View of Ålesund from the Aksla viewpoint, Norway

ÅLESUND AND SUNNMØRE

Where mountain meets fjord

Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund is the cultural centre of the Sunnmøre region. You'll find this city on several islands stretching towards the Atlantic Ocean, in the region of Fjord Norway.

Enjoy the combination of city life and the great outdoors thanks to the surrounding fjords and mountains. Ålesund is actually a popular starting point for exploring the renowned Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage site.

Savour the culinary delights and cultural experiences in the city centre before heading out into nature.

Go on city break in Ålesund Two people kayaking, Fjord Norway

The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) in Ålesund

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

… 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.

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.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Åram
Hakallegarden
Open visitor farm and unique alpaca farm, with café serving homemade food and an art gallery in a converted barn. Farm shop sells garments made from alpaca wool, and other items from ethnic suppliers.
Book now
Godøya
Alnes Lighthouse and experience centre
Experience historical lighthouse culture in spectacular surroundings, with local food, arts, and crafts at the fishing village of Alnes on Godøya island.
Ålesund
Round trip with public transport from Ålesund to Finnøy & Ona Lighthouse
This round trip with public transport takes you to Ona – a tiny island community out in the ocean.
Ålesund
The Atlantic Ocean Park in Ålesund
The Atlanterhavsparken is one of the most particular Aquariums in Europe. The Aquarium is built into the coastal landscape at Tueneset, the coastline west in Ålesund. Study the large landscape tanks that unfiltrted shows life in sea along the Norwegian coast and in the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Norwegian Aquarium.
Ålesund
SVAI Sauna Molja - Ålesund
SVAI Molja is a floating sauna right in the heart of Ålesund by Brosundet, offering stunning views of the sea, Molja Lighthouse and Mount Aksla. Swim in the sea all year round. A unique and nordic experience.
Ålesund
The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE
Jugendstilsenteret is located in the old Swan Pharmacy from 1907 and is both a museum and a national centre of Art Nouveau.
Stranda
Take the gondola to the top of Strandafjellet mountain
Take the gondola to the top of Strandafjellet (1,042 m) and enjoy a stunning 360° view of the fjord and the Sunnmøre Alps.

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Woman sitting at the top of Aksla mountain in Ålesund city with a pink sunset, Fjord Norway

Children in Atlanterhavsparken in Ålesund

Three people pointing at a mountain while on a wintercruise in Geirangerfjorden, Sunnmøre.

Are you up for a hike?

There are 418 steps from the Byparken Town Park up to the Mount Aksla viewpoint, where 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 and sea. You can also climb the Via Ferrata, take the Bytoget sightseeing train, or drive up.

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!

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 car ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger.

Popular outdoor activities

Norangsfjorden
Hiking trip to Slogen (1564 m.a.s.l.)
Slogen is arguably the finest summit in the Sunnmøre Alps and the view is impressive! From the fjord a triangular pyramid-like feature rises straight up. Patchellhytta cabin lies at the foot of Slogen and is popular day tour objective in itself, but it is also a good starting point for ascents of Slogen, as well as Brekketind (5,833 ft) and Smørskredstind (5,351 ft). There are several alternative routes to Patchellhytta, and onwards to Slogen, either from Øye, Engeset or Urke. Season Jun - Sept Duration From Øye: 4-5 hours, Urke: 5 hours and Patchellhytta: 2-3 hours. Distance and total height gain: From Øye: 3 km. 4,921 ft. From Patchellhytta: 3 km. 2,460 ft. From Urke: 3,937 ft. 8 km. Access Bus/car to Øye or Stranda/Engeset. Worth noting You are strongly advised not to use the snow fields on the way down unless you have an ice axe and know how to brake with it. This practice leads to several serious accidents every year.
Stranda
Stranda Ski resort
Stranda Ski Resort is located in the magnificent Sunnmørealps, in the western part of Norway, 1,5 hrs from Ålesund. Best powder skiing in Norway! Ski with a fjord view.
Tafjord
Rappelling at the Zakarias Dam - Ville Krefter
Welcome to one of Norway's most exciting rappels, an activity that provides both great nature experiences and mastery! You have now the opportunity to rappell on the 100 meter high Zakarias dam in Tafjord/Tafjord Mountain Range.
Stranda
Fjord Skiing at Sunnmøre
Discover some of our hidden gems in the Sunnmøre alps during four days of skitouring. Combination of mountain hut and hotel accommodation.
Ålesund
Ski & the City
Hotel Brosundet is the perfect startingpoint to explore the fjords and Sunnmøre Alps.
Book now
Valldal
5 hours guided fjord paddle with a guide in Valldal
A beautiful and eventful 5-hour guided fjord tour in Valldal – a bestseller with Uteguiden!
Book now
Ålesund
Wildlife Sea Safari
Enjoy an exciting Wildlife Sea Safari! Experience two hours filled with action and breathtaking nature. The safari goes along the coastline outside Ålesund in a high-speed RIB-boat.
Book now
Geiranger
Hiking Tour Fjord Farm Skageflå
Combine a sightseeing trip on the water with a hike to Skageflå, the best-known of the fjord farms along the Geirangerfjord.

