Ålesund
Ålesund is taken right out of a fantasy world as a result of an incredible history.
Ålesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, and the way Ålesund was rebuilt makes it an unforgettable visit. Ålesund was destroyed completely by a storm and a massive fire in 1904. News of the accident made people flock from all over the world to help.
Ålesund has always been known as a fisherman`s town, and you cannot visit the city without noticing the fact. Today, Ålesund is a target for many cruises, too. Try out one of the highly respected restaurants, which offers the most delicious food with local ingredients.
Ålesund is a town and municipality in Møre and Romsdal counties in the western part of Norway. It is an important centre for fishing and aquaculture in the region and is known for its Art Nouveau architecture.
The town is located on several islands in the Sunnmøre region of the county, and it is connected to the mainland by several bridges. Ålesund is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Atlantic Sea Park (an aquarium), the Aalesund Museum, and the Jugendstilsenteret (a museum dedicated to Art Nouveau).
The town is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Ålesund Boat Show and the Ålesund Food Festival.
Famous Art Nouveau Architecture
Ålesund is a town and municipality in Møre and Romsdal counties in western Norway. It is an essential centre for fishing and aquaculture in the region and is also known for its Art Nouveau architecture.
Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, which was heavily influenced by the fire that destroyed most of the town in 1904. After the fire, the town was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular then. Many of the buildings in Ålesund were designed by the architect Lars Kinsarvik, a leading proponent of the Art Nouveau style in Norway.
The Art Nouveau style is characterized by its organic, flowing lines and motifs inspired by nature. In Ålesund, you can see this style in the ornate decoration on the facades of buildings, the curved lines of balconies and windows, and the use of materials such as wrought iron and ceramic tiles.
Suppose you're interested in learning more about the Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund. In that case, you can visit the Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Center), a museum dedicated to the Art Nouveau style and its history in the town. The centre is located in the heart of Ålesund and houses a collection of Art Nouveau objects, exhibitions, and educational programs.
The economic depression back then made many craftsmen and architects unemployed, and, with help from outside, they created the world’s most concentrated collections of Art Nouveau architecture.
The houses are constructed uniquely using natural forms and soft lines, making them unique and fitting perfectly into the natural surroundings.
Ålesund has always been known as a fisherman`s town, and you cannot visit the city without noticing the fact. Today, Ålesund is a target for many cruises too. Try out one of the highly respected restaurants with the most delicious food from local ingredients.
If you have time, visit the city’s Art Nouveau museum, which is housed inside an old pharmacy.
Aksla Viewpoint
Ålesund is located in the most spectacular natural surroundings by the fjords, and you can`t leave the city without visiting Aksla Viewpoint. The lookout and views from here over the city and the fjords make you speechless. You can walk the 418 steps, take the tourist train or jump on the bus to Aksla.
The Atlantic Seapark
Another exciting and popular attraction is The Atlantic Sea Park, which includes Europe`s largest saltwater aquariums. With fresh water pumped in directly from the ocean, nothing is fake here; all for real. The main target is to show the incredible Norwegian sea life. Outside, you will also find a 6000 Square meter seal park, which is very popular, especially for the kids.
Attractions nearby Ålesund
Trollstigen (The Troll's Path)
About two hours drive from Ålesund, Trollstigen is a famous mountain road with hairpin turns and steep inclines. The viewing platforms at the top offer spectacular views of the road and the surrounding landscape.
See more about Trollstigen here
Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a two-hour drive from Ålesund. It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and Suitor. Boat tours and hiking trails provide multiple ways to experience the fjord's beauty.
See more about Geirangerfjord here
Valldal (The Strawberry Valley)
Valldal is known for its strawberry farms and beautiful natural surroundings. During the summer, it's a great place for outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, and berry picking.
These attractions highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Ålesund region, making it a fantastic destination for travellers interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities.
Runde Island
Known as the "Bird Island," Runde is famous for its large seabird colonies, including puffins. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring nature. Boat tours around the island are also available.
The Rauma railway
The Rauma Railway (Raumabanen) is not near Ålesund, but it is relatively accessible for a day trip. The railway line runs between the towns of Dombås and Åndalsnes in the county of Møre og Romsdal, which is close to Ålesund.
The closest point on the Rauma Railway to Ålesund is Åndalsnes, approximately 120 kilometres (about 75 miles) away. The drive from Ålesund to Åndalsnes takes 2 to 2.5 hours by car.
See more about the Rauma railway here.
In Åndalsnes, you can also discover the popular Romsdalseggen, where you can walk a famous hike.
Hiking Romsdalseggen
The Romsdalseggen hike typically starts in Venjesdalen, a short drive from Åndalsnes. Shuttle services are available from Åndalsnes to the trailhead during the hiking season.
Duration: The hike can take 6 to 8 hours, depending on the chosen route and pace.
Highlights:
Offers panoramic views of the Romsdalshorn, Trollveggen, and down to the town of Åndalsnes.
Difficulty: Different routes have varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for different levels of hiking experience.
Getting there
Find routes to this destination.
Coordinates
- Lattitude: 62.472228
- Longitude: 6.149482
