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Ålesund

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Ålesund & Sunnmøre

Get ready to explore some of Norway’s most famous natural and cultural attractions. Ålesund's beautiful Art Nouveau architecture is widely acclaimed. An abundance of fjords, islands and mountains in Sunnmøre are waiting to enchant you. The breadth of experiences gives you the freedom to choose exactly the holiday experience you are looking for - all year round.

History

With its 45,000 inhabitants, Ålesund is the largest city in Sunnmøre, a region with about 140,000 inhabitants best known for its fishing, maritime technology and furniture production. The production of dried fish in Sunnmøre started in around 1750, and became the main export product of the area and the main source of economic growth from the mid-nineteenth century. The fishing industry flourished and Ålesund became a city in 1848 and grew steadily. However, a devastating fire on the 23rd of January 1904 left more than 10,000 people homeless. Ålesund was rebuilt in the new architectural style of the day - Art Nouveau or Jugendstil.

The changing direction of glaciers has carved out fjords and valleys and created spectacular mountains ranges. The Sunnmøre Alps were shaped by Hjørundfjord Glacier and its many glacial arms. Majestic mountains and alpine rock formations distinguish the Sunnmøre Alps from other mountain areas. The mountains rise straight out from the water to heights of 1500 - 1700 metres. The many ski slopes in the mountains around Hjørundfjorden offer fantastic skiing with a 1500 metre drop between the peaks and the fjords.

Tailor-made for adventures

Somewhat ironically, Ålesund, arguably the most beautiful city in Norway, can thank the great fire of 1904 for providing it with the most extraordinary concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Cast your eyes up to the myriad of fanciful ornamentations of facades on the buildings as you explore the city. Walk up the 418 steps to the city’s peak, Aksla, and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view you will never forget! Ålesund is perfect for a romantic escapade with your loved one.

62°Nord offers tailor-made itineraries, hotels and activities in the Ålesund region. Check out their website for more info about their out-of-the-ordinary "boutique" hotels and other offers. Read more about accommodation in Ålesund

Runde - a paradise for nature lovers

Treat yourself to an exciting sea safari and encounter seabirds, sea eagles and seals. Get to know the birdlife on the island of Runde on one of the sightseeing tours of the island during summer. Though the birdlife can be experienced all year round, the peak season is between April and August. Make sure you include a visit to the Runde Environmental Centre, which includes an exhibition about the Runde Treasures as well as a spectacular bird exhibition.

Hjørundfjorden and the Sunnmøre Alps

Prepare yourself for hiking in the Sunnmøre Alps, where jagged peaks reach up out of the fjords to heights of up to 1700 meters. Of course you can just as easily find less challenging walks suitable for the whole family. In winter, ski enthusiasts will find their favourite places here, either in the comfort of the slopes of resorts, or traversing the snowy mountains. You can also buy an alpine ski pass, which is valid for eight selected ski locations in the region.

The fishing village of Alnes & the Alnes Lighthouse

Just a 15-minute drive from Ålesund and 10 minutes from the airport, Vigra, you will find the charming fishing village of Alnes. Here you get panoramic views of the ocean and can walk through beautiful and diverse hiking terrain from the mountains to the seashore, as well as get acquainted with the picturesque Alnes Lighthouse.

Getting to Ålesund & Sunnmøre

Ålesund & Sunnmøre are easily accessible by air, sea and land. Ålesund is the region's gateway and there are also ample transport options further out in the region.
Travel to and from Ålesund & the beautiful Sunnmøre region on the Geirangerfjord & Norway in a nutshell® tour or the Hjørundfjord & Norway in a nutshell® tour.

Flights

Sunnmøre has two airports: Ålesund Airport Vigra, and Ørsta/Volda Hovden Airport. Both airports are located close to the city centres and service many domestic and international destinations.

