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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 som går opp trapper og som ser på utsikten over Ålesund by.
© Arnfinn Tønnesen

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 Sunnmøre - Ålesund & Geiranger

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!

The Atlantic Ocean Park in Ålesund

The Atlantic Ocean Park in Ålesund

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.

Sightseeing to Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

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.

Join Fjordwise on an unforgettable boat trip

Join Fjordwise on an unforgettable boat trip

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

Fishing trip in the Hjørundfjord

Fishing trip in the Hjørundfjord

An exclusive day trip to the beautiful Hjørundfjord. Delicious food, fishing and local culture in beautiful surroundings, with experienced local guides.

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.

Round trip to UNESCO Geirangerfjord

Round trip to UNESCO Geirangerfjord

Visit one of the world's most beatiful fiords - enjoy the Sunnmøre Alps.

MS Bruvik til vakre Sæbø

MS Bruvik til vakre Sæbø

Opplev Sæbø og ei reise med historisk båt.

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!

Getting to and around Ålesund & SunnmøreSee the map

Eat and sleep

Her kan du finne din favoritt.

Brosundet

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.

Bed & breakfast

Bed & breakfast

Sjøholt Bed and breakfast is located midway between Molde and Ålesund. Within a short distance of Geiranger and Trollstien you are accommodated with a view of Sunnmøre’s fjord and mountains.

Haramsøy Guest Marina

Haramsøy Guest Marina

You will find the guest dock on the north side of the boathouse. In addition to guest spaces for boats, there is also plenty of space for motorhomes with empty tanks close by.

Borg Sommerhotell

Borg Sommerhotell

BORG Sommerhotell is quietly located in the heart of Sunnmøre. It's a short distance to fjords and mountains, and also not far from Ålesund town center.

All accommodations related to Ålesund

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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