The Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord
In a comprehensive survey, National Geographic evaluated all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and awarded first place to the Norwegian fjords, with the Geirangerfjord topping the prestigious list. Near the famous Geirangerfjord you will find the dramatic Hjørundfjord, which has been discovered by an increasing number of travellers from both Norway and abroad. Hotel Union Øye, which dates back to 1891, has a long history as the hotel of choice for monarchs from all over Europe. It has been restored to its original style, where no two rooms are alike. Ytste-Skotet in the Storfjord has been a subsistence farm since the age of the Vikings. It too has now been restored and is open to visitors.
The fjord area is a paradise for mountain lovers. The Sunnmøre Alps provide great hiking for both adults and children. The area is also home to a thriving furniture industry, and the Norwegian language and rural culture flourish in the many lively small communities here. See also Cylindra, the Ivar Aasen Centre and Sunnmøre Museum.
Watch a video from the Geirangerfjord area:
Godøy Island and Alnes Lighthouse
At the end of the island Godøy, you will find the picturesque fishing village of Alnes. The small community was earlier one of the largest fishing villages in the entire Sunnmøre region, and boasts a unique and vulnerable nature and culture. From Alnes you have the view of the rough ocean right in front of you, and the houses by the shore are situated in cosy little yards.
The area offers a beautiful and varied terrain for walks, both in the mountain and on the beaches. Alnes Lighthouse is a protected lighthouse open for guided tours during the summer, and in the former living quarters you can buy arts and crafts and try some delicious home-made cakes.
The bird island of Runde
Take a trip to the southernmost bird cliff in Norway and visit the bird paradise of Runde, a tiny island that is invaded every year by more than 500,000 nesting birds. More than 220 species have been identified, but Runde is most famous for its puffins.
Ålesund's Art Nouveau architecture
You can admire Ålesund's beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, which is known far and wide. The myriad of turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation that give the town its distinctive character are like something from a fairytale. The national Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) provides fascinating insights into this unique style.
Guided walks in Ålesund
Join a guided walk through the streets of Ålesund and discover the town's exciting architecture and strong maritime connections. Among other places, the walk takes you along the Gågata pedestrian street, across the picturesque Brosundet Canal, where local fishermen sell their daily catch straight from their boats, and past Aalesunds Museum.
Atlanterhavsparken (Ålesund Aquarium)
The coastal and fjord region of Sunnmøre has a rich variety of experiences to choose from, whether you want to explore open-air and coastal museums, furniture design, the history of the Norwegian language or exhibitions about the Arctic. Life under the sea is on display at the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Scandinavia.
The Ivar Aasen Centre
The Ivar Aasen Centre lies on the farm where Ivar Aasen (1813 - 1896), creator of the Nynorsk (New Norwegian) language based on Norwegian dialects, was born and grew up. The centre is devoted to Aasen’s life and work and is a national documentation and experience centre for Nynorsk written culture. The building, which was designed by the architect Sverre Fehn, is an attraction in itself. The Festival of New Norwegian Literature, Art and Music is held there in the last week of June every year.