For more information on aircraft operators and prices, go to Avinor.no

Boat and ferry

The Hurtigruten has been described by many as the world's most beautiful sea voyage. The Hurtigruten arrives at Ålesund and Torvik daily on both its north and southbound routes. The northbound ship also adds the Ålesund-Geiranger-Ålesund route every day from April to September.

Expressboats and car ferries service the coast and link communities together. There are also a number of subsea tunnels which connect the many islands with the mainland. For more information about the ferry and boat services, contact the following companies: Fjord1 or Norled.

Train

The train station in this area is at Åndalsnes, approximately 120 kilometers from Ålesund, with a connecting bus service to and from Ålesund several times a day. The travel time between Oslo and Åndalsnes is 5 ½ half hours. The bus between Åndalsnes and Ålesund takes 2 ½ hours. For timetables and booking, contact NSB.

Car

The drive to Ålesund and Sunnmøre is in itself is a remarkably picturesque experience. Trips from Bergen and Trondheim involve several exciting ferry trips.

Oslo-Ålesund is 520 km (8 hours), follow the E6 to Dombås and continue on the E136 via Ørskog and Skodje to Ålesund.

Bergen-Ålesund is 370 km (7 hours). From Bergen, there are several exciting routes, and E39 is the main road through the fjords. Alternatively, take the E39 to Byrkjelo, then the turn off on the RV 60 past Olden and Stryn towards Ålesund. The RV 61 will show you the coastal areas of Sunnmøre - Vanylven, Sande, Runde and coastal towns of Fosnavåg, Ulsteinvik and Hareid.

Trondheim-Ålesund is 285 km (5 hours), and you can combine your journey with a fantastic drive along the coast, including scenic ferry trips. You should also try to include the Atlantic Highway (National Tourist Route) in your travel plan. Alternatively, you can also take the E6 to Dombås, and continue along the E136 via Ørskog and Skodje to Ålesund.

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Destinations in Fjord Norway

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Number of results: 684

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
49 reviews
Finnøy Havstuer - by Classic Norway

Address

Finnøy
6487 Harøy

Finnøy Havstuer - the hotel with a maritime atmosphere! Right on the wharfside you will find this charming hotel complex, once an old trading station and fish landing facility. Our indoor swimming area "Håp i havet" includes a swimming pool, a…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
73 reviews
Restaurant Sjøhuset – Finnøy Havstuer

Address

Finnøy
6487 Harøy

Food- and coastal experience! We have expanded and improved our restaurant at the island of Finnøy. Great premises for social events - good seafood menu!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
325 reviews
Alnes Lighthouse

Address

6055 Godøya

Alnes Lighthouse lies in the fishing community Alnes at the island Godøy. The lighthouse from 1876 is protected, and a relic of Norwegian coastal culture. Here you can enjoy exciting historical exhibitions, and buy local souvenir and handcrafts.…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
915 reviews
XL Diner

Address

Skaregata 1B
6002 Ålesund

XL Diner is known as one of Europe's largest bacalao restaurants, and the main focus is to prepare, serve and promote Norwegian clipfish (dried, salted fish). Combined with inspiration and knowledge from several corners of the world and enthusiastic…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
202 reviews
Sunnmøre Museum & Borgundkaupangen

Address

Museumsveien 1
6015 Ålesund

Visit the open-air museum with its vast collection of old houses. Enjoy a stroll between the picturesque houses and the indoor exhibitions, and get an insight into the cultural and architectural history of Sunnmøre. Sunnmøre Museum is a beautiful…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
104 reviews
Aalesunds Museum

Address

Rasmus Rønnebergsgt. 16
6002 Ålesund

From the city's emergence as a seafaring town to events such as the great fire and the German occupation, Aalesunds Museum provides a genuine insight into the history of Ålesund. Centrally located on Museumshaugen, overlooking the city and its…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
104 reviews
The Fisheries Museum

Address

Molovegen 10
6002 Ålesund

The Fisheries Museum portrays the historical development of fisheries and the on-land processing work – from the first bite in the water right outside of the house to the high-tech fishing vessels of today. Their home address was Ålesund, Sunnmøre,…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1641 reviews
Aksla Viewpoint

