Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau style architecture in its charming city center, the surrounding Sunnmøre Alps mountain range, and a stunning fjord landscape. This is a beautiful charming town on the fjord that can be explored in a day. The camping with fjord views are gorgeous outside the city. The town is over seven islands in Western Norway, and Ålesund is a gateway to enter Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous fjords that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This is the gateway town to take the ferry to the Geirangerfjord for the day. Many people take day trips on boats to see puffins on Runde Island nearby as well as fishing, skiing and hiking depending on the time of year. There is kayaking in the city as well as sailing trips to nearby islands for exploration in the nearby archipeligo. This is another cozy norwegian town with cute cafes, beautiful architecture and astounding nature to advventure in.
Transportation
The city of Alesund is very small and walkable. If you have a car it is nice to see the sites nearby as well with many things to do nearby as well. Alesund has a hop on hop off bus that is a great way to get around town. There is a 24-hour bus that goes around to a few top sites in the city: 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.
Things to do
Explore the Art Nouvea Town
Alesund in its history burned down in a fire and when it was rebuilt was build with bricks and mortor with more stable materials as well as in the contemporary style of the time, Art Nouvea. Examples of this style era can be found all over Ålesund because many of the buildings were built between 1904 and 1907. There are ornate balconies and spires as well as decorative archways and doors. There is a museum in the old pharmacy, Svaneapoteket or “Swan Pharmacy”, where you can learn about Alesund’s history and is Ålesund’s Art Nouveau Center. Also visit Alesund Church that is a historic chapel that sits up on the hill overlooking the main city center.
Geirangerfjord Day trip
This is an iconic fjord with snowy mountain peaks, lush plants, waterfalls & amazing views. This fjord is about a 2.5 hour drive outside of Alesund with a ferry ride that you need to take as well. You can take the public bus as well to get to the fjord and many tour companies use the public transit to get everyone there for a day trip.
Hours: open in the season – April – October, 2 possible departures from Ålesund, at 9.00 and 11.00 am daily
Price: NOK879.00 per adult ticket or about $100USD per adult. Book here.
Read my full list of fjords to hike in Norway here.
Fjellstua Viewpoint (Byrampen Viewpoint)
This is the best lookout point from Mount Aksla of the city and the surrounding mountains. There is a short nature walk to get to the top and the trip is about 450 steps. There is also driving access to the viewpoint if you cannot or don’t want to walk. There are connnecting trails on Mount Aksla that you can take and enjoy the nature walks along the ridge.
Hours: Open to the public 24/7
Price: Free
Alnes Lighthouse
This charming lighthouse is in a small city on an island a 30 minute drive outside of Alesund city center. The views of the coast are amazing and there is a cafe as well as a museum. The cold Norway beach can be experienced.
Hours: 12pm-5pm daily
Price: There is no entry fee except for if you want to go to the top of the lighthouse for the view of the island. Adult tickets are $25USD and children are $10USD, book here.
Runde Island Puffins
Runde Island is one of the closer islands in the archipeligo of Alesund. This is the most southerly seabird cliff in Norway and is a nesting place for lakh birds. It is home to over two hundred different species of birds and is known for its puffins. These cute creatures are worth a day trip from Alesund.
Hours: Monday – Friday08:50 – 17:2508:50 – 19:3011:50 – 19:30
Price: NOK530.00 per adult ticket, or $60USD per adult ticket for a day cruise tour of the island
Where to stay
Volsdalen Camping
This is a campground area with tent spots as well as wooden cabins built overlooking the sound and the hills and located a 10 minute drive outside the city center. This is one of the most budget and cool camping areas near the town that will save you cash. They have kitchens were you can cook meals to save money as well. There is a shared communal lounge and kitchens as well as free wifi. The cabins are clean and cozy little wood cabins with heaters, comfy beds and friendly staff. We
Price: $62USD/night, Book here
Hotel Brosundet
This hotel sits on the waters of Brosundet and the shore. The hotel is in a former warehouse renovated to a luxury hotel with a grand large artistic fireplace and gorgeous lounge for guests that is cozy. It is a 2-minute walk from the Jugendstilsenteret Art Nouveau Center and 3.4 km from Atlantic Sea-Park aquarium. The rooms are rustic-chic decor as well as suites with sitting areas, daybeds or dining tables, as well as one room in a 150-year old lighthouse. Breakfast is free, and there’s a high-end restaurant and bar.
Price: $200USD/night, book here
