Ålesund, Norway

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.