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.

Find more attractions

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

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.

Find more restaurants

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.

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.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports
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.
Ad: Hurtigruten - the world’s most beautiful sea voyage
By road
Oslo to Ålesund is around 520 kilometres, and takes around 8 hours. The bus serving this route takes around 11 hours.
Ad: Vy express - travel with bus throughout Norway
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.
Ad: Auto Europe - always a smooth rental experience

Discover more

Geirangerfjord

A person on a swing with views of snow-clad mountains and the Hjørundfjord in Fjord Norway

Take time out by the fjords

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

Fjord Norway

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.