Visiting Alnes Lighthouse: A Coastal Gem Near Ålesund
Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes fyr) is a beloved beacon on the windswept island of Godøya, just outside of Ålesund. This red-and-white striped lighthouse has guided fishermen and sailors for generations and now welcomes travellers to explore its rich history and breathtaking scenery. Earlier this year, I drove to Alnes lighthouse while staying in Ålesund. I had heard a lot about the lighthouse as it is one of the popular excursions offered by the coastal ferry, so I figured I had to see it myself!
Here’s my guide to Alnes lighthouse, including its history and present-day use and what you can do when you visit.
In this article...
History of Alnes Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Alnes was established in 1852 by local villages to help guide fishing boats safely back home to the harbour. In those early days, the light was simply four candles set in a tiny lantern room—just bright enough to make the coast. This humble, privately run light proved difficult to maintain, and it was briefly extinguished in the 1860s due to funding and government scepticism of its importance.
As fishing around the island of Godøya grew, so did the need for a reliable beacon. The lighthouse was re-established, and a permanent keeper was appointed in 1876, marking the start of continuous operation on the site. The wooden tower was later raised and upgraded with a stronger lens in 1905 and connected to electric power by 1928.
The current lighthouse dates from 1937, when a new 18-metre tower was built to elevate the beam above sea level. With its bold white paint and horizontal red bands, this lighthouse became an aid to navigation and an icon of Alnes’ fishing village. The lighthouse was fully automated in 1982, ending the era of resident lighthouse keepers but ensuring the light would continue to shine for passing vessels. Today, the lighthouse is a protected cultural heritage site, recognising its historic importance to Norway’s maritime industry.
The Lighthouse Today
Even in the age of GPS, Alnes Lighthouse remains an operational coastal light – its beam still sweeps across the Norwegian sea each night (now powered by electricity and automatic controls). The municipality owns the lighthouse, which has worked with groups to transform the site into a vibrant cultural and tourist centre. Since 1993, the station has doubled as a local cultural centre, hosting art exhibits, events, and visitors, all while retaining its original charm as a seaside lighthouse. It is now one of the most visited lighthouses in Norway, thanks to its easy access from Ålesund and its picture-perfect setting.
A modern visitor centre has been built adjacent to the old lighthouse, carefully dug into the ground so as not to detract from the historic tower’s prominence. This visitor centre features a spacious café, an art gallery, and multimedia exhibits. The small fishing village of Alnes now thrives partly due to the visitors the lighthouse attracts.
What You Can Do There
Visiting Alnes Lighthouse is a hands-on experience offering more than just a quick look-and-leave. Here are some of the activities and highlights that you can do:
Climb the Lighthouse Tower
A highlight for many is climbing the old wooden lighthouse itself. You can ascend the steep, narrow staircase for a small entrance fee. As you wind up five floors, you’ll pass historic photos and even a small exhibition of watercolour paintings and sketches by local artist Ørnulf Opdahl. At the top, step out onto the circular balcony for an excellent view of the surrounding seascape and islands. On clear days, you can see the Atlantic Ocean stretching out to the horizon and the mountains of Sunnmøre on the mainland.
Enjoy the Visitor Centre (Café & Gallery)
After the climb, a cozy café awaits you with coffee, tea, and locally made treats. The Alnes Lighthouse Café is famous for its “lighthouse cake”, a secret-recipe cake visitors love. The café has other homemade cakes and light lunches and sells local handicrafts. It’s a perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the fishing village. Within the same building is an art gallery that hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year. They feature work by local and national artists – you might find maritime-themed paintings, photography, or crafts on display, reflecting coastal culture. A permanent exhibition created by the Norwegian Coastal Administration also illustrates the workings of Alnes Lighthouse and other navigational beacons, giving insight into modern lighthouse operations.
Walk the Village and Shores
Alnes is a picturesque fishing village; part of the joy of visiting is simply wandering around. Stroll past the traditional wooden houses – many painted white with picket fences – which are clustered in cosy little yards by the shore. The village has a timeless feel, and you can almost imagine the bustle of its heyday when seasonal fisheries drew crowds of workers, and the sound of boats filled the bay. Take a walk down to the beach just below the lighthouse; there are both sandy stretches and pebble beaches at Alnes.
