Ålesund
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.
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.
Museum
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.
Church
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.
Museum
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.
Museum
Fisheries Museum
At the Fisheries Museum you can learn more about the historic fishing trade that took place at Ålesund. The museum also has an exhibition on modern trade in Ålesund. The museum is located in one of the best-preserved streets from before the 1904 fire.
Aquarium
Atlanterhavsparken
The Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Science Centre is where you can view fish and species found int he Atlantic Ocean and along the Norwegian coastline, such as herring, otters and seals. The aquarium has one of Europe’s largest saltwater tanks so you can see the large cold water fish that live off the coast.
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!
Viewpoint
Kniven Viewpoint
This is where you go to get “that” photo of Ålesund. To get there, you take the 418 steps up to the top.
Day Trip
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.
Walking Trail
Valderøya Culture Trail
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
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.
Day Trip
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.
Tour
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.
Hike
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
Sjøbrua is a harbourside restaurant that serves lobster soup as well as lye fish.
High End & Unique Eats
XL Diner is a Norwegian seafood experience by the harbour. They also serve reindeer.
Anno Restaurant and Bar is in one of the art nouveau houses of Ålesund. Their menu is inspired by French and Italian cuisine, and the pizza is made in their own food fired oven. The menu includes lobster soup, stockfish, and fried catfsh.
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.
Guesthouses & BnBs
Jervell Gjestehus is a unique guesthouse in a beautiful historic home. Breakfast is include.
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.
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.
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
Where to Stay in Ålesund, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective
Choose the best place to stay in Ålesund based on my experience!
Drive it Yourself: Dombås to Ålesund via Åndalsnes on the E136
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Dombås to Ålesund on the E136, passing Åndalsnes along the way.
Highlights of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore Ålesund’s beautiful art nouveau architecture on this self-guided walking tour.
The History of Ålesund
Read about the history of Ålesund, from the Vikings to the fire of 1904 and today.
Top Things to do in Ålesund, including with Hurtigruten and Havila
Get some good tips for what to see and do while in Ålesund