The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to Mount Aksla Fjellstua viewpoint. The view of the town, islands and the majestic Sunnmore Alps further inland is fantastic. To get to Aksla you can either climb the 418 steps from the town park or drive up. In the summer season you can you can also go there in a sightseeing train.
When I crave Alesund cuisine, I turn to one of the many fish restaurants for a delicious fish dish.
To escape work I go to the lighthouse at Alnes. It is located in a small fishing village on the island of Godoy just outside of Ålesund. Here you can hike up the mountain of Godøy, go wandering along the beach or just enjoy coffee and homemade cakes at the lighthouse.
For complete quiet, I can hide away at the many fjords, mountains and islands in Alesund.
If you come to Ålesund get your picture taken at Mount Aksla/ Fjellstua viewpoint, or by the picturesque Brosundet canal.
If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Sjøbua, get the “fisketallerken” fish-platter (a selection of fish).
Ålesund is my one stop shop for Norwegian wool at Devold of Norway.
When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I go to Egon.
For a huge splurge, I go to Sjøbua Fish Restaurant, Maki Fish Restaurant, or XL Diner.
Photo ops in Alesund include Mount Aksla/Fjellstua viewpoint, Brosundet canal buildings and the Art Nouveau architecture with decorative and colorful ornamentation.
The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of mount Aksla/ Fjellstua View point.
The most random thing about Ålesund is the Norwegian Food Festival.
In Ålesund an active day outdoors involves walking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, sailing and diving.
My favorite walking route is the Brosundet canal, Mount Aksla pathways and Sukkertoppen Mountain.
Ålesund’s best museum is The Art Nouveau Centre.
To find out what’s going on at night or on weekends, read Sunnmørsposten.
In the summer you should attend Alesund Boat festival, Midsummerjazz , Sommerparty, or Jugendfest.
In the fall you should visit the Sunnmore Open Air Museum.
In the winter you should go skiing.
A hidden gem in Alesund is Molja, what we call the “old town.” The street where we still have some wooden buildings surviving the city fire.
For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Invit Coffeebar, or Nomaden Espressobar.
Just outside of Ålesund you can visit the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site – The Geirangerfjord.
The best way to see Alesund is to walk. Climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla/Fjellstua or drive.
If you have kids, you won’t want to miss: Atlantic Sea Park (aquarium.)
What are your favorite things to do in Alesund, Norway?
Thanks to Bente Saxon and Visit Alesund for assistance with this post. You may also become a Facebook Fan of Alesund, Norway. I was a guest of Visit Norway. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown
Related Posts:
Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
Things to Do in Trondheim, Norway
I love Norway, but what an expensive country!! It just hammered me when I was there, but I look forward to going back soon.
@Michael
I hear you on how expensive Norway can be. I stayed at affordable hotels that included a light supper and breakfast in the price.
One of the places on the ‘when I retire’ wish list is Norway. Thank you for sharing this. I’m sure it will be handy someday 🙂
@Merav
One of the places on my wish list is New Zealand!
Norway is expensive? I better start saving 🙂
I”m loving your series on Norway! I’ve never been there, but I’ve always wanted to go. Looks so beautiful!