Location: Alesund
Top Things to do in Alesund
Top Restaurants in Alesund
What to do and see in Alesund, Norway: The Best Places and Tips
Perched at the top of Norway’s Western Fjord country, picture-perfect Alesund is spread over several islands stretching into the Atlantic, with the spectacular Sunnmøre Mountains as a backdrop. If its natural beauty doesn’t grab you, its architecture surely will: After an early 20th-century fire destroyed much of the town, Alesund was rebuilt in absolute Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) glory. Learn the history at Aalesunds Museum, or visit one of the world’s largest aquariums, the Atlanterhavsparken.
Restaurants in Alesund
1. Fjellstua Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By JLHNYC67 - Miami, Florida
We arrived in beautiful Alesund and headed to Mount Aksla for the 418 steps up to
Fjellstua. It was a fun and relatively easy climb to the top. We are in good shape and made the climb without a rest. There are plenty of benches though on the way up. Once to the top we rewarded ourselves with a big Olsen soft serve ice cream at the café. YUM! We saw this brand all over town so I guess it is quite popular. The best one we had was at the Fjellstua Café. Maybe because it was coupled with the breathtaking view? Not sure, but I recommend a stop at the outdoor café and an Olsen ice cream once you tackle those steps!
2. Hike Sukkertoppen the Sugar Top
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
From Sukkertoppen (The Sugar Top), you can get a magnificent view with both city, coast and fjord in one! From the centre of Alesund you can drive, bicycle or take the local bus to Hessa and eventually park at the primary school, just west of the roundabout in Hessaskaret. Cross the road above the school and follow the Sukkertoppvegen westwards until you find the sign where the path starts, at the right by number 22. The path is gravelled in the beginning, passes a grove and the path is clearly visible (but might be wet and dirty) all the way to the top. You are past half the way when passing the transmitter mast. An unforgettable view expects you!
Reviewed By HSTewie - South Florida
We ended up making this hike as a plan B adventure in Alesund. One reviewer said it was a short walk from town, but only if your idea of a short walk is about 5 miles. The walk to the trail from town is not especially scenic, so if you are a visitor, I would suggest taking a taxi. The hike itself is not very long (if you don't walk from town). It does get steep in a few spots, but it is not a difficult hike. It could be done in tennis shoes, though a hiking shoe is better. The trailhead is in a residential area. The first part is fairly wooded, but the terrain quickly climbs above the trees revealing a very worthwhile panoramic view of the fjords in all directions. Don't poop out before you reach the top. There is a summit book where you can catalogue your effort. On the day we hiked, we met a nice array of intrepid tourists looking to get off the beaten path as well as locals out for a hike or walking the dogs. It's a nice, relatively short hike with a view.
3. Brosundet i Alesund
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Sigmund L
The old lighthouse dominates the harbour and is an attraction any time of the day, but we came back in the evening (around eleven) and were fascinated by the sunset. Wished we could share our pictures…
4. Alnes Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By Qamer_Zia - Frankfurt, Germany
My rating is based on the complete trip from Valderoya to Alnes Lighthouse and back. Unique feeling while driving on spectacular Bridges and through underwater tunnels connecting the three Islands (Valderoya-Giske-Godoya). The light house itself is in pretty good shape and the area around is very spectacular. On clear day the views from the top of Lighthouse are great. Nearby, there was a small beach like area (google view) but actually it was pretty much covered with small and big stones but still worth a visit. We also visited the beach area in Giske Island, it comes just before the bridge while you are driving back towards Valderoya (check google maps). It was a white sand beach with very clean but a little cold water. We all enjoyed being there, especially the children while playing in water and sand toys.
5. Atlantic Sea Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 541 reviews
Reviewed By angeleyes27 - Marlton, New Jersey
This aquarium is easy to find as it is just outside the town. There is a good sized large tank with sharks and other fish. There are some other areas with smaller fish which are very interesting. The outside area was very scenic with views of the ocean. It is small so it doesn't take that long to see. I would recommend the seal and Penguin feedings. The trainer there is very interesting and gives information in more than one language. He obviously is very attached to these animals as they give him kisses. Very touching!
