Ålesund, Norway

Ålesund

A harbour town rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, spread across islands.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Ålesund

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk up the 418 steps of Mount Aksla to the Fjellstua viewpoint over the islands and mountains.
  2. AfternoonWalk the Art Nouveau streets rebuilt after the 1904 fire and visit the Jugendstilsenteret.
  3. EveningHave dinner on the harbour, Brosundet, among the colourful buildings.

Day 2

Visit the Atlantic Sea Park aquarium, or cruise to the Geirangerfjord.

What to eat

Bacalao, a salt cod stew, a local favourite.

Local tips

Make the most of Ålesund

Beat the crowds

Cruise ship days are busy in the centre. Evenings and mornings are calm.

Best photo spot

The town spread over its islands from the Aksla viewpoint, especially at sunset.

Getting there

Ålesund has an airport about 20 minutes from the centre. Express boats and buses link the nearby fjords.

Don't miss nearby

The Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord, both reachable as day trips.

Good to know

Climb the 418 steps up to Aksla for the classic view. The town was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a fire in 1904.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Ålesund

Our most hidden places around Ålesund: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Ålesund to take with you.

86 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Ålesund

Getting there

  • Ålesund Airport (AES)10 km away
  • Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO)245 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryNorway

Questions

Ålesund: good to know

Is Ålesund worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and the coast. A harbour town rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, spread across islands.

How many days do you need in Ålesund?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Ålesund?

You can visit all year. Cruise ship days are busy in the centre. Evenings and mornings are calm.

How do you get to Ålesund?

The nearest airport is Ålesund Airport (AES), about 10 km away. Ålesund has an airport about 20 minutes from the centre. Express boats and buses link the nearby fjords.

What is there to see near Ålesund?

Nearby hidden places include Geirangerfjord (68 km), Flåm (186 km) and Mount Fløyen (Bergen) (235 km).

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