Alesund (Ålesund) is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the art nouveau …
Ålesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, and it’s the perfect base from which to explore the Norwegian fjords and mountains.
Located on the west coast of Norway in the traditional district of Sunnmøre, Ålesund is the 13th most populous municipality in Norway, with a population of 66,000.
The town has a temperate and heavily moderated oceanic climate with mild, damp, and windy winters.
After a fire devastated the former wooden city in 1904, Norwegian designers came together to rebuild the city in the popular fashion of the time.
When oil was found in the North Sea in the 1970s, the local fishing fleet and shipowners seized the opportunity and rebuilt fishing vessels to serve the burgeoning oil exploration and production industry.
Today, this has become a cornerstone industry in and around Ålesund.
The town is delicately balanced on a collection of islands of all shapes and sizes, creating beautiful vistas from almost anywhere in the town. Sunsets at the end of summer can be truly spectacular.
The town center is located on the islands of Aspøya and Nørvøya, while Hessa and Oksnøya contain residential areas.
Ålesund is incredibly walkable, as the downtown is not too large, and the famous viewpoint over the city is just a 418-step walk up from the city park.
You can walk around the waterfront to admire the unique architecture that sets Ålesund apart from other Norwegian towns. Just follow the waterfront, and you’ll find plenty to see in all directions.
If you are interested in learning more about the city, Ålesund’s museum has artifacts, photographs, and paintings from the reconstruction, World War II, and other important periods.
Ålesund is also home to Norway’s most important fishing harbor, so it’s no surprise that fish is a big part of the local diet. You can sit outside with some fresh fish and chips and enjoy the views over the harbor.
There are many reasons to visit this beautiful town. You can go hiking or skiing, admire the city’s unique architecture, explore the fjords, or just kick back and enjoy the view.
