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Cities

Ålesund

From the lively cafés in Ålesund, it’s just 418 steps to the top of Aksla – and what a view! After the fire in 1904 fire, Ålesund was rebuilt in a playful Art Nouveau style, with towers, spires, and colourful facades. No wonder National Geographic has named it one of the world’s most beautiful port cities!

To personer går trappene til Aksla i solnedgang
Nyt sommerens råeste utsikt fra byfjellet Aksla.|© TIBE/Visit NorthWest

Day trips in Ålesund

Do you want suggestions for things to do in Ålesund? Here are our recommendations for day trips and activities in Ålesund.

The Art Nouveau town by the sea

In Ålesund, history and the sea go hand in hand. Wander through the winding streets, cross Hellebroa bridge over Brosundet, or visit the Art Nouveau Centre and KUBEto hear the story of the great fire and how the town was rebuilt in its unique style. Just around the corner, the Fisheries Museum lets you dive into Ålesund’s proud fishing heritage.

This is a town that buzzes with energy! Festivals and concerts all year round. And the food scene? Everything from fresh seafood to creative dishes inspired by the coast. When night falls, check into a historic hotel with charm or unwind at a modern design hotel.

Explore Ålesund

Adventure is always close by. Paddle a kayak through Brosundet, zip through the Art Nouveau streets on an e-bike, or join a guided mountain hike with breathtaking views. At Atlanterhavsparken – Aquarium & Marine Science Centre, you can get up close to marine life – watch playful otters and curious seals in their open-air habitats.

No trip to Ålesund is complete without climbing Aksla. At the top, you’ll find a spectacular view – from the peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps to the rugged coastline stretching towards Runde bird island, where the open ocean begins.

From fjord cruises to mountain peaks

Ålesund is the gateway to unforgettable nature experiences. Take a fjord cruise to Geiranger or Hjørundfjord, or head into the Sunnmøre Alps, where both skiers and hikers will find their perfect challenge. Follow the coast to Alnes lighthouse, where the sea meets the sky, or continue to Ona, a charming fishing village where time slows down – but the memories last.

With direct flights to Vigra Airport and daily arrivals from Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, Ålesund is the perfect starting point for coastal adventures!

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Travel Inspiration

Articles written by our team of local guides and experts to give you an insight into the range of experiences to explore in the Northwest region. Figure out what you would like to see on your trip and then add specific activities, accomodation, places to eat and transport in your custom trip planner.

Båter ligger til kai ved fargerike hotel i Brosundet i Ålesund.

A guide to Art Nouveau in Ålesund

Join us for a walk along the streets of the Art Nouveau town and discover Ålesund's unique architecture.

Taste of the coast

Taste of the coast

‘Come to Ålesund and eat local, world-class seafood,’ well-known gourmet chef Ronny Kolvik says, issuing an invitation.

Fugleøya Runde - Sunnmøre

Ekte gullskatter og hekkende lundefugler

Ytterst i havgapet sør for Ålesund kan du besøke fugleøya Runde. Øysamfunnet på Søre Sunnmøre har normalt rundt 150 fastboende, men fra april til august hvert år er det hekkesesong og mange tusen fugler inntar øya.

En kvinne som sitter på en stein og ser på utsikten utover Ålesund.

Views that will take your breath away

Take in the sights of sea spray from the ocean hitting the Atlantic Road or the colourful streets in Ålesund. Experience the ticklish feeling in your stomach as you meander down the winding mountain road Trollstigen and be fascinated by how the houses cling to the mountain along the fjord in Geiranger.

Read more articles about Northwest Norway

Activities and attractions

Enten du vil besøke museum, ta et bad, vandre i bygatene eller padle en tur gjennom Brosundet, så finner du din favoritt i Ålesund!

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

The Atlanterhavsparken is one of the most particular Aquariums in Europe. The Aquarium is built into the coastal landscape at Tueneset, the coastline west in Ålesund. Study the large landscape tanks that unfiltrted shows life in sea along the Norwegian coast and in the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Norwegian Aquarium.

The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE

The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE

Jugendstilsenteret is located in the old Swan Pharmacy from 1907 and is both a museum and a national centre of Art Nouveau.

The Medieval Age Museum

The Medieval Age Museum

Experience the fascinating history of the Sunnmøre region at the Medieval Age Museum in Borgundkaupangen.

Ålesund Adventure - Sightseeing to Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

Ålesund Adventure - Sightseeing to Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

Ålesund Adventure is your premier choice for unforgettable sightseeing experiences at the main attractions in the picturesque coastal city of Ålesund. This excursion is to Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium.

