Ålesund is one of Norway’s most distinctive and beautiful cities, renowned for its unique Art Nouveau architecture rebuilt after the great fire of 1904. Located between the open sea, islands and fjords, the coastal city is a natural gateway to some of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, including the Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord. In Ålesund, city life, viewpoints, culture, seafood, activities and fjord experiences come together within a short distance.
Ålesund is a perfect starting point for visiting the fjords, to experience coastal scenery and iconic attractions. But most of all, it is well worth spending time to enjoy the great hotels, restaurants, activities and experiences in the city itself.
Ålesund – City, coast, mountains and fjords at Sunnmøre
Ålesund is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, its unique location between the sea and the mountains, and as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural and coastal experiences in the Sunnmøre region.
Spread across several islands on Norway’s western coast, the town offers a fascinating combination of urban life, history, culture and outdoor experiences.
From Ålesund, you can explore Sunnmøre with its fjords, mountains and dramatic coastline of islands and skerries. The town offers iconic attractions such as Mt Aksla and the Town Steps (Bytrappa), the Atlantic Ocean Park, Alnes Lighthouse and a vibrant town centre with hotels, restaurants and activities on the water – perfect for combining a city break with a fjord and coastal adventure.
From the viewpoint on Mt Aksla, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town, the sea and the surrounding mountains, while the area around Ålesund provides access to the fjords, the island communities, traditional fishing villages and excellent hiking opportunities.
Below you will find a selection of photographs from Ålesund, which is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. Under the photographs, you will find information and links to guided activities in Ålesund and experiences starting from the town.
Old Ålesund – History
Settlement in the area around Ålesund dates far back in time. As early as the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, there was activity at Borgundkaupangen, an important trading centre where fishermen and merchants met. The proximity to rich fishing grounds made the area attractive for early settlement.
Fishing formed the foundation for the development of Ålesund. The cod fisheries in the Borgundfjord and the coastal waters off Sunnmøre provided both food and income, and over time a community developed around fishing, trade and processing. Fish was exported to Bergen and further into Europe, connecting the area to wider coastal trade networks.
In the 18th century, Ålesund was still a small trading post with only a few merchants, including those based on Brunholmen. In the 19th century, activity increased, partly due to the herring fisheries, and Ålesund gradually developed into an important fishing harbour.
The town was granted kjøpstadsrettigheter (market town status) in 1848, laying the foundation for further growth.
Industry also began to develop during this period. Ole Andreas Devold established the Devold textile factory in Ålesund in the 19th century, an early example of industrial activity in the town.
This illustrates how Ålesund evolved from a small trading post into a town with both industry and export-based business. Today, Devold is Norway’s largest and best-known producer of wool clothing.
By the early 20th century, Ålesund had become a lively town with dense wooden housing. This changed dramatically during the great fire of 1904, when large parts of the town were destroyed.
The reconstruction gave Ålesund its distinctive character, with stone buildings in the Art Nouveau style that still define the town today.
The big City Fire in 1904
The city center of Ålesund got its current shape after the big city fire in 1904. This was one of the largest fires in Norway, and more than 800 houses burned down. Around 12,000 people became homeless.
After the fire, the inhabitants received help from all over Norway and also from abroad. The German Emperor Wilhelm II was one of those who gave extra help to the reconstruction of Ålesund.
Before the fire, the city center consisted almost exclusively of wooden buildings. The city was rebuilt in just three years and now consists mainly of brick buildings in the distinctive Art Nouveau style.
Below you can see photographs taken after the big city fire in Ålesund in 1904. The photographs were taken by the photographer Louis Anton Jacobsen.
Read more about the photographer and view additional images he took of the Ålesund fire, as well as other photographs, at Digitalt Museum. The owner of the images from the Ålesund fire presented here is Viti Musea.
The Stairways up to the city-mountain Aksla in Ålesund
Aksla is the city mountain in Ålesund. From the top of Aksla there is a fantastic view of Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean with all the islands that lie outside the city.
You can walk the 418 stone steps from the city park to the top of mt Aksla. There are several small viewpoints built along the beautiful city stairs in addition to the fantastic view that you have wherever you turn along the stairs themselves.
