Ålesund (Norway) is an Art Nouveau city located on the western coast of the country. The Norwegians themselves consider Ålesund to be the most beautiful city in the country. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, this small town attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience Norway’s true essence and unique culture.
About the city
The city is located between two fjords – Hjørund and the impressive Geiranger. Both fjords are part of the world heritage and are listed by UNESCO. Olesund is interesting in that it is not a whole city in our usual understanding. It is located on seven Norwegian islands at once. The city has a population of just over 42 thousand people.
A brief historical excursion
In order to better understand why the formation of the city gave us what we see today, it is worth delving into history. Since the mid-15th century, the area where the city is located today was a fishing settlement called Borgesund. It is clear that the main factor in its development was its convenient location and proximity to the fjords.
Already in 1823, the settlement was renamed Ålesund( Alesund), and by 1848 it had grown so much that it received the status of a city. A landmark event for the city occurred in 1904 – a severe fire occurred. And given that most of the city’s buildings were made of wood, the disaster destroyed almost the entire city.
In just three years, Ålesund was rebuilt. New houses in the Art Nouveau and Norwegian Modern styles made the city incredibly charming, as we know it today. Ålesund continues the traditions of Borgesund and is currently the largest fishing center in Norway.
Attractions in Aalesund
The sights of Ålesund (Norway) are not as famous as, for example, the tourist attractions of Paris, but many people come here just to see them. The city’s laid-back lifestyle doesn’t involve excessive noise or activity. So, what are the must-see attractions in Ålesund?
Fjellstua Viewpoint
The viewpoint is located at the top of the Olesund Mountain, Axla. The rock juts out directly over the city. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 418 steps, which start in the city park. If you’re not up for the climb, you can also take a transportation option. At the top, you’ll find a summer restaurant and the Fjellstua Viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
From a height of 160 meters, you can see all the city’s islands and their colorful houses, and the surrounding mountains and fjords are breathtaking even for experienced travelers. The observation deck is a must-visit attraction in Ålesund. The view from the deck is often featured on souvenirs and in travel guides. Everyone who visits Ålesund has a photo of the city from the Fjellstua observation deck.
Alnes Lighthouse
About 20 minutes away from Ålesund is the small village of Alnes. The main occupation of the villagers is fishing, so everything is organized for the work of fishermen. The lighthouse can be called a symbol of the village and its main attraction. In addition, it refers to the history of Ålesund, as it is made of wood.
Visitors have the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse and admire the view from there. As a rule, tourists are also given the opportunity to eat and drink.
Brosundet Hotel
Located in the center of the historic part of the city, Hotel Brosundet is not to be overlooked. The building with a Scandinavian interior will help you immerse yourself in the real world of Norway. Despite the traditional nature of the hotel, it offers very comfortable rooms. Brosundet is within easy reach of almost all the historically important sites in the city.
If you are unable to stay at the hotel for any reason, you can visit the local bar. Brosundet offers an impressive selection of drinks and an atmospheric atmosphere by the fireplace.
The cost of a night’s stay in a hotel starts at 180 euros.
Aalesund Church
The massive stone church was built in 1909 by the architect Sverre Knudsen. This parish church can accommodate about 800 people at a time.
The building is decorated with marble, which gives it an even more impressive appearance. The interior is impressive for a Protestant church. A distinctive feature of the Olesund Church is its organ, which is the largest in all of Norway.
Services and concerts are regularly held here, and they are attended not only by locals, but also by curious tourists. The doors of Aalesund Church are always open.
Where to find it: Aspegata, Ålesund 6004 Norway.
Sunnmorsalpane Ski Resort
The Olesunna ski resort is open to visitors from December until April. For outdoor enthusiasts, this place can seem like a paradise. Firstly, the views from Sunnmorsalpene are breathtaking. Secondly, the resort’s level of organization is exceptional.
There are all the necessary conditions for you to spend your time comfortably: trails of different difficulty levels, comfortable ski lifts, and, of course, the opportunity to spend your leisure time over a cup of tea in a pleasant atmosphere.
Atlantic Marine Park
Since 1998, the park has been one of the largest and most unique marine aquariums in Northern Europe. It is visited by approximately 130,000 people every year. Visitors can observe and learn about the marine life in its natural habitat.
