Ålesund

🇳🇴 Norway
Picturesque coastal town in Norway

Ålesund - Vacation Briefing

Ålesund is a charming coastal town situated on the west coast of Norway. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, it offers stunning views of the surrounding islands, fjords and mountains. The town is nestled between the sea and the Sunnmøre Alps, making it a perfect basepoint for exploring the region's natural beauty.

Popular Sights in Ålesund

Things to do during your Ålesund vacation

Welcome to Ålesund, a beautiful coastal town in Norway known for its Art Nouveau architecture and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a nature lover or a history enthusiast, Ålesund offers an array of activities for everyone to enjoy. Explore the charming streets, visit museums, hike in the surrounding mountains, or simply relax by the waterfront. There is something for everyone in this picturesque town.

  • Jugendstilsenteret: Visit the Jugendstilsenteret museum to learn about the town's unique Art Nouveau architectural style.
  • Aksla Viewpoint: Climb the steps to the top of Aksla mountain for stunning panoramic views of Ålesund and the surrounding islands.
  • Atlantic Sea-Park: Explore one of Europe's largest saltwater aquariums and get close to fascinating marine life.
  • Sunnmøre Museum: Discover the rich cultural heritage of the region through historical buildings, exhibitions, and artifacts.
  • Runde Island: Take a boat trip to Runde Island, a paradise for birdwatchers with its large seabird colonies.
  • Fjellstua Viewpoint: Hike up to Fjellstua viewpoint, located on Mount Aksla, for breathtaking views of the fjords and mountains.
  • Brosundet Canal: Take a leisurely stroll along Brosundet Canal, lined with colorful buildings and bustling with activity.
  • Alnes Lighthouse: Visit Alnes Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse located by the sea, and enjoy the coastal scenery.
  • Borgund Church: Admire the beautiful architecture of Borgund Church, a stunning stone church dating back to the 12th century.
  • Hike Hjørundfjord: Embark on a memorable hike along Hjørundfjord, a majestic fjord surrounded by towering mountains.
  • Explore Geirangerfjord: Take a day trip to Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its astonishing natural beauty.

Why you should visit Ålesund

Overall
7.8

Ålesund, Norway is a highly desirable destination with a lot to offer.

Safety
7

Ålesund, Norway is generally a safe destination with a low crime rate and political stability, but there might be some natural disaster risks due to its coastal location.

Culture
9

Ålesund, Norway is rich in culture, with its unique Art Nouveau architecture, museums, and historical sites. The city also offers a diverse culinary scene.

Nightlife
6

Ålesund, Norway has a decent nightlife scene with a variety of bars and pubs, but it might not be as vibrant as some other popular destinations.

Adventure
8

Ålesund, Norway offers exciting adventure activities like hiking in the surrounding mountains, fishing in the fjords, and even skiing during the winter months.

Relaxation
9

Ålesund, Norway is a relaxing destination with its picturesque coastal landscapes, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.

Best time to visit Ålesund

Ålesund, Norway is a picturesque city in every season, but the best time to visit is from June to August. During these months, the weather is mild, with pleasant temperatures and longer days. This is the perfect time to explore the stunning fjords, go hiking, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Jan
Mild temperatures but limited daylight
1°C - 4°C
Feb
Winter beauty but shorter days
1°C - 4°C
Mar
Transitioning to spring
2°C - 6°C
Apr
Emerging spring beauty
4°C - 10°C
May
Mild weather and fewer crowds
7°C - 14°C
Jun
Mild weather with long days
11°C - 17°C
Jul
Peak tourist season with pleasant weather
13°C - 19°C
Aug
Mild weather with autumn hues
11°C - 17°C
Sep
Stunning autumn scenery
8°C - 13°C
Oct
Colorful autumn foliage
5°C - 10°C
Nov
Chilly weather but fewer tourists
2°C - 6°C
Dec
Winter wonderland but limited daylight
1°C - 4°C
December transforms Ålesund into a winter wonderland. While the city is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, be prepared for limited daylight hours and potentially challenging weather conditions. It's an enchanting time for indoor activities and festivities.

A guide To your first day of Ålesund vacation

morning

  • Visit the Aksla Viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding islands.
  • Explore the Jugendstilsenteret museum to learn about the unique Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund.

afternoon

  • Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets and lanes of the city, admiring the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings.
  • Visit the Ålesund Aquarium to discover the rich marine life of the Norwegian coast.

evening

  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, savoring fresh local ingredients.
  • Take a romantic sunset cruise around the islands surrounding Ålesund, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.

night

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ålesund by visiting the local bars and pubs, enjoying live music and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Relax and unwind in one of the cozy cafes, enjoying a hot drink and the charming ambiance of the city at night.

How to get to Ålesund

By Plane

Ålesund is accessible by plane through Ålesund Airport (AES), which offers domestic and limited international flights. For travelers with international connections, Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) or Bergen Airport (BGO) are major hubs with frequent international flights, and both offer convenient domestic connections to Ålesund.

By other means

Reaching Ålesund by public transport is effortless. Ålesund Train Station is well-connected to major cities in Norway, including Oslo and Bergen. The city also has an extensive bus network that provides convenient access to surrounding towns. Additionally, ferries are available for transportation to nearby islands and villages, offering travelers a scenic and unique experience.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!

Flights

Accommodation

Best for travelers who are ...

Nature lovers, architecture enthusiasts, hikers

How long to stay in Ålesund?

2-3 days for exploring the town and its surroundings, longer if you plan on hiking or doing outdoor activities.

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Nearby

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