ÅLESUND AND SUNNMØRE

Where mountains and fjords meet the ocean

Scroll down for inspiration, or plan your trip now.

Ålesund .
Photo: Nicolai Berntsen

Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund is the cultural centre of the Sunnmøre region.

Stroll through the streets of one of Norway's most unique cities …

Strolling in Ålesund .
Photo: Oddgeir Visnes

… or explore the city by water.

Kayak through the beautiful Brosundet canal that snakes through the centre of Ålesund.

Kayaking in the fjord lets you get closer to and interact with nature.

City break in Ålesund .
Photo: Toke Mathias Riskjær

A devastating fire in 1904 left much of Ålesund in ashes.

The rebuilding resulted in a city that contains some of Europe's best examples of Art Nouveau architecture.

The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE is the ideal place to learn more about the history of Ålesund and its incredible architecture.

The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) .
Photo: Tony Hall

Are you up for a hike?

There are 418 steps from the Byparken Town Park up to the Mount Aksla viewpoint. You'll be rewarded with an incredible view.

At the top, you'll find a restaurant and a viewing platform where you can look out over the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also climb the Via Ferrata, take the Bytoget city train or drive up.

Woman at Aksla viewpoint Ålesund .
Photo: Samuel Taipale / Visitnorway.com

Get up close to marine life at Atlanterhavsparken – Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquarium and marine science centre.

Located on the coastal landscape at Tueneset, 3 kilometres west of Ålesund city centre, Atlanterhavsparken lets you experience life in the ocean in the most authentic way possible.

Get ready to be charmed by otters, seals, and Humboldt penguins!

Atlanterhavsparken in Ålesund .
Photo: Atlanterhavsparken

Enjoy a winter cruise on the Geirangerfjord, travelling through pristine nature in a dramatic, rugged, varied and historically rich fjord landscape.

The 35-km long fjord is surrounded by steep mountains that rise up vertically from the fjord with peaks reaching 1,700 metres above sea level.

Don't worry if it isn't winter when you're visiting the Geirangerfjord. There is also a year round boat that runs between the towns on the fjord!

Wintercruise in Geirangerfjorden in Sunnmøre .
Photo: HYKE STUDIO

Hungry yet?

Ålesund offers fresh, world-class seafood. Bro (pictured), is an excellent local restaurant that will take you on a delicious gastronomic journey.

Another great option is XL Diner, located in the heart of Ålesund. Stop by and try their famous bacalao.

Restaurant Apotekergata No. 5 is located in an old warehouse. This gem serves delicious local food where seasonal ingredients dictate what's on the menu.

Bro restaurant in Ålesund .
Photo: Bro restaurant

Experience Godøy island.

For outdoor adventure, hike up Godøyfjellet for amazing views, or surf at Alnes.

Make sure you visit the picturesque Alnes lighthouse. Built in 1876, Alnes is a Norwegian heritage site where you can experience traditional coastal culture. See exciting historical exhibitions, and purchase local souvenirs and handcrafts.

Godøya island .
Photo: Arnfinn Tønnessen

Looking for an authentic outdoor experience?

Every late winter and early spring, you can join local fishermen on the most exotic fishing adventure of the year in the Borgundfjord – just outside the port of Ålesund ...

Fishing Borgundfjorden .
Photo: Marit Brunstad

… or maybe you're more into birdwatching?

In summer, go on a guided boat trip around the famous bird island Runde. From April to August every year, more than 500,000 birds come to the island to nest.

During the winter, you can see the tough species that thrive in the wild and untamed climate at Runde, including the sea eagle.

Lunde bird at Runde .
Photo: Jiri Kolbaba/Visit Ålesund

Magnificent Molladalen!

A climbing paradise, Molladalen is encircled by the spectacular Molladalstindane with well-known peaks such as Jønshornet, Randers Topp and Mohns Topp. A popular route takes you by the glacier behind Mohns Topp to the Instagrammable jagged peak known as Bladet.

The area offers a wide range of outdoor adventures – which summit would you like to reach?

Molladalen .
Photo: Vidar Moløkken

A view to remember!

With Hjørundfjorden in one direction and Ålesund in the other, a hiking trip to Mount Saksa will give you the best panoramic views of the area.

The rugged and wild mountains are ideal for both hiking ...

Hjørundfjorden .
Photo: Håvard Myklebust

… and off-piste skiing and ski-touring in the Sunnmøre Alps. Book a tour with a local ski guide, it's safer and is the best way to ensure a brilliant experience.

Enjoy powder snow at Stranda Ski Resort. The diverse terrain in Fjord Norway makes the area a playground for both beginners and more experienced ski tourers.

Sunnmøre Alps .
Photo: Martin Kristoffersen

A drive like no other!

Trollstigen is a part of the National Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen. The hairpin bends are a two-hour drive from Ålesund and one of the most visited tourist sites in Norway, offering breathtaking views.

Take a break at Trollstigen café, and explore the walkways and viewing points, or ...

Trollstigen .
Photo: Per Kollstad, Statens Vegvesen