Where to Stay in Ålesund from a Tour Leader's Perspective
Ålesund is a beautiful city. The whole city is designed in the iconic art nouveau style of architecture, and is a perfect city to start a West Norwegian fjord road-trip in. After all, Ålesund is close to the spectacular Geirangerfjord. But where can you stay in Ålesund?
I’ve put together this guide for the best places to stay in Ålesund based on my experience going there for work as a tour leader but also the times I’ve been there for my work on this website. I was surprised by the lack of hotels in Ålesund – there are far less hotels here than in other big tourist cities like Trondheim and Bergen. Also, many of the hotels that are available are rather high-end. Still, there is a good selection here!
Tip: Book the hotel as far in advance as possible. Good hotels sell out months in advance and up to a year in advance if during the northern lights season, so you don’t want to miss out on a good price and good hotel.
Affiliate links: None of the hotels recommended here are paid placements or have sponsored this article in any way. This guide comes from my years of experience travelling to Ålesund for work and holiday, and I’m simply choosing the hotels I believe to be the best choice. That said, if you book through the link provided here, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and that money contributes to this website. I appreciate any support I can get 🙂
Price Range:
Budget: Less than 1000 NOK a night
Mid-range: 1000 – 2000 NOK a night
High end: 2000+ NOK a night
I looked at one night in August 2024 for two people and sorted the prices according to that.
In this article...
The E39 Highway
Ålesund is located on the E39, the main highway along the west coast. You can find my guide to the E39 by clicking the link below.
Norway's Coastal Ferry
Ålesund is a port of call of Norway’s coastal ferry. Find my guide for the coastal ferry by clicking the link below.
Be sure to check out my Ålesund travel guide, which includes practical information about travelling there but also information about the various settlements and wildlife.
Map of Ålesund
Ålesund City Centre
Why Stay Here?
Look, Ålesund isn’t exactly Paris! There aren’t right neighbourhoods and places to be. The whole town is the city centre! Still, it’s important to keep in mind things like hills, proximity to museums and restaurants, and parking spaces.
High End
Hotel Brosundet
Located by the sund (strait) that gives the name Ålesund, Hotel Brosundet is my top pick for a stay in Ålesund. The hotel is a historic warehouse built in the classic Art Nouveau style. You can visit the on-site Arkivet bar and the breakfast buffet focuses on locally produced foods. The hotel is located close to the Art Nouveau Museum.
One unique aspect of this hotel is that you can book a night in a lighthouse. Molja Lighthouse, the iconic red lighthouse you see at the entrance to the strait, can be booked at a premium price.
Hotel 1904
Hotel 1904 is a beautifully restored bank building in the heart of Ålesund. The hotel has 81 rooms with a modern design. Part of the hotel is the dining lounge Green Garden – located both inside and outside of Hotel 1904’s old backyard. There is even an on-site architecture office here.
The hotel is located very close to Byparken and the hike to Mt. Aksla. It is also located in the shopping district.
Mid Range
Most of these hotels are priced the same – just under 2000 NOK a night.
Quality Hotel Ålesund
The Quality Hotel Ålesund is located close to the coastal ferry pier and some of the rooms overlook the sea and surrounding islands. All the rooms are inspired by Art Nouveau design and you can choose between a sea or a street view. The on-site restaurant Social Bar serves traditional Norwegian dishes made from local produce.
Quality Hotel Waterfront
Located close to the city centre (about a five minute walk away!), this hotel is located on the waterfront facing out to the Sula mountain and bay area.
Thon Hotel Ålesund
The Thon Hotels are a huge chain, so if you want no fuss this is the hotel for you. All the rooms are modern, practical but also simple, and the hotel is in a great location. Private parking is available at the hotel, which also makes it a convenient place to stay for road-trippers.
Hotel Noreg
Hotel Noreg is one of the cheaper options in Ålesund. The hotel is located close to the coastal ferry terminal.
Scandic Parken
Located in central Ålesund on a hill next to Byparken, Scandic Parken is another chain hotel that, like Thon, offers practical and modern rooms. Scandic hotels are particularly known for their breakfast. There is a parking lot in the hotel where you can park for an extra fee. It’s a bit of a steep climb from the city centre to Scandic Parken for some.
Budget Friendly
Aalesund Airport Hotel
Aalesund Hotel is one of the cheapest hotels I could find close to the city centre. The hotel is located about 7 minutes by car from Ålesund city centre and is located by the coast. Breakfast is available at an additional fee (157 NOK per person) and free public parking is available on site. Close by is the historic Giske Island, where you can see the 12th century Giske Church.
Volsdalen Camping
This is one of the most budget hotels I could find in Åleusnd. The campground offers cabins for two people without a private bathroom from 730 NOK a night, while cabins with private bathrooms go for 1,100 NOK a night. There’s also spots for caravans and tents.
In the Countryside
Why Stay Here?
If you stay 15-20 minutes by car out of Ålesund, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful setting by a fjord, strait, or sea. This option is perfect for those road-tripping; the hotels further out of Ålesund all come with free parking.
High End
Storfjord Hotel
This hotel is wonderful. Located in the secluded hills overlooking the Storfjord, this hotel is designed almost like a farmhouse or cabin and offers a wide range of activities from kayaking to hikes and food tastings.
Mid Range
Jervell Gjestehus
Jervell Gjestehus is located just out of town close to the E136 highway and the Sunnmøre open-air museum. Jervell Gjestehus is a historic mansion built in 1910 in the Swiss chalet, Norwegian dragestil and Art Nouveau styles. There are five rooms in the guest house, each with their own private bathrooms.
It only takes five minutes to drive into the city centre from the hotel. I actually really like the location! You stay in the area Borgund, which is considered to be the first settlement around Ålesund. There’s a Medieval Museum and open-air museum here, as well as a walking trail where you can see a German bunker from World War II. Borgund Church, located by the hotel, is a stone church from 1150.
Sunde Fjord Hotel
Located south of Ålesund by the E39 highway, this hotel is surrounded by mountains and fjords. Free parking is available on site, making it an excellent option for road-trippers, and there are some hiking trails close by. Breakfast is included and the hotel is decorated with original prints and paintings. A cabin-style suite here is only 2,220 NOK a night and comes with a private balcony overlooking the sea.
Brattvåg Hotel
Located north of Ålesund in the small village of Brattvåg, this hotel has lovely views out to the surrounding area. There’s free parking, breakfast included, and two restaurants on site. The rooms themselves are a little basic, but the hotel is good value for money.
Runde Miljosenter
Located by Runde Harbour, this hotel is in fact self-catering apartments. Every apartment is modern with a fully equipped kitchen and sea views. Free parking is available. Runde is famous as one of the best places in Norway to see puffins in the summer months, and you can also go hiking or take boat trips around the island.
Budget Friendly
Borg Sommerhotell
Located in a neighbourhood close to Blindheim and the E39 highway, Borg Sommerhotell is only open in the summer months (as the name implies) and has free parking, clean and simple rooms with private bathrooms, and nice views out to the mountains.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Ålesund
Ålesund is somewhat limited in options, but I think the big choice you need to make is whether to stay in the city or countryside. This depends a lot on whether or not you have a vehicle, of course.
The E39 Highway
Ålesund is located on the E39, the main highway along the west coast. You can find my guide to the E39 by clicking the link below.
Norway's Coastal Ferry
Ålesund is a port of call of Norway’s coastal ferry. Find my guide for the coastal ferry by clicking the link below.