For safety reasons, it is recommended to avoid walking the stairs when there is snow and ice on the steps. Respect the barriers if the stairs are closed.
Uteguiden – Guiding and Activities in Ålesund
Uteguiden in Ålesund guides you to fantastic adventures in the area around Ålesund and Sunnmøre, they offer guiding through all four seasons. Uteguiden has an office in the center of Ålesund, down by Brosundet.
At Uteguiden you can rent kayaks, SUPs and E-bikes during the summer season. You can also take part in a number of guided activities and adventures starting from Uteguiden’s base in Ålesund.
In the winter season, you can combine kayaking with a sauna. You can also take part in guided summit ski tours in the mountains of Sunnmøre, snowshoe tours at Strandafjellet and cross-country skiing in beautiful nature.
Below you will find more information about guided activities from both Uteguiden and others, there is much that is worth exploring while you are in Ålesund.
Fishing Trip from Ålesund – Coastal Experiences, Fishing and Local Food Culture
Uteguiden offers guided fishing trips from Ålesund, giving you the opportunity to experience the spectacular coastal landscape of Sunnmøre from the sea.
The trips take place aboard the traditional boat MS Gamle Havstein and bring you to some of the most beautiful areas around Ålesund, Godøya and Alnes.
During the trip, you can try your luck fishing in the rich waters along the coast while enjoying the beautiful archipelago, the characteristic lighthouses and the views of the mountains of Sunnmøre.
On the way back to Ålesund, the guide prepares part of the catch on board, allowing you to taste fresh fish straight from the sea – an authentic experience of the coastal culture of Sunnmøre.
The trips are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers and offer a great combination of nature experiences, local coastal culture and outdoor activities along the beautiful coast of Sunnmøre.
Guided Sea Kayaking from Brosundet in Ålesund
Join a Guided Sea Kayaking tour and see Ålesund from the sea. The kayak tours start from Brosundet in the centre of Ålesund. It is guaranteed that you will have a fun day exploring the city of Ålesund from a unique point of view.
Combined Sea Kayaking and Hiking in Ålesund with guide
This is a combined adventure with start at the centre of Ålesund. The kayak tour start from Brosundet, you then crossing over Aspevågen to Slinnings Point. The hike start from the shoreline and end at Mt Sukkertoppen with fantastic panoramic view of Ålesund with the Sunnmøre Alps as a backdrop.
Combined E-Bike-tour and Hike to Mt Sukkertoppen with guide
First you will have an easy ride in an E-bike from the centre of Ålesund, then you will hike to Mt Sukkertoppen with fantastic panoramic view of Ålesund.
Guided SUP-Board adventure in Brosundet in the centre of Ålesund
This is a short and fun and guided tour on SUP-Board (Stand-Up Paddleboard) in the Brosundet canal in the middle of Ålesund. SUP is a fun activity which is ideal for all.
Fjord Cruise from Ålesund to the Geirangerfjord
Geiranger Fjordservice takes you on a boat trip into the Geirangerfjord where you can see the beautiful fjord landscape with the waterfalls Bridal Veil, The Suitor and The Seven Sisters.
The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful.
In Geiranger there are waterfalls everywhere. But there are three waterfalls that stand out. They are the three famous waterfalls that end in the Geirangerfjord, The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil.
The Geiranger area is like a beautiful postcard, and has attracted tourists since the dawn of time. And the Geirangerfjord is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Fjord Cruise on the Hjørundfjord
This is a fjord cruise that goes between Ålesund and Øye in the heart of Norangsfjorden which is a branch of the Hjørundfjord. The fjord cruise has season in the summer and visits Ålesund, Trandal, Sæbø, Urke and Øye.
The Hjørundfjord is the “neighbour-fjord” to the more famous Geirangerfjord. The inner part of the 35 kilometer long Hjørundfjord is surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys and numerous rivers and waterfalls. In between all this, there are small idyllic villages down by the fjord, all of which are great starting points for adventures in beautiful nature.
The boat goes both ways. See the Cruise Service website for more information about the season, boat routes and booking.
Below you see the inner part of the Hjørundfjord with a marked boat route and places where the boat stops.
