Ålesund is located
on the northwest coast of Norway, midway between Bergen and Trondheim. Situated
at the mouth of the Stor fjord, the town is adjacent to the Jorund and
Geiranger Fjords. Overlooking Ålesund is Mount Aksla, offering magnificent
views of the picturesque harbor and fjords. Ålesund’s architecture is known far
and wide. Turrets, spires, and other whimsical Art Nouveau architectural
touches give the town its distinctive character like something from a fairy
tale. The scenic spectacle of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s best-known
attractions, is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town.
The
town is built upon three islands connected by a network of bridges. It occupies
two of the outer islands of the
west coast, Aspo and Norvs, which enclose the picturesque harbor. Founded in
1824, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most important fishing
stations, particularly for herring fishery.
Ålesund has a rich
assortment of natural and cultural attractions. The variety of sights and the
short distances between them allows visitors multiple options. Everything from
Viking history, fisheries, architecture, to flora and fauna, can be found in Ålesund,
including:
•
Mount Aksla: provides bird’s eye views of Ålesund and
the surrounding countryside. Over 400 steps lead up to the look-out point,
offering splendid views of the town, the fjords and the jagged Sunnmore
Mountains.
• The
Art Nouveau Center: located in the town center, the center documents the tragic
fire of 1904 and the consequent
rebuilding of Ålesund in the Art Nouveau style.