Noreon Guides & Excursions

Noreon Guides & Excursions

Noreon Guideservice provides guides and specialize in customized sightseeings and excursions in Ålesund and surroundings. A team of 90 qualified guides in 14 languages who will make your visit a wonderful experience anytime of the year.

Join Fjordwise on an unforgettable boat trip

Join Fjordwise on an unforgettable boat trip

Fjordwise takes you to Geiranger, Hjørundfjorden, Runde and more.

Roundtrip with boat and bus from Ålesund - Geiranger - Ålesund

Roundtrip with boat and bus from Ålesund - Geiranger - Ålesund

Experience the contrasts between coast and fjord on a day trip from Ålesund to Geiranger – travelling by boat and bus through some of Sunnmøre’s most spectacular scenery.

Ålesund - Alnes Lighthouse round trip

Ålesund - Alnes Lighthouse round trip

Experience the beautiful view over Ålesund from Mount Aksla, Alnes lighthouse, Giske medieval church and Molja lighthouse with Royal Tur city sightseeing.

Tailor made film location tours from Ålesund

Tailor made film location tours from Ålesund

Feel like a film star i Fjord Norway.

Ria Money Transfer and currency exchange in Ålesund

Ria Money Transfer and currency exchange in Ålesund

Send, receive, and exchange with Ria Money Transfer, one of the world’s leading money transfer companies.

All activities related to Ålesund

Things to do in Ålesund

Here is a list of things to do in Ålesund, today or in the coming days.

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

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Eat and sleep

Her kan du finne din favoritt.

Hotel Brosundet

Hotel Brosundet

Brosundet - where history meets modern comfort.

Quality Hotel Ålesund

Quality Hotel Ålesund

The Quality Hotel Ålesund boasts a central location near the harbour within easy reach of shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Restaurant Apotekergata No.5

Restaurant Apotekergata No.5

Once a storied warehouse - now a restaurant, cafe, and bar, boasting a charming barge for those balmy days where views and local fare can be savored.

Sjøholt Camping

Sjøholt Camping

Sjøholt Camping is beautifully localized in Storfjorden on Sunnmøre, with less than an hour drive to Ålesund and the world heritage sites like Geiranger and Trollstigen.

Volsdalen Camping

Volsdalen Camping

Volsdalen Camping is situated 1,5 km from Ålesund's town centre, and has got a fantastic view of the mountains and the ocean.

Ellingsøy Rorbuer

Ellingsøy Rorbuer

Welcome to Ellingsøy Rorbuer - The Cabins (rorbuer) are idyllically placed in the Ellingsøyfjord with a panoramic view to the Sunnmøre Alps and beautiful fjord. 

Vika Feriesenter Guest Marina

Vika Feriesenter Guest Marina

The guest marina at Vika Feriesenter is idyllically situated in the municipality of Ålesund at Sunnmøre. Here you have short access to a series of attractions, and have the possibility to enjoy quiet and beautiful nature.

Sjøholt Bed & breakfast

Sjøholt Bed & breakfast

Sjøholt Bed and breakfast is located between Molde and Ålesund, a short distance to Geiranger, Trollstigen and the fjords.

Molja Lighthouse

Molja Lighthouse

For over 150 years, Molja Fyr has guided ships safely into Ålesund’s harbor. Now, the lighthouse houses a high-comfort hotel room available through Brosundet.

Hjelsetgården Bobilparkering

Hjelsetgården Bobilparkering

Hjelsetgården Bobilparkering is a car park that is situated only five minutes from Ålesund town centre. Here you can park your camper van/mobile home safely, 24 hours a day, all year.

All accommodations related to Ålesund

What's on in Ålesund

Ålesund has a rich event-calendar. find your favourite and plan your trip.

Jugend 2026

Jugend 2026

Jugendfest 2026 brings together music lovers for a festival weekend in Ålesund, full of energy, strong artists and summer atmosphere.

Vestlandsutstillingen 2026

Vestlandsutstillingen 2026

Ålesund and KUBE is the first stops for the Vestlandsustillingen 2026

See all events in Northwest Norway

Upcoming events

Explore our region.

Når du er i området, kan vi og anbefale andre stader du bør få med deg. Regionen har ei rik historie frå kysten, og er samstundes nær dei høge fjellltoppane i fjordane.

Ona & the Northern islands

Ona & the Northern islands

Drive the new Nordøyvegen road and explore the string of islands outside Ålesund and Brattvåg. You can also take a ferry and experience the fishing village Ona.

Giske & Alnes

Giske & Alnes

Experience life along the coast of Sunnmøre at close range, just as fascinating in summer and winter alike. Getting to Giske is easy, as is getting to other historic coastal destinations like Ålesund, Ona and Runde.

Geiranger

Geiranger

Few places can boast such beautiful and unspoiled nature. The Geirangerfjord is inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

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