Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town in Norway, known for its unique architecture and stunning natural scenery. Here's what you need to know about this fascinating city.
The Life in Norway tour of the country continues! This time, I'm exploring Ålesund, a city I've been to many times since moving to Norway. If you've never been to Ålesund, I'm sure you'll have at least seen some of the famous city views.
Home to almost 50,000 people, Ålesund is located on the west coast of Norway, spread across several islands extending into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a vibrant city known for its fishing industry, cultural events, and scenic views.
Now, let's dive into the details with these fun Ålesund facts.
1. The Ålesund Fire of 1904
Okay, so this is far from a fun fact, but it is perhaps the most important one as it was such a defining moment in the city's history.
During a winter storm on the night of 23 January, 1904, a catastrophic fire broke out in Ålesund. The blaze began in a sardine production facility located in the heart of the town.
Fuelled by strong winds and the wooden construction of most buildings, the fire rapidly spread through the densely packed streets. Despite the cold winter night, the fire quickly gained momentum, with flames leaping from one wooden structure to the next.
Within hours, the inferno had engulfed large portions of Ålesund. The fire consumed 850 buildings, which included virtually the entire town centre. By the time it was extinguished, only a few central buildings remained standing.
Miraculously, despite the widespread destruction, only one person lost their life. This is attributed to the quick response of the townspeople, who alerted their neighbours and helped each other evacuate.
The residents of Ålesund demonstrated remarkable resilience and community spirit in the face of disaster, banding together to save lives.
By the morning of January 24, the town lay in ruins, with as many as 10,000 people left homeless. The immediate aftermath saw a massive outpouring of aid from across Norway and Europe.
2. Ålesund is Norway's Art Nouveau Capital
Today, Ålesund is renowned for its Art Nouveau inspired architecture, but its beauty was born from tragedy. After the devastating 1904 fire, the city centre was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular across Europe at the time.
Buildings feature intricate floral motifs, curved lines, and asymmetrical shapes. They showcase ornamental facades, wrought-iron details, and stained glass windows. Turrets, spires, and arched doorways add to the whimsical, nature-inspired aesthetic.
A walk through the city centre is all you need to appreciate the diversity of architecture and design. But if you want more, visit Jugendstilsenteret, the art nouveau museum of Ålesund.
This museum is hosted inside a former pharmacy, and the reception area makes a striking welcome. Upstairs, you’ll find art nouveau pieces with explanations, while the ‘time machine’ exhibit tells the story of the fire and the town’s reconstruction.
3. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany Loved Ålesund
The reconstruction of the city in the Art Nouveau style was aided by generous donations from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who had a fondness for this part of Norway.
His support extended beyond financial aid; he also sent architects and builders to assist in the rebuilding efforts. The Kaiser had visited this region of Norway numerous times and was enchanted by its natural beauty and charm.
His personal connection to the country motivated him to ensure Ålesund's revival after the devastating fire. Thanks to his contributions, the city was transformed forever, attracting admirers and tourists from around the world for years to come.
4. You get the classic view from Mount Aksla
For the best view of Ålesund, head to the top of Mount Aksla. A steep hike up the 418 steps from the town park will reward you with a panoramic view of the city, the surrounding islands, and the stunning fjords.
At the top, a restaurant and cafe welcomes visitors onto its terrace. It's a must-visit spot for any traveller and keen photographer. Reward yourself with an ice cream. You deserve it!
If walking up 418 steps sounds exhausting or just isn't possible for you, it's possible to drive up to the viewpoint in private cars. However, many tour buses are no longer permitted to drive the road.
5. Penguins Live in Ålesund
Atlanterhavsparken, the Ålesund Aquarium, is one of the largest and most unique aquariums in Scandinavia. It features large tanks filled with native sea life, including a massive Atlantic Ocean tank.
Visitors can watch divers feed the fish and even touch some of the marine creatures in the touch pools. One of the undoubted highlights of the aquarium is the small colony of penguins, a gift from Chile.
6. Ålesund is a major cruise ship port
Ålesund is a popular port of call for cruise ships exploring the Norwegian fjords. In fact, in 2023, Ålesund welcomed more passengers than any other Norwegian port.
The city's location offers easy access to some of the most famous fjords, including the Hjørundfjord and Geirangerfjord. Many fjord cruises include a stop in Ålesund to allow passengers to explore the city and its surroundings.
Even if the itinerary includes a visit to one of the famous fjords, an excursion from Ålesund to the Hjørundfjord on a small passenger boat is always popular.
7. You can overnight in a lighthouse
Molja Lighthouse, located at the entrance of Ålesund harbour, is one of the city's most charming landmarks. What makes it unique is that it houses a single-room hotel suite, operated by the nearby Hotel Brosundet.
It's marketed as a honeymoon suite, and the hotel provides a basket breakfast delivered by hand in the morning. Staying at the lighthouse offers a one-of-a-kind experience with stunning views of the harbour.
8. Fishing remains important
Ålesund is one of the most important fishing harbours in Norway. The city is particularly known for its cod and herring fishing industries.
The fishing heritage is celebrated at the Norwegian Fisheries Museum, where you can learn about the history and techniques of the industry.
9. Dried fish is a local delicacy
Speaking of fish, Ålesund is home to a traditional food beloved by locals. Klippfisk (clipfish) is cod that has been salted and dried on rocks by the sea or wooden racks.
This traditional method of preserving fish dates back centuries and remains a staple in the region's cuisine. Klippfisk is used in a variety of dishes and is particularly cherished for its rich flavour and long shelf life.
It's a key ingredient in the popular dish bacalao, which is the best way for visitors to give it a try.
Bacalao is a flavorful stew with roots in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, adapted to Norwegian tastes. It typically features klippfisk rehydrated and simmered with tomatoes, onions, potatoes, garlic, and olives, sometimes spiced with paprika and chili.
10. The midsummer bonfire
Midsummer is a festival celebrated in Scandinavia, but it's much more popular in Sweden than in Norway. However, one of the biggest exceptions is in Ålesund.
The midsummer bonfire in Ålesund is a spectacular annual tradition celebrated on St. John's Eve (Sankthansaften). This bonfire is an impressive feat, often reaching heights of 40 metres or more.
The construction of the bonfire involves meticulous planning and the collective effort of the local community, particularly youth groups who gather wooden pallets and other materials to build the towering structure.
The lighting of the bonfire is a festive event, attracting locals and visitors alike. It is accompanied by celebrations that include music and food. The bonfire symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and is a time for friends and family to come together and enjoy the long summer days.
Have you spent any time in Ålesund? Let us know your experiences of this coastal town down in the comments.
I visited Alesund in 2016 with my cousin
We had rented a car and were able to drive there from visiting relatives in Molde
We just loved the little town and we stayed in a beautiful yellow hotel and had a gorgeous room with a wonderful view! We even had the free crepes they offered in the afternoon
We visited the aquarium and other wonderful places and I would go back in a heartbeat