10 reasons to visit Ålesund

Look, we're not gonna lie - Ålesund isn't just another pretty coastal town. This place is a straight-up architectural masterpiece spread across seven islands where the fjords kiss the Atlantic. And trust us, with only 66,000 locals, it punches WAY above its weight. Ready to fall head over heels? Let's dive in.

The style that literally rose from ashes

After a massive fire burned the whole city to the ground in 1904, Ålesund went full phoenix mode and rebuilt itself in pure Art Nouveau glory. We're talking curved facades, tower-topped buildings, and ornamental details that'll make architecture nerds lose their minds.

Wanna get a different perspective? Grab a kayak and paddle through Brosundet. The buildings look even more impressive from water level – makes for killer Instagram content too.

For the ultimate Art Nouveau experience, our Coastal Cities Including Geirangerfjord & Rauma Railway tour gives you two full nights to explore every architectural detail.

Island hopping without the hassle

Hop on a ferry, speedboat or bus, and hit up Godøya island. Hike up that 497m hill and feel your lungs burn in the best possible way, or climb the 145-year-old Alnes Lighthouse for views that'll break your camera. The souvenir shop isn't your typical tourist trap either – actual local handicrafts worth bringing home.

Bird paradise (seriously, the puffins!)

If you're into nature that flies, Runde island will blow your mind. Half a million seabirds migrate here, including 100,000 pairs of puffins that look like they were designed by a cartoon artist who went a little crazy with the colors. These little guys with their sad-clown faces are stupidly photogenic. The island's lighthouse has been guiding ships since before America was even a country (1767, for the history buffs).

Photo: Ina-Cristine Helljesen

Seafood that makes you question everything

As a fishing port that's been doing this for centuries, Ålesund doesn't mess around with seafood. The fish soup here will ruin you for all other soups. And the bacalao? Norway export two-thirds of the world's supply, so yeah, we know what we're doing.

Not into fish? (Weird, but okay.) There's plenty of other food that'll make your taste buds high-five each other. And for dessert - local strawberries and raspberries that are freakishly sweet because our endless summer days pump them full of sunshine.

Speaking of amazing combinations, our Geirangerfjord & Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours tour pairs Ålesund's incredible seafood with some of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints in Norway.

Viewpoint that make your jaw drop

Haul yourself up those 418 steps to Fjellstua Viewpoint on Mount Aksla. Yes, you'll be sweating. Yes, your legs will hate you. But holy crap, those panoramic views of the archipelago will heal your soul. Grab a coffee at the café and just soak it all in.

If you're feeling extra ambitious, Sukkertoppen (the image) and Høgenakken will reward you with views of the Sunnmøre Alps – mountains that rocket 2,000m straight up from the fjords like they're showing off.

Hikes that Norwegians brag about

When summer hits and the weather behaves, serious hikers make a beeline for Slogen. Standing 1,564m tall, it gives you the kind of views that make people quit their jobs and become mountain guides. While not for beginners, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit makes it a highlight for serious outdoor adventurers visiting the Ålesund area.

If you want to read more about hiking and Slogen in particular, we have this article with 7 mountain hikes in Norway.

Fjords that make other fjords jealous

Ålesund sits at the mouth of the 110km Storfjord, which branches into the world-famous Geirangerfjord – a UNESCO site that looks like it was designed specifically for making humans feel tiny and insignificant. Those waterfalls with poetic names like "Seven Sisters" and "Bridal Veil" cascade down vertical mountain walls that'll make your neck hurt from looking up.

Even closer is Hjørundfjord, where the Sunnmøre Alps rise so dramatically from the water you'll wonder if you accidentally wandered onto a movie set.

Ready for that "tiny and insignificant" feeling? Our UNESCO Tour Including Røros & Geirangerfjord cruises past those legendary waterfalls, or go all-in with The Grand Tour of the Fjords for Norway's greatest fjord hits in one epic journey.

Photo by Havila Voyages

Drives that redefine road trips

The landscapes surrounding Ålesund showcase Norway's most impressive terrain, which you can experience through our organized excursions. Join our comfortable bus tours from the Coastal Express to witness the remarkable Trollstigen (open May to November), one of Norway's most dramatic roadways.

Navigate the eleven hairpin turns descending at a 10-degree incline, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery without the stress of driving these challenging roads yourself. At the summit, you'll have time to explore the viewing platforms that provide stunning vistas of both the engineering marvel below and the impressive 320-meter Stigfossen waterfall.

Winter sports with a view

Six ski centers within an hour's drive means you can carve down slopes while staring at fjords. This isn't your typical mountain backdrop – this is Norway showing off its geographical greatest hits while you're strapped to skis.

Into cross-country instead? The trails around here will have you gliding through pristine snow landscapes that'll make you forget about your freezing toes.

Photo by UteGuiden

Beaches?

Yes, beaches. In Norway. And they're actually pretty fantastic. The Sunnmøre region has some surprisingly sweet stretches of sand in places like Herøy, Brandal, and Hellesylt.

Sure, you might not be packing your tiny bikini (unless you're ridiculously brave), but summer days can hit 20°C+ and that fjord-meets-ocean water creates some undeniably gorgeous shorelines. Just remember: "swimming weather" has a different definition up here.

So there you have it – Ålesund isn't just another stop on your Norwegian road trip. It's the place your friends will get sick of hearing about when you get home.