Tailor-made Ski and Sailing Tours
The Hjørundfjord is also an eldorado for summit ski tours. This is one of the fjords where it is possible to combine boat trips on the fjord with summit trips on skis.
Uteguiden arranges tailor-made skiing and sailing trips with guides and a personal chef onboard the boat. The starting point for these tours is the city of Ålesund, which is just north of the exit of the Hjørundfjord.
Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium
Atlanterhavsparken is Northern Europe’s largest Saltwater Aquarium and show you the life in the ocean along the Norwegian coast.
The Aquarium is surrounded by beautiful coastal landscapes at the island of Hessa, 3.5 kilometer west of the center of Ålesund. Video by Atlanterhavsparken.
Bybadet Aquacamp
Bybadet is Ålesund’s new great water park. There you can experience, among other things, therapy bath, family bath, whirlpools, children’s pool, water slides and diving tower.
There is also a cafe in conjunction to the water park. Bybadet is located in the center of Ålesund, close to Byparken. Video by Bybadet.
Godøya island and Alnes Lighthouse
Alnes and Alnes Lighthouse on the north side of the Godøya Island is a wonderful experience.
There has been a lighthouse at Alnes since 1857. Alnes Lighthouse as it stands today was built in 1937 and is still in operation.
The lighthouse is 22.5 meters high and is made of wood and iron, it was automated in 1982.
In addition to the lighthouse, there is an art gallery and a café that are open for visitors.
Season, see Alnes Lighthouse Website.
Ålesund Panorama
Below you can see a 360 panorama from Ålesund. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations. The 360 panoramic pictures are provided by 360 Aircam by Arild Solberg.
Places to Eat in Ålesund
LE SUND – Le Sund is a new bistro opening in Brosundet in Ålesund in spring 2026. Here, local ingredients from both sea and land are combined with inspiration from French cuisine, with a focus on seasonality, craftsmanship, and clean flavors. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – a place to slow down and enjoy good food in historic waterfront surroundings. Le Sund emphasizes quality over speed and aims to create a warm meeting place for both locals and visitors.
RESTAURANT APOTEKERGATA No. 5 has a menu that is inspired by local and short-travelled food traditions from Sunnmøre combined with inspiration from the international cuisine. The restaurant is located in the old warehouse in Apotekergata No. 5 in conjunction to Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund.
BRO is a restaurant with focus on local food made of local produce from Sunnmøre. The restaurant is located in Notenesgata on the east side of Brosundet at the centre of Ålesund.
ANNO is located on Apotekertorget in the centre of Ålesund and serves delicious dishes that is inspired from both local and international cuisine. Their Pizza is baked in a stone oven. The a la carte menu varies with the different seasons.
XL DINER is a Bacalao restaurant located in Skaregata right in the heart of Ålesund. There you can enjoy great food and drink with a view towards Ålesundet and the sea. The restaurant is recognized as one of Europe’s best Bacalao and Dried-and-salted-Cod restaurants. They also offer other tasty dishes.
MARTIN WALDERHAUG BAKERI & KONDITORI is a family-run bakery and patisserie from 1893. They offer traditional cakes and pastries with real ingredients and handicrafts. The recipes have been passed down through generations. The patisserie is located on Skansekaia in the center of Ålesund.
Great places to Drink in Ålesund
ARKIVET BAR in Apotekergata No. 5 is also in conjunction to Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund. The local trader Peder Devold ran his fish oil business out of the old warehouse in Apotekergata, and he had his personal office and archives in the room which now has become Arkivet Bar.
VINO BAR in Apotekergata has a wine menu with more than 700 wines from wine districts all over the world. The menu includes beer, drinks and non-alcoholic drinks. They also serve planks with cheese, salami, ham and focaccia in addition to a separate snack menu.
Recommended Hotels and places to stay in Ålesund
MICHELIN KEY HOTELS – The Ålesund region and Sunnmøre are home to several hotels selected by the MICHELIN Guide for their quality, atmosphere and unique experiences.
These include the award-winning boutique hotel Hotel Brosundet in the heart of Ålesund, the exclusive Storfjord Hotel overlooking the Storfjord, the historic Hotel Union Øye at the head of the Hjørundfjord, and the spectacular Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal.