The aquarium with 4 million liters of water is full of cod and halibut, catfish, sea eels and salmon. Every day at 13:00 (in summer additionally at 15:30) divers conduct their feeding, which can be viewed by tourists. There are also penguins and seals in the marine park. They are fed at 14: 30 and 15: 30, respectively. In addition, you can see marine life in the bay under the open sky on the territory of the attraction.
- Where to find it: Tuenesvegen, Ålesund 6002 Norway.
- Opening hours: in summer, from Sunday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00; on Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00; from September to the end of May, from Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 16:00; on Sunday, from 11:00 to 18:00.
- Ticket prices: adult tickets cost 195 crowns, and children’s tickets cost 90 crowns.
- Website: http://atlanterhavsparken.no.
What else can you do in Ålesund?
If you don’t travel from city to city, but stay in one place, sooner or later, you’ll reach a point where you’ve seen all the major attractions and start looking for alternative activities.
The first thing a traveler arriving in Ålesund should do is visit the tourist center. Here you can find free travel guides and maps, find out the schedules of buses, ferries and excursions. The staff of the center will help you choose places to visit and plan your vacation in a rational way.
An alternative pastime in Alesund (Norway) is visiting local festivals and festivals. Each season is notable for its own special events, so the probability that you will get to one of them is quite high.
Hiking is also quite popular among visitors to the city. Given that the infrastructure of Ålesund is designed for tourists, it is easy to find such routes. The most popular ones include:
- climbing Mount Sukkertoppen;
- climbing Mount Aksla and visiting the park;
- hike to Borgundgavlen.
In addition to hiking, don’t forget about water activities. The variety of excursion routes along the fjords will surely allow you to find one that interests you.
When is the best time to visit Ålesund?
Compared to the overall climate of Norway, the climate of Ålesund is quite mild. This is due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream. However, what is mild for Norway may not be comfortable for someone from Europe or the Middle East. Therefore, let’s discuss the weather in Ålesund during different seasons.
Alesund in winter
Winter Norway has a rather harsh climate. The proximity of the fjords ensures constant winds and high humidity. In winter, Ålesund is mainly visited for skiing. Long walks and cycling are not available during this season.
Spring in Alesund
Spring begins around mid-April, and until then, it is mostly snowy, and the ski resorts operate normally until May.
Summer
The best time to visit Aalesund is in the summer. You should not be afraid of too high a temperature here. In the summer months, in rare cases, the thermometer will show above +20°C, on average — +13..+16°C. But for walking, visiting museums and other outdoor activities, such weather is quite acceptable.
Weather in autumn
Autumn in Norway can be different. However, it is often quite cold and rainy in October, which leads to a significant decrease in the number of visitors during this time.
How to get to Aalesund?
The transportation system throughout the country is very well organized. Therefore, it is quite easy to get to the city of Ålesund (Norway). There are several ways to get to the city, the most common of which is by plane.
By plane
The largest airport in the area, Vigra, is located just 12 kilometers from the city. If you are planning a vacation in Ålesund, it is worth considering flights that arrive here.
The airport receives flights from the largest European airlines: Norwegian, KLM, airBaltic, WizzAir and Scandinavian Airlines. Therefore, it is possible to get to Ålesund from most major European and Scandinavian cities.
By bus
Another popular mode of transport among travelers and locals is the bus. Thanks to the excellent condition of the roads in Norway, even long bus rides are not too tiring. And given the breathtaking views that can be seen along the way, many people are willing to travel across the entire country.
You can find out which cities are connected, the bus schedule, and purchase tickets on the Norwegian carrier’s website, frammr.no.
By ferry
An alternative way to get to the sights of Ålesund is by ferry. You can take a ferry from Tromsø, Trondheim, Bergen, Kirkenes, and Hammerfest. Although this trip is slightly longer and more expensive, it offers stunning views of the fjords.
By train and car
You can also take a train to Ålesund and then transfer to a bus or taxi. The nearest train station to the city is 108 km away in Åndalsnes. For tickets and schedules, please visit the official website: www.vy.no.
A trip to Ålesund (Norway) is a great way to spend your vacation and enjoy the Scandinavian beauty. The city is suitable for both solo travel and family trips.
