Ålesund is a beautiful city in Norway, and there are many things to see and do. From the stunning Art Nouveau architecture to the stunning natural beauty, there's something for everyone in this charming city.
In this blog article, I will share some of my top recommendations for things to do in Ålesund. I will also provide some additional information about each activity, so you can decide which ones are right for you.
Whether you're interested in art, history, nature, or food, you're sure to find something to love in Ålesund. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
What to do and see in Ålesund, Norway
Ålesund is a beautiful city in Norway with stunning Art Nouveau architecture, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of activities to enjoy.
Whether you're interested in art, history, nature, or food, you're sure to find something to love in Ålesund. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Ålesund:
Ålesund's Art Nouveau district
The Art Nouveau district in Ålesund is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built after a fire in 1904 destroyed much of the city. The new buildings were designed in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular at the time. The district is characterized by its colorful buildings with intricate details. Some of the most famous buildings in the district include the Town Hall, the Jugendstilsenteret (Jugendstil Center), and the Aalesunds Sparebank (Aalesund Savings Bank).
The Town Hall is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. It was built in 1905, and it's one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The building is made of red brick, and it's decorated with colorful tiles and sculptures.
The Jugendstilsenteret is a museum dedicated to Art Nouveau. The museum has exhibits on the history of Art Nouveau, as well as examples of Art Nouveau art and design.
The Aalesunds Sparebank is a bank that was built in 1904. The building is made of white stone, and it's decorated with colorful tiles and sculptures.
In addition to these famous buildings, there are many other Art Nouveau buildings in the district. You can wander around the streets and admire the beautiful architecture.
Go to Fjellstua for a view over Ålesund
Fjellstua is a viewpoint located about 400 meters above sea level. It offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city of Ålesund. You can see the Art Nouveau district, the harbor, the mountains, and the islands in the surrounding fjords. The best time to visit Fjellstua is in the morning or evening, when the light is best.
To get to Fjellstua, you can take a bus or walk. The walk is about 20 minutes uphill, but it's worth it for the views. Once you reach the top, you can relax on the viewing platform and enjoy the stunning scenery.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also hike to Fjellstua. There are a number of different hiking trails that lead to the viewpoint. The hike is about an hour long, but it's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air.
Eat the pizza
The pizza at Fjellstua is some of the best in Ålesund. The crust is perfectly crispy, and the toppings are fresh and delicious. Be sure to try the "Fjellstua pizza" with reindeer sausage, mushrooms, and onions. The pizza is made with local ingredients, and it's cooked in a wood-fired oven.
The pizza at Fjellstua is a great way to refuel after a long day of exploring. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the city, and the pizza is definitely worth the price.
Kayaking and hiking adventure
If you're looking for an active adventure, be sure to go for a kayaking and hiking adventure. You can start by kayaking around the islands in the harbor, and then hike up to one of the viewpoints for stunning views of the city.
There are a number of different kayaking and hiking tours available, so you can find one that's right for you. If you're a beginner, you can take a guided tour. If you're more experienced, you can rent kayaks and hike on your own.
Kayaking and hiking is a great way to see the natural beauty of Ålesund. You'll get to explore the islands, the fjords, and the mountains. You'll also get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air.
Visit Ålesund's record shops
Ålesund has a thriving music scene, and there are a number of great record shops in the city. Be sure to check out Big Dipper Records, Checkpoint Charlie, and Soundgarden Records. These shops sell a wide variety of music, from new releases to rare vinyl. You're sure to find something you'll love.
In addition to the big record shops, there are also a number of smaller, independent record shops in Ålesund. These shops are a great place to find unique and hard-to-find records.
Ålesund Church
The Ålesund Church is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. The interior of the church is just as impressive as the exterior, with stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. The church is located in the heart of the city, and it's a popular tourist destination.
The church was built in 1909, and it's one of the most iconic buildings in Ålesund. The building is made of white stone, and it's decorated with colorful tiles and sculptures.
The interior of the church is just as beautiful as the exterior. The walls are decorated with stained glass windows, and the ceiling is made of wood. The church is a great place to experience Art Nouveau architecture, and it's also a popular place to get married.
Visit Atlantic Sea Park
Atlantic Sea Park is a great place to learn about the marine life in the Norwegian Sea. You can see everything from sharks and rays to jellyfish and sea horses. The park has a number of different exhibits, including a touch pool where you can interact with the animals.
