Things To Do In Ålesund, Norway’s Most Beautiful City

Nestled along Norway's rugged west coast, Ålesund enchants visitors with its art nouveau architecture and spectacular setting. Planning a trip? Enjoy our travel guide to this charming city.

If you’re looking for somewhere that captures Norway’s natural drama and creative spirit in equal measure, Ålesund should be at the top of your list.

Tucked away on the wild west coast in the traditional district of Sunnmøre, this small city has become one of Norway’s most photogenic destinations.

Built across a string of islands connected by graceful bridges, Ålesund feels surrounded by water at every turn. Fishing boats still glide into its busy harbour, mountains rise steeply in the distance, and the scent of the sea drifts through its streets.

Whether you come for the views, the seafood, or simply to wander its colourful lanes, Ålesund never fails to leave an impression.

The city’s unique charm lies in its contrasts. It feels both familiar and entirely new, steeped in maritime heritage yet alive with modern creativity.

One moment you might be climbing the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint for a sweeping panorama, and the next you’re admiring the intricate art nouveau details on the city’s waterfront buildings.

An Introduction to Ålesund

Ålesund has a personality that sets it apart from every other Norwegian city. While Oslo and Bergen are celebrated for their traditional wooden houses, Ålesund looks like something lifted straight from the pages of a Central European fairytale.

After a devastating fire in 1904 destroyed most of the city centre, Ålesund rose again in the art nouveau style popular across Europe at the time.

Young Norwegian architects, many trained in Germany, returned home to rebuild the city with a distinctly modern flair. The result is a whimsical landscape of curious façades, curving towers and ornate carvings, all framed by sea and mountains.

Today, Ålesund stands as the finest example of art nouveau architecture in Scandinavia. Its turrets and spires catch the light differently throughout the day, from soft morning grey to golden evening glow.

Combined with its setting among islands, fjords and alpine peaks, the effect is magical, and especially so during the long sunsets of late summer, when the entire town seems to shimmer in shades of pink and gold.

Things To Do in Ålesund

Whether you’re stepping ashore from a cruise ship or staying overnight as part of a west coast road trip, Ålesund has more than enough to fill your time.

The city may be small, but it rewards slow exploration. From leisurely strolls among elegant art nouveau façades to immersive museums that bring its dramatic history to life, here’s how to start discovering Ålesund.

Walking Tour of Central Ålesund

One of the best ways to experience Ålesund is on foot. The compact city centre unfolds along the harbour and across narrow islands linked by graceful bridges.

Start your walk by the Brosundet canal, where fishing boats still bob in the water and pastel buildings reflect perfectly in the calm surface.

From here, weave through quiet streets lined with art nouveau architecture. Each façade is a work of art, decorated with ornate carvings, turrets and flourishes inspired by nature.

The walk doesn’t need to be long to be rewarding. Every turn reveals a new detail or a glimpse of the surrounding mountains and sea.

If you want somewhere to aim for, look up Molovegen on your smartphone map app. Head for here and you'll discover some of Ålesund's most beautiful buildings, great waterfront views, and an interesting waterfront neighbourhood.

If you prefer context as you explore, local guides offer short walking tours that reveal stories of the city’s rebirth after the 1904 fire. But even without a guide, you’ll feel that blend of elegance and resilience in every street.

Museums in Ålesund

Ålesund’s museums are small but superbly curated, and they tell the remarkable story behind the city’s distinctive appearance.

The Art Nouveau Museum (Jugendstilsenteret) is a perfect starting point. Housed in the beautifully restored Swan Pharmacy, the museum dives into the events of 1904, when a devastating fire reduced much of Ålesund to ashes.

Through photographs, film, and striking period interiors, you’ll see how a wave of youthful architects rebuilt the city in the fashionable art nouveau style, creating something uniquely Norwegian in the process.

A short stroll away, Aalesunds Museum offers a broader perspective on the city’s history.

Exhibits trace Ålesund’s evolution from a busy fishing port to a modern regional hub, with displays on shipbuilding, wartime occupation, and the city’s long relationship with the sea.

Vintage photographs and model boats capture the pride and perseverance that have shaped Ålesund’s identity for more than a century. Personally, I love the story of the world's first covered steel lifeboat designed and constructed by Ole Brude from Ålesund.

Both museums are small enough to enjoy in an hour or two, leaving you plenty of time to wander the streets they help you understand more deeply.

Penguins & More at Ålesund Aquarium

Ålesund is also home to one of Norway’s largest aquariums, the Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken).

Set on the coast, this family-friendly attraction focuses on marine life from the North Atlantic, with interactive displays, touch pools, and impressive exhibits featuring everything from playful otters to penguins from Chile.

