmitteln in der Region. Besuchen Sie uns im Zentrum von Ålesund oder online auf unserer Website.

  20. THE LOCALS' GUIDE TO ÅLESUND

    "The art nouveau town of Ålesund is incredibly beautiful and you just have to explore the city on foot", says Natalie Sandtorv. The innovative, award-winning musician from Ålesund behind the album "Heart Echoes" is a well-known name on the European music scene. Art nouveau through and ...

  21. Ålesund City Train Sightseeing

    Ålesund City Train Sightseeing. Join the Town Train on a guided tour throughout Ålesund's town centre. You can enjoy the fantastic Art Nouveau buildings up close, visit the top of the city mountain Aksla, with a panoramic view of 70 minutes, including a stop at the viewpoint Fjellstua, and starts Cruiseterminal. Ålesund.

  22. Tourist Information Office in Ålesund

    The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund is open all year and has extended opening hours during the summer. We have a wide selection of brochures about Ålesund and Sunnmøre and the rest of the country, as well as an assortment of souvenirs, postcards and stamps. The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund can also help you with booking and reservations of accommodation, sightseeing tours ...

  23. Your guide to Fjord Norway

    Your guide to Fjord Norway - Fjord Norway