Population 67,000 / 62.4 degrees north

Ålesund, Norway

Regularly called the most beautiful city in Norway because of its Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, Ålesund is a true gem on the west coast of Norway. Today Ålesund is the main base of Norway’s fishing fleet, but it is also a bustling young community with vibrant cafes, restaurants, and events all year round. Ålesund is also a stone’s throw from some of the most spectacular fjords in Norway, making it an excellent place to base yourself.

Fun Facts About Ålesund

Latitude: 62.4 degrees north

Population: 67,000

Founded: 1838

Hottest Month: August

Coldest Month: February

Wettest Month: October

Windiest Month: January

Annual Precipitation: 976mm

Ålesund Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Ålesund

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Ålesund.

Jugendstil Centre

This museum documents the construction of the Art Nouveau architecture in Ålesund. The building is in one of the original art nouveau buildings to be constructed here. There is an excellent movie about the history of the city, too. 

Ålesund Church

Ålesund Church is one of the most beautiful examples of the Art Nouveau style. It is located just a short walk away from the Jugendsil Centre. Design for the church comes from the medieval churches around Norway rather than the popular art nouveau style. 

Sunnmøre Museum

Located just out of Ålesund town centre, the Sunnmøre Museum is an open-air museum with 56 buildings showing life in the traditional region of Sunnmøre. The museum also one has one of the largest historic boat collections in Norway and a medieval museum.

Ålesund in November 2023

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!

GodØy Daytrip

The furthest island from Ålesund, named Godøy, is a beautiful place to go for long walks along the coast. The historic lighthouse Alnes is also worth visiting. 

Kulturvegen on Valderøya

Valderøya Island is home to a culture trail called Kulturvegen. This 3km (1.9 mile) track is a beautiful walk where you can spot white-tailed eagles as well as see rock formations, caves and monuments to the areas cultural history. 

Day trip to Geiranger via Fjord cruise

Ålesund is located close to the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord, which isn’t accessible to cruise ships or the coastal ferries in winter. Luckily there’s a winter fjord cruise so you can see the incredible fjord region.

We recommend the fjord cruise on GetYourGuide.

Trollstigen Guided Tour

Join a guided tour out to the famous Trollstigen Tourist Road. 

We recommend the tour “From Ålesund: Trollstigen Sightseeing Village & Fjord Tour” offered on GetYourGuide. 

Ålesund Food Tour

There is no better way to get to know a Norwegian coastal city than on a food tour! This new food tour in Ålesund looks promising. 

 

Hiking on Godøy

Godøy is one of the islands on the coast off Ålesund and is a fantastic place for outdoor activities. Here you can go kayaking or hike the mountain Godøyfjellet, which gives a 360 degree view of the Sunnmøre alps. 

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Ålesund. 

The E39 from Bergen to Ålesund

The E39 between Bergen and Ålesund is regarded by many as the most beautiful major highway in Norway. Winding its way around the mountains and fjords of the west coast, this highway connects many charming villages to the two large cities of Bergen and Ålesund. 

The E39 from Ålesund to Trondheim

Follow the northernmost stretch of the E39 from Ålesund to Trondheim, passing by the coastal towns of Molde and Kristiansuns along the way. 

The E136 from Dombås to Ålesund via Trollveggen

The E136 is the most impressive of the European highways in Norway. The drive from Dombås from Ålesund starts out just fine, but as you approach Åndalsnes you are met with the most incredible scenery in the country. Trollveggen is a famous stretch of mountains that reach peaks of well over 1000 metres high. The famous Trollstigen Tourist Road also begins on the E136. The old road was, in historic times, an important road for the farmers of the northern part of the Gudbrandsdalen valley and the surrounding mountain villages. They would use the road to get access to the sea, where they could buy items like salt.

This was one of the first roads between Eastern and Western Norway to be paved as a driving road. Old stations still exist along the road where those travelling in carriages would stop to rest.

The Fv60 from Ålesund to Byrkjelo via Loen and Olden

This scenic drive from Ålesund to Byrkjelo on the Fv60 will take you past some of the most spectacular fjords in the country. This drive is a pretty well-kept secret in Norway (I only discovered it when researching this book!) and passes by the Storfjord (with photo stops looking out to Geiranger), the Hjørunfjord, and then winds its way around the Nordfjord and the scenic villages of Loen and Olden. This is a perfect alternative road to taking one of the major highways like the E39 and Rv15!

Self-Guided Walks

Follow one of our self-guided walks around Ålesund. 

Ålesund from the Coastal Ferry Self-Guided Walk

Follow this guided walk around Ålesund from the coastal ferry pier. This walk will take you past some of the highlights of Ålesund, including the most iconic art nouveau buildings, the museum, the church, and will end in the city park close to the Aksla hike. 