A perfect option for those visiting with children, it’s also a relaxing way to spend a few hours if you’re looking for a change of pace. A short ride on a local bus followed by a short walk brings you from the city centre to the aquarium.

Hiking in Ålesund

If you enjoy a bit of outdoor activity, the mountains in and around Ålesund are ideal for a little hiking trip.

The 418 steps may sound daunting, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. On the way up, there's plenty of rest areas, so you don't have to do as the locals do and zoom up the steps!

From the summit, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the town, the surrounding islands, and the nearby mountains.

Once you reach the top, you can refuel with an ice cream at the cafe. I've also eaten at the restaurant that offers great (albeit pricey) local food and, of course, a wonderful view.

For those who prefer not to walk, well, there's some disappointing news. There’s no longer the option to board a tourist bus that drives up to Fjellstua. At the time of writing, anything bigger than a regular vehicle cannot make the trip.

One exception is the road train, a tourist sightseeing service that operates on most days that cruise ships are in port.

For keen hikers, Ålesund also offers several trails in the nearby Giske archipelago. One popular option is the cultural trail on Valderøy, a relaxing 3km loop perfect for those wanting a leisurely walk in nature.

Climbing Storhornet on Godøya island is one for the keen hiker who wants a view as a reward.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

As a coastal city, it should come as no surprise to learn that fish is a big part of the local diet. Just a quick word of warning though, before you ask for the local speciality!

Ålesund is Norway's home of klippfisk, the dried and salted cod used to make the dish bacalao. It can be really tasty, as long as you're expecting the salty taste! The downtown XL Diner is an upmarket venue that specialises in the dish.

You may also come across a svele, a Norwegian pancake that is very popular in the wider region and especially on the passenger ferries. The crescent-folded thick pancake is similar to an American pancake.

But again, I have to issue a warning. There may be a slice of brown cheese lying inside, so check first!

Where to Stay in Ålesund

Although Ålesund is one of western Norway’s most popular destinations, its compact city centre means accommodation options are limited.

Hotels here tend to be stylish rather than sprawling, often set in beautifully restored art nouveau buildings. If you’re visiting during summer or arriving by cruise, it’s wise to book well in advance. Two of the city’s best hotels stand right in the heart of the action.

Hotel 1904 is a design lover’s dream. Housed in one of Ålesund’s original art nouveau buildings, it blends historic charm with minimalist Scandinavian interiors. High ceilings, elegant arches and soft lighting create a calm, refined atmosphere.

It's an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. Many rooms have views over the surrounding rooftops, while the in-house café is a favourite morning stop for locals and travellers alike.

Just a short walk away, Hotel Brosundet offers an equally atmospheric stay right on the water’s edge. Once a fish warehouse, the building has been transformed into a boutique hotel that keeps its maritime character intact.

Exposed wooden beams, cosy lounges and views over the canal make it one of Ålesund’s most memorable places to stay. For a truly unique experience, there's a converted lighthouse suite on the nearby breakwater.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Many people arrive in Ålesund on a Hurtigruten ferry or other cruise ship, as other public transport options are limited.

Driving from Trondheim takes around 5-6 hours, while driving from Oslo to Bergen can easily absorb an entire day. That being said, driving is a great way to enjoy some of Norway's spectacular scenery. So, don't dismiss the option too soon!

Flying to the city is also possible. SAS offer flights from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, while Norwegian also runs a route to and from the capital. Advance deals are available if you book at least a week in advance. An airport shuttle bus is available to complete your journey to the city centre.

The city has a reliable local bus service but most visitors will simply be able to walk around the major sites. However, the bus can be useful for reaching some attractions including the aquarium. For more information, check our guide to transport in Ålesund.

Nearby Attractions

Ålesund may be one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, but it’s also small enough to explore comfortably in a day or two. That makes it the perfect base for discovering some of western Norway’s most spectacular scenery.

Once you’ve admired the canals and climbed to the Aksla viewpoint, consider extending your stay to experience the fjords, islands and quiet coastal villages that surround the city.

Just a few hours away lie the Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord, two of the country’s most breathtaking fjords. Both are framed by towering mountains and dotted with remote farms that seem to cling impossibly to the slopes.

You can visit on an organised boat tour from Ålesund or, if you prefer more flexibility, hire a car and create your own adventure through Sunnmøre’s winding valleys and mountain passes.

If you do choose to drive, don’t try to rush the experience into a single day. Spend the night in a small hotel, cabin or guesthouse near one of the fjords. Evenings here are blissfully peaceful, perfect for a quiet walk along the water’s edge as the last light fades from the mountains.