In summer, locals and visitors come here to picnic, beachcomb and even surf – on days with good swell, you might spot wetsuit-clad surfers riding the waves in the bay, a unique sight with the lighthouse in the background. The shoreline is also great for photography, especially at sunset when the sky behind the lighthouse often ignites in pinks and oranges. Visit in winter, and you will be fortunate. You might even catch the northern lights dancing above the lighthouse – it has happened occasionally, creating a truly magical photo opportunity. Whenever you visit, please bring your camera; between the colourful boats, the dramatic mountains of Godøya, and the lighthouse itself, Alnes is highly photogenic.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
For the more adventurous, Alnes Lighthouse can be the starting point for hikes on Godøya island. The area offers excellent hiking terrain right from the village. A popular trek is the hike up Storhornet, the highest peak on Godøya (497 m). The trail begins near Alnes and takes you up grassy slopes and rocky paths to the summit. It’s a moderate hike (allow about 3–5 hours round-trip, including time to enjoy the views) and the effort is rewarded with panoramic vistas over the ocean and the Sunnmøre Alps on the mainland. From the top of Storhornet, you can look straight down at Alnes Lighthouse, appearing as a tiny pinstriped tower on the shore below. Even if you don’t go all the way up, shorter walks around the area are delightful – there’s a lake (Alnesvatnet) nearby and several marked trails.
Hiking here is a great way to experience the island’s unspoilt nature, with clean sea air and maybe a grazing sheep or two as company. Always wear good shoes and check the weather before hiking, as conditions can change quickly on the coast.
Practical Information
Getting There
Alnes Lighthouse is located on Godøya island in Giske Municipality, about 27 km from Ålesund. It’s an easy 20–30 minute drive from downtown Ålesund by car. The route goes through a series of undersea tunnels and bridges (part of the Vigra fixed link) connecting Ålesund to the islands – an experience! Just follow the signs for Vigra/Godøya; once on Godøya, drive to the very end of the island where Alnes village lies.
There is a free car park near the lighthouse, but there is better parking at the beginning of the village. The village is very narrow, so I recommend parking at the beginning of the town and enjoying the walk out to the lighthouse.
If you rely on public transport, note that bus services are limited. Bus #32 runs from Ålesund bus terminal to Alnes, but only about once per day on weekdays (with a journey time of ~40 minutes). Additional summer bus tours or weekend services may exist, but plan carefully by checking the FRAM Møre og Romsdal website for timetables. Many visitors find renting a car or joining a guided tour the most convenient way to visit Alnes Lighthouse. Note: Walking or cycling through the undersea tunnels is not permitted for safety reasons, so you need motorised transport or a bicycle rack on a bus for that portion.
Opening Hours
The Alnes Lighthouse site is generally open year-round, but hours vary by season. Typically, the visitor centre and café are open daily from around 11:00 to 17:00 (11 am–5 pm), with slightly longer hours on Thursdays in summer (often until 18:00). During the high season (May through August), all parts of the attraction – including the lighthouse tower – are open every day. In the shoulder seasons and winter, the café and gallery remain open most days, but tower climbs are usually offered only on weekends or by request. It’s a good idea to check the latest opening times on the official Alnes Fyr website or with the Ålesund tourist office, especially if travelling outside summer. Guided lighthouse tours can be arranged for groups by appointment, even in the off-season.
Admission Fees
Walking around the outside of the lighthouse and accessing the visitor centre is free, but climbing the lighthouse tower has a modest fee. The gallery exhibitions are usually free to view unless a special event is on. Parking on the site is free.
You can view their website here: https://www.alnesfyr.no/
Cafe
The café offers drinks, light meals, and desserts. It has indoor seating and a few outdoor tables for sunny days.
Accessibility
The new visitor centre is wheelchair-accessible – there are ramps or level entrances to the café and gallery.
Gift Shop
An on-site gift shop within the café area sells local crafts, postcards, and souvenirs, such as lighthouse figurines and books.
References
Alnes Lighthouse
It is well worth the trip to Alnes Lighthouse. The drive is beautiful, and the views from the lighthouse are rewarding. I can only assume the coastal ferry excursion is well worth it!