Kayaks on the canal in front of a row of coloured houses in Ålesund

Ålesund – An island city with mountain adventures and Art Nouveau flair

Fairytale architecture and winding waterways enchant in this archipelago city.

The best things to do History Activities Voyages

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.

The best things to do in Ålesund

One of Alesund's many Art Nouveau buildings

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.

A group of tourists on a walking tour of Ålesund

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.”

Looking out over the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund from Mount Aksla

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.

Hjørundfjorden – like nowhere else on Earth

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 blue facade of an Art Nouveau building in Ålesund

Eating and drinking in Ålesund

As you explore the city, you can enjoy a good selection of restaurants, pubs and cafés, whether you are looking for a gourmet meal, a good patisserie or a delicious coffee.

A history of Ålesund

Archaeological finds have shown that humans have lived within the area of the present town for about 9,000 years. But it was through the royal sagas of Snorri Sturluson that the name Ålesund first emerged. The medieval market town of Borgund was the first ‘town’ in Sunnmøre in the middle of the 1100s. At the same time Borgund was also the largest religious centre between Bergen and Nidaros.

Ålesund’s harbour and the short distance to the rich fishing banks and seaways were important conditions for the growth of the town. The first merchants settled along the sound in the 1500s. During the next 200 years a small seaport grew up, and today Ålesund has a population of approximately 46,000 inhabitants.