Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Located on the Western Coast of Norway, Alesund is both a gateway to the fjords and a beautiful city. This is a great place to start a Norway Road Trip into some of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. We spent a few days at the start and end of our Norway itinerary in and around Alesund and in this post you can find a list of some of the best things to do in Alesund.
I’ve included some things in the city as well as in the region just outside of Alesund. You can also find some general information to help you plan a visit at the end of this article.
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Quick Overview of Alesund
Alesund is a colorful town on the West Coast of Norway. Really a connection of island, this is the entrance into the Geirangerfjord and the jagged peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Full of art nouceau architecture, most of Alesund was built following a massive fire in 1904. This gives the town a cohesive look with fairy-tale turrets, decorative facades, and pastel colors.
Everywhere you go in Alesund you feel the deep connection to the water and a history of fishing and seafaring. This makes it a fund city to walk with bridges and water everywhere.
Best Things to do in Alesund
Climb Mount Aksla (Aksla Viewpoint)
This is probably the most popular thing to do in Mount Aksla. Right in town, Mount Aksla offers views out across the city and surrounding islands. The path up to the top is steep (about 200 stone steps). It’s also possible to take a shuttle or train to the summit for views. Because this is so popular, it gets very crowded. I recommend doing this hike when the cruise ships aren’t also doing the hike. We enjoyed the hike up but ended up in a long line of people on the way down!
The trail starts right in town or you can purchase tickets for the hop on and hop off bus.
Explore Art Nouveau Architecture
What makes Alesund so picturesque is its beautiful Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings. Give youself time to walk through the streets and along the waterfront. My favorite areas are around the Brosundet canal.
Visit Atlanterhavsparken (Atlantic Sea-Park)
One of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, built into the coastal landscape. You’ll find marine life exhibits, seal enclosures, penguins, otters, and great views. This is great if you have a full day in town. We didn’t end up making it to the Sea Park as we were shuttling people back and forth from the airport on our full day in town.
Kayak Around the City or Fjords
Since Alesund has a long history of seafaring, one of the best ways to explore the city is by water. There are several places you can rent kayaks or you can do a kayak tour along the waterfront. Paddle through the Brosundet canal or out into nearby waters for a unique perspective of Ålesund and its coastal surroundings.
Wildlife Sea Safari
The Wildlife Sea Safari is a tour we kept hearing about that takes you around the islands to see the native sealife. This is one of the best ways to see some of these animals in their own environment.
Visit a Museum
There are two museums right in Alesund that are work exploring:
- Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre) – A museum dedicated to Ålesund’s unique Art Nouveau architecture and history, often paired with the nearby KUBE art center via a combined ticket.
- Ålesund Museum – A local history museum that provides context on the city’s development, including details about the fire of 1904 and reconstruction.
Enjoy the Food Scene
We really enjoyed eating our way through Alesund. From breakfast in the Hotel to coffee shops and an incredible meal at Sjobua. There are many fantastic restaurants but make sure to try some fish, specifically dried Cod (klippfisk). We also enjoying eating at Molo – a nice brewery right near the waterfront.
Things to do Near Alesund
Since we had several days in and around Alesund we also explore several things outside of the city. The islands near Alesund are beautiful and you can find hikes, beaches, museums and lighthouse. Here are a few things we explored outside the city of Alesund.
Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy
Visit this historic lighthouse and scenic fishing village about a 30-minute drive from Ålesund. Climb up for ocean views, explore the lovely coast, and enjoy coffee and homemade cakes at the café. Freja and I went to the lighthouse and then stopped in the cafe for a small lunch. There are also some pretty walks down to the coast and an artwork display.
The drive to the lighthouse is pretty as well and you can a sense of the countryside nearby.
Another nearby lighthouse is Ona Lighthouse – but you can only visit this by boat.
Sunnmøre Museum
This maritime focused musuem outside of Alesund is a fascinating open-air museum showcasing traditional coastal Norwegian life, with historic buildings, boats, and exhibitions on regional culture.
Hike Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top)
This is a more challenging hike than Mount Aksla. Overall it’s a moderate hike that gives you 360 degree views of the islands and the fjords. The hike in on the next island over from Alesund and can be reached in a 10 minute drive.
Take A Tour
There are several interesting tours that start in Alesund including:
- Explore the Fjords from Alesund
- Explore: Trollstigen, The Land Of The Trolls
- Take a Private Tour of the Fjords
Visit a Beach
After visiting the Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy, Freja and I stopped for a walk along the beach. There are several beaches near Alesund that are pretty and you may be able to spot wildlife. We explored Blimssanden and brough an asternoon picnic to enjoy.
Fjord Adventures & Scenic Drives
Alesund is the perfect gateway to some bigger adventures in the Norway and is where we started out Norway itinerary. There are several scenic drives and boat rides that start in Alesund and can be done on it’s own or as part of a road trip. Here are a few options:
- Geirangerfjord Cruise – One of Norway’s most famous fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fjord cruises from Ålesund (or via coach + boat combos) showcase towering cliffs, waterfalls, and classic Norwegian fjord beauty.
- Hjørundfjord Boat or RIB Tour – A closer, slightly quieter fjord alternative to Geiranger with dramatic alpine scenery and rugged shorelines; shorter cruises and tours are available.
- Trollstigen & National Tourist Routes – Drive iconic Trollstigen (the Troll’s Road) with hairpin bends and dramatic viewpoints, often paired with a route to Geiranger or other scenic stops.
- The Atlantic Road – A celebrated scenic coastal drive built over bridges and islands; ideal as a longer road trip from Ålesund through coastal Møre og Romsdal.
We explored the nearby areas of Geiranger, Loen and Oye.
Nearby Hiking Trails
You can find many other nearby hiking trails outside of Alesund. Freja and I did a hike at Bjønnalågen. There is a great view after a series of stairs and even a hidden bear in the forest.
What to Know about Alesund
Where to Stay in Alesund
Alesund is full of good hotels. We stayed in Hotel 1904 and highly recommend it. The hotel is in a great location and the breakfast was incredible.
Getting to Alesund
The easiest way to get to Alesund is fly directly to the airport that is located about 30 minutes from the city. You can rent a car here or get a ride into the city to start a tour. If you plan to drive around Norway, you can search for rental cars on Discover Cars.
Getting Around Alesund
Once you are in Alesund, it’s easy to get around by walking or you can book a tour for the hop on and hop off bus.
How Long Should you Spend in Alesund
You should plan at least a full day to explore Alesund and if you are going to be visiting some of the areas outside of Alesund you should plan for two days. We spent 2 days at the beginning of our trip and a half day at the end of our trip and loved the beauty of this part of the country.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Explore Alesund?
The best time to visit Ålesund is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is milder, the days are longer, and the fjords and surrounding islands are at their most scenic. Summer months bring the midnight sun effect, giving you nearly 24 hours of daylight to explore the city, hike nearby trails, or take fjord cruises. If you want fewer crowds, September can be a great option, with the added bonus of vibrant fall colors in the surrounding mountains.
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