Find more outdoor activities

Culinary experience at restaurant Bro in Ålesund

Chef plating food at Restaurant Bro & Bryt in Ålesund

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 sample its famous bacalao. Green Garden at the Hotel 1904 always has cuttlefish on the menu.

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.

At Anno you will find delicious crispy pizzas with local cheeses and cured meats. More delicious pizza at Dampsentralen, burgers at Molo Brew are casual and tasty, and Zuuma is a popular choice for sushi.

Bryt (pictured) serve tapas with a local twist. Another favourite is svele (a type of pancake) and cocoa with a view of the city from Fjellstua 418.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Restaurant Sjøhuset by Finnøy Bryggehotell
Restaurant Sjøhuset by Finnøy Bryggehotell bases the menu on local ingredients from sea and land in collaboration with local farmers and fishermen. This is where food magic is created!
Ålesund
Butikken - Apotekergata No. 5
The small and nostalgic store on the corner is the most charming coffee & deli shop in Ålesund.
Ålesund
Molo Brew
Molo Brew is a brewery pub at Stornespiren in Ålesund. We brew, serve beer and grill burgers. In addition we love music!
Ålesund
XL Diner
XL Diner is known as one of Europe's largest bacalao restaurants, and the main focus is to prepare, serve and promote Norwegian clipfish (dried, salted fish).
Fosnavåg
Restaurant Kami Skotholmen
Kami Skotholmen is a seafood restaurant on a small island south of Ålesund near Runde and Fosnavåg that splashes at the water's edge with a view to the ocean.
Sæbø
Rekkedal Gjestegard - Events and local cuisine
In magnificent surroundings between the Sunnmøre Alps and the Hjørundfjord, you’ll find Rekkedal Gjestegard – a truly unique dining experience, open by request.
Liabygda
Trollbryggeriet
Trollbryggeriet is a brewery situated with a view to the fjord surrounded by high mountains.

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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 exhibitions on the local history and browse local souvenirs and handcrafts.

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 ...

… 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.

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?

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Ørsta
Havila Hotel Ivar Aasen
Stranda
Koie
Book now
Fosnavåg
Thon Hotel Fosnavåg
Ålesund
Hotel Brosundet
Ulsteinvik
Quality Hotel Ulstein
Syvde
Troll Fjordhytter

More accommodation alternatives

Woman climbing the Via Ferrata in the city centre of Ålesund in Fjord Norway

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 ...

… 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.

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 ...

… continue to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord – one of the most beautiful fjords in the world!

Its unique nature was created during a succession of ice ages, when glaciers carved out the region’s deep fjords and high mountains.

These are just some of the activities you can find in Ålesund and the Sunnmøre region.

Start planning your trip today!

Get more information on Ålesund's official website.

visitalesund.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Ålesund and Sunnmøre with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By plane
Ålesund Airport has frequent connections to Bergen, Oslo and Trondheim, among others.
There are also international connections to Ålesund from Amsterdam, London, Alicante, Copenhagen, Gdansk, Vilnius, and Riga.
The airport is only around 20 minutes by car from the centre of Ålesund.
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By boat
Hurtigruten, the Norwegian Coastal Express, calls daily at Ålesund and Torvik both northbound and southbound.
Havila Kystruten also offers cruises and port-to-port tickets. Havila has departures twice a week and some of the most environmental-friendly ships in the world.
Express boats and ferries provide a link for local communities in the region. Note that queues are common in the summer, so it may be wise to plan ahead and arrive early.
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By road
Oslo to Ålesund is around 520 kilometres, and takes around 8 hours. The bus serving this route takes around 11 hours.
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Ålesund lies 285 kilometres from Trondheim, which will take you around 5 hours by car, or a little over 7 hours by bus.
From Bergen the distance to Ålesund is 370 kilometres, which will take you around 6 hours to drive, or 9-10 hours by bus.
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Discover more

Geirangerfjord

A wonderful autumn experience by the Aurlandsfjord - a fjord landscape in autumn colours

Fjord Norway

The most famous fjords

Top hikes in Fjord Norway
Take time out by the fjords
Mission: Impossible locations
This is Yvonne – Ålesund's viral phenomenon
Behind the scenes of Norway

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