Ålesund on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Ålesund. 

Approaching Ålesund on Hurtigruten

Watch the scenic approach into Ålesund on board the Hurtigruten coastal ferry. 

Uniquely Ålesund

Here are some things that you must try in Ålesund!

Mt. Aksla

For the best view over Ålesund, climb up the 418 steps to the summit of Mt. Aksla for a beautiful view over the city. It’s a short-lived pain to make it to the top, or if the stairs are not for you, you can take a taxi or bus tour to the top. 

Try the Bacalao!

Ålesund is one of the major export ports for klippfisk, the salted cod that was exported to Spain, Italy and Portugal to be turned into bacalao. 

History of Ålesund

People have lived in the area for hundreds of years, and the Viking Rollo who founded Normandy is believed to have been from near Ålesund. However, the town grew up in its present location in the 17th century. After a devastating fire in 1904, the entire city was rebuilt in its now characteristic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture. 

Ålesund Today

Today Ålesund is the most important fishing harbour in Norway, and the fishing fleet is one of the most modern in Europe. Around Ålesund are many of Norway’s primary shipbuilding facilities. 

Ålesund has a subdivision of NTNU University as well as a hospital. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Ålesund has an airport with direct flights to Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and other towns. 

Drive: Ålesund is located on the E39, a major highway running through Norway. 

Train: The closest train station is at Åndalsnes, where the Rauma Line connects the town with Dombås, which is on the main train line between Oslo and Trondheim. 

Ferry: Ålesund is a port of call for the coastal ferries Hurtigruten and Havila. 

Getting Around

The city centre of Ålesund is very walkable.

The public bus company is called Fram. 

Shops

Ingrids Glassverkstad is located in the old harbour district near the fishing museum. You can watch the process of glassblowing here. 

Places to Eat

As Ålesund is a fishing town, you should definitely try seafood when in Ålesund. Many of the main restaurants are located on or around Kongens Gate, which also has some of the best art nouveau architecture. 

Cafes & Bakeries

Walderhaug Bakery and Confectionery.

Quick Bites

Stuen is one of the best places for fish and chips in Norway. 

Reasonable Restaurants

 

High End & Unique Eats

XL Diner is a Norwegian seafood experience by the harbour. They also serve reindeer. 

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

Campgrounds & Hostels

Volsdalen Camping is located about 2km east of the city centre and is mostly for those with caravans. 

Click here to view rates & book

Guesthouses & BnBs

Jervell Gjestehus is a unique guesthouse in a beautiful historic home. Breakfast is include.

Click here to view rates & book

Chains & Mid-Range

Scandic Parken is a beautiful hotel with an excellent breakfast. 

Click here to view rates & book

Thon Hotel Ålesund is a nice chain hotel. The location is excellent, too! Thon Hotels are good if you want a nice breakfast and good value for money.

Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Hotel Brosundet is a historic hotel located on the waterfront. It is designed by the architects Snøhetta, who also designed the Oslo Opera House. 

Click here to view rates & book

Hotel 1904 is a boutique hotel located in downtown Ålesund. 

Click here to view rates & book

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 9:45am

Sunset: 3:44pm

Average Temperature: 3.3C (37.9F)

February

Sunrise: 8:24am

Sunset: 5:15pm

Average Temperature: 2.7C (36.9F)

March

Sunrise: 6:54am

Sunset: 6:34pm

Average Temperature: 3.8C (38.8F)

April

Sunrise: 6:11am

Sunset: 9:01pm

Average Temperature: 6.4C (43.5F)

May

Sunrise: 4:38am

Sunset: 10:26pm

Average Temperature: 9.3C (48.7F)

June

Sunrise: 3:38am

Sunset: 11:33pm

Average Temperature: 12.2C (54F)

July

Sunrise: 4:11am

Sunset: 11:09pm

Average Temperature: 14.5C (58.1F)

August

Sunrise: 5:35am

Sunset: 9:42pm

Average Temperature: 14.8C (58.6F)

September

Sunrise: 6:59am

Sunset: 8pm

Average Temperature: 12.3C (54.1F)

October

Sunrise: 8:19am

Sunset: 6:21pm

Average Temperature: 8.4C (47.1F)

November

Sunrise: 8:49am

Sunset: 3:49pm

Average Temperature: 5.7C (42.3F)

December

Sunrise: 9:59am

Sunset: 3:01pm

Average Temperature: 3.6C (38.5F)

All Posts About Ålesund

Ålesund Photo Diary

Here are photos from my various trips to Ålesund. 

August 2023

November 2023