Atlantic Sea Park is located in the heart of Ålesund, and it's a popular tourist destination. The park is open all year round, and it's a great place to visit for families with children.
Sample local Ålesund delicacies
Ålesund has a number of great restaurants serving local delicacies. Be sure to try the klippfisk (dried cod), rakfisk (fermented trout), and rømmegraut (sour cream porridge). These dishes are all traditional Norwegian foods, and they're sure to give you a taste of the local culture.
Klippfisk is a dried cod that is a staple food in Norway. It is typically served with potatoes and bacon. Rakfisk is a fermented trout that is a traditional Norwegian dish. It is typically served with onions and sour cream. Rømmegraut is a sour cream porridge that is a traditional Norwegian breakfast dish. It is typically served with berries and sugar.
Visit the Ålesund Museum
The Ålesund Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city. The museum has exhibits on everything from the fire of 1904 to the Art Nouveau architecture. The museum is located in the heart of the city, and it's a popular tourist destination.
The museum has a number of different exhibits, including a permanent exhibit on the history of Ålesund, as well as temporary exhibits on a variety of topics. The museum is a great place to learn about the city's history and culture.
Take advantage of Ålesund's hop-on, hop-off bus
If you're short on time, be sure to take advantage of Ålesund's hop-on, hop-off bus. The bus will take you to all the major attractions in the city, and you can get off and on as many times as you like. This is a great way to see the city and learn about its history and culture.
The bus has a number of different stops, including the Art Nouveau district, Fjellstua, the Ålesund Museum, and the Atlantic Sea Park. The bus is a great way to see the city and learn about its history and culture.
Listen to the Mark Kozelek song
The American singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek wrote a song about Ålesund called "Ålesund (The White Night City)." The song is a beautiful ode to the city, and it's a great way to get inspired for your trip. You can listen to the song on Spotify or YouTube.
Drive out to the Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy
The Alnes Lighthouse is a beautiful lighthouse located on the island of Godøy. The lighthouse is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The drive to Alnes Lighthouse is about 30 minutes from Ålesund. The road winds through beautiful scenery, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos.
Once you reach the lighthouse, you can walk up to the top for stunning views of the ocean. You can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to a number of hiking trails.
Hike up Slogen
Slogen is the highest mountain in the Sunnmøre Alps. The hike to the summit is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.
The hike to Slogen starts in the village of Stranda. The trail is well-marked, and it takes about 4-5 hours to reach the summit.
The views from the summit of Slogen are amazing. You can see all the way to the ocean, and you can even see the mountains of neighboring countries.
Take a trip out to Hjørundfjord
Hjørundfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. The fjord is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and it's home to a number of small villages.
There are a number of ways to explore Hjørundfjord. You can take a boat tour, go kayaking, or hike in the surrounding area.
If you're taking a boat tour, you'll get to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Norway. You'll also get to visit some of the small villages that are located along the fjord.
If you're kayaking, you'll have the chance to explore the fjord at your own pace. You can paddle through the calm waters, or you can venture into the more challenging rapids.
If you're hiking, there are a number of trails that you can take. You can hike to the top of some of the mountains that surround the fjord, or you can hike through the forests that line the fjord.
Kayaking around Ålesund
Kayaking is a great way to explore the beautiful fjords and islands around Ålesund. You can paddle through the calm waters, or you can venture into the more challenging rapids.
There are a number of kayaking tours that you can take in Ålesund. You can take a guided tour, or you can rent kayaks and go on your own adventure.
If you're taking a guided tour, you'll get to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Ålesund. You'll also get to learn about the history and culture of the area.
If you're renting kayaks, you can explore the fjords and islands at your own pace. You can paddle through the calm waters, or you can venture into the more challenging rapids.
Night ski touring in the Sunnmøre Alps
Night ski touring is a great way to experience the beauty of the Sunnmøre Alps. You can ski through the snow-capped mountains, and you can enjoy the beautiful starry skies.
There are a number of places where you can go night ski touring in the Sunnmøre Alps. You can find trails that are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers.
If you're a beginner, you can start with a trail that is close to the city. As you get more experienced, you can venture into the more challenging trails that are located further away.
No matter what your level of experience, you're sure to have a great time night ski touring in the Sunnmøre Alps.
Discovering all the things to do in Ålesund
Ålesund is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. From the stunning Art Nouveau architecture to the stunning natural beauty, there's something for everyone in this charming city.
I hope this blog article has given you some ideas for things to do in Ålesund. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
I hope you have a wonderful time in Ålesund!