Visit Alesund, the most beautiful city in Norway

In this article, we will present to you the most beautiful Norwegian city. The city is ideal set on the diverse shore with numerous stunning islands and fjords surrounding it. Therefore, we encourage you to Visit beautiful Alesund.

A few facts about Alesund

Firstly, it is a Norwegian city in a class by itself, a winning blend of coastal splendor, alpine magnificence, and unique architecture. Furthermore, its Art Nouveau architecture arose after a fire destroyed the whole city in 1904. That’s why more than 50 architects and builders designed and built the new town across several islands that stretch into the sea. The Jugend, or Art Nouveau, was in fashion, which is why it graces Ålesund today. Much of its elegant beauty is within the confines of the Jugend quarter in the town center. But the city has retained its pre-fire heritage. So, much of it in the outskirts are still full of traditional wooden villas.
Most importantly, the city lies in the most beautiful part of Norway. Nearby mountains, fjords, and waterfalls paint a wonderful picture, and countless seabirds seem to agree as they jockey for position on rocky islets just offshore. So, for nature lovers, the city is a convenient base to take in its Alpine splendor.

Fjellstua Viewpoint – Alesund at dusk, © oleg_mj/Fotolia

What to do and where to go?

Fjellstua Viewpoint

Why? Because it provides a fascinating panoramic view over the small town’s white, yellow, and red steep-roofed buildings stretched along the shoreline. To get there:

Start from the pedestrian shopping street at the foot of the hill and climb the 418 steps following the signposts.
Have a snack at the scenic cafe on the top. Additionally, you can also drive up to the viewpoint.

The beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, ©Almqvist Photo

Explore Art Nouveau Alesund by foot

The picture-perfect Art Nouveau heart of Alesund, with its stunning architecture, towers, turrets, and other imaginative ornamentation, really needs to be explored on foot. For a fascinating insight into the city’s remarkably well-preserved architecture, the top things to do in Alesund include tagging along with an organized walking tour or picking up an informative guide from a tourist office or bookstore.
Better still, head straight for the interactive displays and exhibits at the Art Nouveau Center (Jugendstilsenteret). Highlights of a visit include seeing the town’s best-preserved Art Nouveau interior, as well as fascinating multimedia exhibitions and displays relating to the town’s rich history.

Midnight sun in Norway, ©Istock.com/David Aguilar Photography

Experience the midnight sun

Firstly, we must confess it is not the Midnight Sun as in the Arctic Circle, but the sun shone brightly at midnight, which was a rather memorable experience.

By the time midnight came along, the sun was still shining bright. It stayed bright all night! It’s so hard to contemplate that we’d landed during the time of the almost 24 hours daylight, where nighttime never actually comes around! It was a truly surreal experience.

Go kayaking around Ålesund

It is the perfect trip for the inexperienced kayaker and those who desire a different way to get to know the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund.

Take the Kids to Atlantic Sea-Park

The Atlantic Sea-Park in Ålesund represents a great way to learn about Norway’s diverse marine life. Hence, it provides a fascinating look at underwater life. Furthermore, it has one of the largest saltwater aquariums in northern Europe, and it is only a short shuttle bus ride from the town center.

Lighthouse in Godoya island, ©istock.com/bruev

Discover Godøya Island & Svele eating

The island of Godøy is a popular excursion that’s just a 30-minute drive from Ålesund. One of the top things to do here is to visit the Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes Fyr), located near the quaint fishing village from which it takes its name. It is a small coffee shop at the foot of it, where they sell delicious Svele cakes, which you have to try!

The other island’s attraction is a 497-meter mountain, Storhornet. And from its top, you will enjoy the fascinating views on the Atlantic and Norwegian shore.

Geirangerfjord, ©istock.com/Ladiras

Take a tour to Geirangerfjord

The Art Noveau city is also the perfect spot for exploring the famous Geirangerfjorden, with stunning steep mountains and impressive waterfalls surrounding it. You may join a cruise directly from the dock in Ålesund to the UNESCO world heritage site area.