Ålesund – An island city with mountain adventures and Art Nouveau flair
Fairytale architecture and winding waterways enchant in this archipelago city.
Built from the ashes of a devastating fire, Ålesund is an Art Nouveau wonder. You’ll stroll amid spires, turrets and pastel hues, their reflections shimmering in the entwining waters.
The seas to the west are speckled with islands, including the birdlife-rich Runde Island and Godøya with its famous Alnes Lighthouse. To the south, the Sunnmøre Alps provide both majestic backdrop and bountiful adventures.
In the summer months, you can journey with us from Ålesund into the mesmerising fjords that Norway is famous for, such as UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and blissfully secluded Hjørundfjord.
A short history of Ålesund
This rugged coastline was once Viking territory. You’ll find a bronze statue of fearsome warrior Gange-Rolv (Rollo the Ganger) standing tall in Ålesund’s Town Park, on the foothills of Mount Aksla. It’s believed Rollo, ancestor of William the Conqueror, hailed from nearby Giske in the 9th century.
It wasn’t until 1848 that Ålesund gained township status. Quick growth needed quickly constructed buildings, and a network of simple wooden structures arose. But half a century later, the winds of a winter storm turned a factory fire into a citywide catastrophe. On 23 January 1904, flames burnt much of Ålesund to the ground.
On hearing the news, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany – who adored this region – sent manpower and materials to help resurrect Ålesund. Inspired by the architecture popular in Germany at that time, the city was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style.
A slice of life before the fire can be seen in the Eastern district – one house here survived the blaze: Waldehuset. “Its story is fascinating,” says Linn Giske Friedl, local and Cruise Sales Manager at Destination Ålesund & Sunnmøre. “The house is well worth visiting; it’s open by appointment most of the year.”
Over by the harbour, another survivor was the Holbua warehouse. Today, this is the Fisheries Museum, where you can delve into the history of Ålesund’s fishing past.
During the 1950s and 60s, Ålesund became a centre for the herring fishery business, thanks to a nearby spawning area. For many years, its docks were filled with skilled craftsmen building and repairing ships for the fishing industry. The discovery of oil in the North Sea in the 1970s shifted focus to producing vessels for the oil and gas sector – but fishing still has a grip on Ålesund’s heart.
Today, the city is visibly loyal to its fishing heritage. “Depending on the time of year, you can often see people fishing from the pier in the town centre, and spot streams of fish just by looking at the water in the harbour,” says Linn.
You’ll find no shortage of fresh seafood to sample, and events such as the annual food festival showcase Ålesund’s very best.
The best things to do in Ålesund
1. Delve into Ålesund’s architectural heritage
Once a pharmacy, the majestic facade of Jugendstilsenteret now houses The Art Nouveau Centre. Inside you’ll find a treasure trove of furniture, decorative items, and insights into the aesthetic. Displays also show the history of Ålesund, and how it was rebuilt after 1904. The equally unmissable Kube art gallery is next door.
2. Explore on foot
Compact Ålesund is easy to explore on foot. A stroll near the water on both Apotekergata and Molovegen rewards with coffee shops scattered amid fine examples of the city’s architecture. “In the morning, walk through Kongens Gate and stop at one of the local bakeries to try a skilpadde or grovkake, two local pastries that go very well with a coffee,” says Linn. “While you walk don’t forget to look up! You’ll notice all the details on the buildings.”
3. Hike up Mount Aksla
There are 418 steps leading from Ålesund’s Town Park up to the Aksla viewpoint, Fjellstua. Yes, it’s a bit of a workout. But hiking up to the expansive view of Ålesund, emerald islands and sparkling fjords is worth it. Take your time – seats are dotted along the route – and there’s a cafe with large windows at the top.
4. See the city centre by kayak
Paddling through Ålesund’s centre is a peaceful way to experience the city. Join us to get a different perspective on the city’s sights and hear all about the local history as you glide across the waters on a kayaking tour.
5. Venture to the fjords
In certain seasons, we love voyaging into iconic Geirangerfjord and tranquil Hjørundfjord. We take you from Ålesund to UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord’s crashing waterfalls, soaring peaks, and sweeping greenery. Not many ships sail into neighbouring Hjørundfjord, but we, like many Norwegians, can’t resist its secluded charms. Some of us even say it’s our favourite fjord of all.
The centre of Ålesund is divided into two by a channel. It’s lovely to sit in one of the restaurants or cafes and watch the boats pass by. In the morning, the smaller fishing vessels come in, bringing fresh seafood like clams, fish, crab and shrimp. You can buy it direct from the boats in the harbour – it’s so fresh. I love to buy a kilo of fresh shrimps.
What is the weather like in Ålesund?
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average max °C | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 3 |
Average min °C | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
Of all the seasons experienced in Ålesund’s temperate climate, Linn loves spring the most. “Very often we have beautiful weather and the streets come alive with people and guests from all over the world,” she says.
“Summer is my favourite season,” says Adelina Kasnauskaite, Restaurant Manager at Zuuma. “Not only because of the weather, but because the tourists enliven the city! Winter is much calmer, it gets darker earlier and longer – that’s a perfect season for indoor activities or skiing.”
Winters tend to be mild with strong winds. Rain drives in from the sea from September to January. But Ålesund’s locals are unfazed by the weather and say the city can be enjoyed whatever the forecast.
“Even a stormy autumn has its charm and we have our own hats, Sydvest, especially for the rain!” says Linn. “In winter I recommend a walk in the town park, it's beautiful in the snow. However, watch your step – it can be icy!”
In the colder months, the nearby Sunnmøre Alps and Strandafjellet are a snowy playground for those wanting the thrill of off-piste still accessible by lifts.
Visit Ålesund with Hurtigruten
Northbound on The Coastal Express
In port: Between 2 hours 15 mins and 10 hours 15 mins
We stop at Ålesund year round on The Coastal Express. In winter, you'll have the full day in port, while in spring, summer, and autumn we also sail into Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord.
Northbound on The North Cape Line
In port: 4 hours
In winter, we stop at Ålesund on the northbound leg of the North Cape Line, our premium, all-inclusive Signature voyage that sails from Oslo to the top of Europe and back.
Southbound on The Svalbard Line
In port: 2 hours
From May to September, we stop at Ålesund on the southbound leg of the Svalbard Line, our Signature voyage that sails from Bergen to the Arctic archipelago.
Getting to Ålesund from your ship
As your cruise ship approaches Ålesund, the hilly islands wrap around you. Drawing closer to the harbour you’ll see the colourful buildings and the small red Molja Lighthouse across the water, close to the city centre.
To get there, you can either take a 20-minute walk along the waterfront or jump on a blue city bus, which will take you there in around five minutes.
Port address: Skansekaia 1, 6002, Ålesund
Activities in Ålesund
From finding the best of the city's architecture on foot, to exploring the waterways in a kayak, Ålesund offers year-round adventure.
excursions
Art Nouveau Walk (Spring & Winter)
excursions