The MICHELIN Guide offers an overview of some of the most distinctive and highly recommended hotel experiences in the Sunnmøre region.
QUALITY HOTEL WATERFRONT is a family and conference hotel located down by the water’s edge. The hotel, which also has a restaurant, has a great view towards the Aspevågen bay on the south side of the center of Ålesund, only 300 meters from Brosundet in the city center.
HOTEL 1904 is located near the city park. This is where the 418 steps in stone up to the viewpoint of the city mountain Aksla start. Hotel 1904 is Ålesund’s oldest hotel, it’s in the name. The hotel, which is one of Ålesund’s typical Jugendstil buildings, was built in 1904, the same year that the great fire in Ålesund destroyed 850 houses in the city.
MOLJA LIGHTHOUSE at the breakwater pier in Ålesund. Room 47 at Hotel Brosundet is in the Molja Lighthouse at the breakwater pier at Molovegen, on the north side of Brosundet.
If you stay at Molja Lighthouse, you have the whole lighthouse to yourself.
THON HOTEL ÅLESUND is beautifully located down by the sea in the center of Ålesund, by the road Molovegen at the northern end of Brosundet. The hotel has a bar and restaurant and its own pier for boats.
SCANDIC PARKEN is located in the heart of Ålesund, close to Byparken and the stone steps up to Aksla. The hotel can boast of having Ålesund’s best breakfast, they were voted to have Møre and Romsdal County’s best hotel breakfast in 2022.
HOTEL BROSUNDET in Ålesund offers a different experience. It is a family owned hotel creating experiences satisfying all senses and paying attention to what is seen, heard, smelled, tasted and felt.
From the delicate interior design, stunning artwork, antique beams to fresh local seafood, the passion is to preserve the buildings as they originally were warehouses and significant to the fishery in the small town of Ålesund. The outer walls of the hotel extend directly into the waters of Brosundet, the true city-center of Ålesund.
The hotel holds one Michelin Key, and is highlighted for its character, design and authentic connection to the city.
Hotels and places to stay outside Ålesund
JERVELL GJESTEHUS – Mr and Mrs Jervell’s historic mansion, just a short drive from Ålesund. The hotel is located next to the Sunnmøre Museum, six kilometers east of the center of Ålesund. Jervell Gjestehus is special. They organize Afternoon Tea, Quiz evenings, Gourmet evenings and “Murder Mystery Evenings”. In addition, the hotel has a rich history and rooms and common areas in a mix of old and new with a high standard.
STORFJORD HOTEL at Glomset in Skodje, 30 kilometers east of Ålesund. The hotel is located on a wooded hillside which has a fantastic panoramic view of Storfjorden at Sunnmøre. The view alone is well worth a visit. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there is also a spa and wellness department in the hotel.
Storfjord Hotel is a high-standard hotel with a mix of Norwegian traditions and modern design. The hotel holds two Michelin Keys for its combination of high standards, closeness to nature and world-class hospitality.
The Hjørundfjord – What to see and do
The innermost part of the 35-kilometer-long Hjørundfjord is surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys, waterfalls and glaciers. In between all this, there are small idyllic villages down by the fjord, all of which are great starting points for adventures in beautiful nature. The Hjørundfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.
Geiranger and Geirangerfjord – What to See and Do
The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the fjord is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Visit Flydalsjuvet, Ørnesvingen and Dalsnibba viewpoints and see the iconic views of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. The Geirangerfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Western Norway.
Visit NorthWest
Visit NorthWest is the official destination company for Møre og Romsdal, a region known for its spectacular fjords, mountains, coastal scenery and dramatic landscapes, including the Geirangerfjord, Hjørundfjord and the Romsdalsfjord area.
Eat and Drink in Ålesund
Arkivet Bar
Apotekergata No. 5 Restaurant
Hotels and Accommodation in Ålesund
Hotel Brosundet
Molja Lighthouse
Quality Hotel Ålesund
Hotel 1904 Ålesund
Hotel Noreg
Scandic Parken Hotel
Thon Hotel Ålesund
Jervell Gjestehus
References
Wikipedia
Bybadet Aquacamp
Hotel Brosundet
Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium
62°NORD