Address

Aksla
6002 Ålesund

In Ålesund you can visit the Town Mountain and viewpoint Aksla. From this location there is a panoramic view of the archipelago, the beautiful town centre, and the amazing Sunnmøre Alps. Walk the 418 steps up from the Town Park, go by car or take…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
763 reviews
Scandic Parken

Address

Storgt. 16
6002 Ålesund

Scandic Parken is located right in the center of Ålesund, with a fantastic view of the city center and the surrounding islands.
Awards
- Miljømerking The Swan (Nordic Eco-label)
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Awards
- Miljømerking The Swan (Nordic Eco-label)
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
Galleri Flora

Address

Storgt. 16
6002 Ålesund

Galleri Flora is a cosy café that is fully licenced. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee with your paper, or eat delicious sandwiches and cakes. The café is a well-known meeting point in Ålesund, and art by amongst others the Spanish artist Juan Miró…
Awards
- Miljømerking The Swan (Nordic Eco-label)
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
990 reviews
Thon Hotel Ålesund

Address

Molovn. 6
6004 Ålesund

By the waterfront you find Thon Hotel Ålesund, and most of the hotel's 150 rooms have a fantastic view of the ocean and islands outside the town. The rooms vary in shape and size, but are all well equipped and comfortable, and the four junior…
Awards
- Miljømerking The Swan (Nordic Eco-label)
More Details
Awards
- Miljømerking The Swan (Nordic Eco-label)
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1438 reviews
Hotel Brosundet

Address

Apotekergt. 5
6004 Ålesund

Hotel Brosundet offers a different experience. As every room has been individually created, so is our service.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Borgund Animal Club

Address

Prestegården
6015 Ålesund

Children and youth club with pets such as horses, sheep and other domestic animals. Open for visitors.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
290 reviews
The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE

Address

Apotekergt. 16
6004 Ålesund

Jugendstilsenteret is located in the old Swan Pharmacy from 1907 and is both a museum and a national centre of Art Nouveau. The catastrophic fire of 1904 left the town of Ålesund in ashes. The rebuilding created one of Europe’s most characteristic…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
43 reviews
Apotekern Kafe

Address

Apotekergt. 16
6004 Ålesund

Take a break in our café, located in the former pharmacy lab. We offer food and drink, a full selection of locally brewed coffees, and delicious homemade cakes. Sometimes our guests can also enjoy live music or other cultural activities.
The…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
146 reviews
Ålesund Church

Address

Kirkegata 2
6004 Ålesund

Ålesund Church was built in 1909, after the old church from 1854 was destroyed in the great Town Fire of 1904. The church is built in concrete and Norwegian marble, and is beautifully decorated with stained glass windows and frescoes.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
Moa swimming pool complex

Address

Moa
6018 Ålesund

Moa swimming pool complex, has got pools in various sizes, and long waterslides for fun and enjoyment. You'll also find modern solariums here, and you can rent or buy different types of equipment and clothes for swimming.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
705 reviews
Feeding at The Atlanterhavsparken

Address

Tueneset
6006 Ålesund

Norway’s first marine science centre will be established in Ålesund – the Norwegian Fishing Capital
A marine science centre with living fish and water, in an ultimate location placed beautifully in the middle of the food supply, will contribute…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Natural History Museum

Address

Storgata 18
Sentrum
6230 Sykkylven

We tell the story of the Norwegian fauna. Experience a great collection of stuffed animals from Norway and Svalbard inserted in a lifelike environment. We are looking forward to welcome you to our grand new exhibition, which shows the nature located…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviews
Godøy Coastal Museum

Address

Geilevika
6055 Godøya

Godøy Coastal Museum offers some varied exhibitions over three floors in an old school building. The guide will take you through the three separate exhibitions, and tell you interesting stories about what you see.
The museum has got an…