6. Borgernes veg and Aksla Stadion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Walking route with many possibilities you can take in the panoramic view from Fjellstua and visit the restaurant and walk down the 418 steps from the vantage point to the town park! Season All year round. Access Car/bus www.nettbuss.no to Fagerlia. The route starts in Gangstovika, or possibly in Alesund Town Park.
Reviewed By chris c - mold
although it is a shame about its history from the war. the town is very compact but has some picturesque views, shops (visit the souvenier shop) and cafes
7. Jugendstilsenteret and Kunstmuseet Kube
Overall Ratings
4 based on 230 reviews
Jugendstilsenteret is located in the old Swan Pharmacy from 1907 and is both a museum and a national centre of Art Nouveau. The catastrophic fire of 1904 left the town of Ålesund in ashes. The rebuilding created one of Europe’s most characteristic architectural environments in the Art Nouveau style. Jugendstilsenteret offers insight into this style by means of authentic interiors and objects as well as temporary Exhibitions. We also work with documentation, education and consulting. KUBE is the art museum in the county of Møre og Romsdal and is located in the former branch office building of Norges Bank (1906) in central Ålesund. Through a diverse programme of Exhibitions and public activities, the museum aims to promote interest in and knowledge of visual arts, applied art, design and architecture. KUBE develops and manages an art collection focused on artworks and artists with connections to the region. To enter the museum shop and café you don't need a ticket .
Reviewed By docj9000 - Madison, South Dakota
The multi-media presentation on the 1904 Alesund fire and the rebuilding of the town is excellent and, for us, was worth the price of admission. However, the rest of the museum is poorly laid out and most of the signage is only in Norwegian. Visitors weren't being told to go to the video presentation first, which meant that we wandered around for a while before finding the "beginning". The second floor apartment where the pharmacist lived had some beautiful period furnishngs but the lighting was poor and the signage was awful for non-Norwegian speakers.
As for the associated art gallery, the exhibition wasn't of interest to us and we left after a few minutes. You may enjoy it, but don't assume you will.
8. Tourist Information Office Alesund
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
The Tourist Information Office in Aalesund is open all year and has extended opening hours during the summer. We have a wide selection of brochures about Aalesund and Sunnmoere and the rest of the country, as well as an assortment of souvenirs, postcards and stamps.Free Wi-Fi. The Tourist Information Office in Aalesund can also help you with booking and Reservations of accommodation, sightseeing tours and other activities.
Reviewed By 380Roger - Bedford, United Kingdom
The3 staff are very helpful and fluent in at least two languages - English and Norwegian. Their name badfes show the languages they speak.
9. Sunnmoere Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
Visit the open-air museum with its vast collection of old houses. Enjoy a stroll between the picturesque houses and the indoor Exhibitions, and get an insight into the cultural and architectural history of Sunnmore. Sunnmore Museum is a beautiful open air museum with 55 old and distinct houses. While walking in between these houses you feel as if you are put back in time, and you will see how people lived in earlier times. On Wednesdays during summer, there are a lot of activities going on at the museum. In the main building the fascinating Exhibitions on archaeology and culture in the Sunnmore region will provide you with a unique insight into the life of the people who have inhabited this area for several thousand years. Take a look at the museum's vast boat collection too, including replicas of Viking ships. The beautiful area surrounding the museum is also excellent for walks.
Reviewed By Barheat - Hamilton, Canada
Sunnmore is an outdoor museum made up of 55 old and distinct houses from the past 300 years. The houses were moved to the sight. As all the houses are built of wood they are all mounted on blocks of stone to prevent the wood from contact with the ground and rotting. Some of the buildings are open for viewing.
We learned that the red paint was the least expensive and was used for barns. White paint was more expensive and used for houses. The buildings are located along the hillside. It is a steep walk to see the upper buildings. It is not wheelchair friendly.
The Welcome Center had an interesting exhibit on Rollo, the Viking who became the first Duke of Normandy. There are a number of Viking artifacts on display. Upstairs of the exhibit is a snack bar and Seating area.
The third part of the museum is building containing wooden sailing boats across the ages and a replica Viking boat.
10. Aksla Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By vmahajan1957 - New Delhi
There is a motorable road to the top of the mountain, but if you have time do trek to the top. The view from the top is amazing
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