Things To Do In Ålesund, Norway’s Most Beautiful City

Nestled along Norway's rugged west coast, Ålesund enchants visitors with its art nouveau architecture and spectacular setting. Planning a trip? Enjoy our travel guide to this charming city.

If you're looking for something truly different on your next trip to Norway, I've got the ideal destination for you. Today we're heading to the west coast of Norway to the traditional district of Sunnmøre.

It's here you'll find Ålesund, a unique town stretches across a series of islands, offering panoramic views, rich history, and countless activities for travellers of all kinds.

This charming town feels both familiar and entirely new—whether you're hiking up to breathtaking viewpoints, exploring the city's vibrant art nouveau architecture, or diving into its fascinating maritime past.

An Introduction to Ålesund

Ålesund has a character that sets it apart from other Norwegian cities. While Oslo and Bergen are known for their traditional wooden houses, Ålesund’s architectural style feels more akin to something you’d find in Central Europe.

Following a catastrophic fire in 1904 that destroyed much of the city, Ålesund was rebuilt in the distinctive art nouveau style that was popular in Europe at the time.

Today, the turrets, towers and carvings of Ålesund stand head and shoulders above any other Nordic city as a shining example of the art nouveau style.

This blend of Nordic charm and European elegance, set against a dramatic coastal landscape, creates a truly enchanting environment.

Ålesund Travel Resources. Check out these recommendations to make the most of your trip: Hotel Bookings – Travel Insurance – Book Tours & Experiences – Car Rental in Ålesund

The city is perfectly positioned on a series of islands, offering stunning views from nearly every corner. Late summer sunsets over the surrounding fjords are a sight to behold, painting the town in hues of pink and gold.

Things To Do in Ålesund

The best things to do in the city depends first and foremost on how much time you have. For example, many people visit from the Hurtigruten and Havila coastal ferries.

If that's you, you'll unfortunately have just an hour or two for a quick walk, unless you visit in the winter season. I say unfortunately, but that is enough time to enjoy the atmosphere of this special city.

However, if you're visiting on a cruise ship, or spending at least one night in the town, you have a ton of interesting options. Read on for my recommendations.

Walking Tour of Central Ålesund

With its picturesque waterfront and vibrant facades, one of the best ways to experience Ålesund is simply by walking.

Start at the harbour and weave your way through the city’s charming streets to admire the art nouveau buildings, many of which are adorned with intricate details like turrets and spires.

If you're short on time, this is a great way to soak in the city’s atmosphere without needing an organised tour. Ålesund is compact enough that you can easily explore on foot, but rich enough in history to keep you intrigued around every corner.

Museums in Ålesund

For more information on why Ålesund looks the way it does, head to the Art Nouveau Museum (Jugendstilsenteret). This museum, located in a former pharmacy, offers a deep dive into the 1904 fire and the subsequent rebuilding of the city.

Interactive exhibits and historical photographs bring this fascinating story to life, showing how the town emerged from disaster to become a unique architectural gem.

To find out even more about the city, Aalesunds Museum has artefacts, photographs and paintings from the reconstruction, World War II and other important periods.

Penguins & More at Ålesund Aquarium

Ålesund is also home to one of Norway’s largest aquariums, the Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken).

Set on the coast, this family-friendly attraction focuses on marine life from the North Atlantic, with interactive displays, touch pools, and impressive exhibits featuring everything from playful otters to penguins from Chile.

A perfect option for those visiting with children, it’s also a relaxing way to spend a few hours if you’re looking for a change of pace. A short ride on a local bus followed by a short walk brings you from the city centre to the aquarium.

Hiking in Ålesund

If you enjoy a bit of outdoor activity, the mountains in and around Ålesund are ideal for a little hiking trip.

The 418 steps may sound daunting, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. On the way up, there's plenty of rest areas, so you don't have to do as the locals do and zoom up the steps!

From the summit, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the town, the surrounding islands, and the nearby mountains.

Once you reach the top, you can refuel with an ice cream at the cafe. I've also eaten at the restaurant that offers great (albeit pricey) local food and, of course, a wonderful view.

For those who prefer not to walk, there’s an option to drive up to Fjellstua, where you can relax at a café with equally impressive views. Parking and traffic can be an issue at peak times, although a recent change banning large buses has helped matters.

For keen hikers, Ålesund also offers several trails in the nearby Giske archipelago. One popular option is the cultural trail on Valderøy, a relaxing 3km loop perfect for those wanting a leisurely walk in nature.

Climbing Storhornet on Godøya island is one for the keen hiker who wants a view as a reward.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

As a coastal city, it should come as no surprise to learn that fish is a big part of the local diet. Just a quick word of warning though, before you ask for the local speciality!

Ålesund is Norway's home of klippfisk, the dried and salted cod used to make the dish bacalao. It can be really tasty, as long as you're expecting the salty taste! The downtown XL Diner is an upmarket venue that specialises in the dish.

You may also come across a svele, a Norwegian pancake that is very popular in the wider region and especially on the passenger ferries. The crescent-folded thick pancake is similar to an American pancake.

But again, I have to issue a warning. There may be a slice of brown cheese lying inside, so check first!

Where to stay in Ålesund

Although a popular destination, the town centre is extremely compact so the number of hotel rooms is limited. Book well in advance to secure a spot if you want to stay in one of the town's more charming hotels.

Here's our recommendations for the best hotels in Ålesund and a full review of the First Hotel Atlantica, which has a great location at the heart of the city.

Budget-seekers will be happy to hear there is a downtown hostel. There is also some cut-price accommodation further out of the city, including several campsites. These are good choices for those on a budget, with a car, or those who don't mind taking local buses to get around.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Many people arrive in Ålesund on a Hurtigruten ferry or other cruise ship, as other public transport options are limited.

Driving from Trondheim takes around 5-6 hours, while driving from Oslo to Bergen can easily absorb an entire day. That being said, driving is a great way to enjoy some of Norway's spectacular scenery. So, don't dismiss the option too soon!

Flying to the city is also possible. SAS offer flights from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, while Norwegian also runs a route to and from the capital. Advance deals are available if you book at least a week in advance. An airport shuttle bus is available to complete your journey to the city centre.

Ålesund Travel Resources. Check out these recommendations to make the most of your trip: Hotel Bookings – Travel Insurance – Book Tours & Experiences – Car Rental in Ålesund

The city has a reliable local bus service but most visitors will simply be able to walk around the major sites. However, the bus can be useful for reaching some attractions including the aquarium. For more information, check our guide to transport in Ålesund.

Nearby attractions

Ålesund is a great base for exploring the Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord, two of Norway's most picturesque fjords.

Hire a car and spend a couple of days touring the region, or take one of several organised boat tours from Ålesund.

If you're driving yourself, don't plan a round trip within a day. Spend a night in a hotel, hostel or cabin somewhere in the vicinity of the two fjords and reward yourself with a peaceful evening stroll along the waters edge.

Closer to the town, the Giske archipelago (home to the airport) is full of nature trails, hiking opportunities, beaches and a 12th century marble church.