7 fun things to do in Ålesund

Ålesund has an irresistible charm that just keeps pulling me back to the beautiful port city. What exactly makes the city so special, you ask? First, it’s the location. This slice of civilization is spread across several islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Secondly, Ålesund offers all the conveniences of a city, but without the overwhelming feel of one. The Art Nouveau architecture of almost all the buildings gives the place a fairytale-like appearance. And you can admire this splendor in various ways, each one just as special. Here are 7 awesome things you absolutely must do in Ålesund!

1. Strolling endlessly through the city center of Ålesund

Ålesund owes its unique, fairytale-like appearance to a tragic event. In 1904, a large part of the city was completely destroyed by fire. The rumor is that a cow started the fire by knocking over a torch in a barn. That night, strong winds were blowing, and many buildings were still made of unprotected wood. This gave the fire the opportunity to spread rapidly, destroying 850 homes and leaving 10,000 people homeless. Miraculously, there was only one fatality: a woman who ran back into her burning house to save her belongings.

After the devastating fire, many people came to help with the reconstruction. Young Norwegians who had studied abroad were inspired by a new art movement: Art Nouveau (Jugendstil). They contributed to the rebuilding of the port city, and the rest is history. The city has been very protective of its old town. Today, you can stroll endlessly through beautiful streets, the unique harbor, and along colorful buildings. And I highly recommend doing just that. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else!

And while you’re wandering through the streets, make a stop for bubble tea (BOBA) at MaruCha Ålesund. It’s so delicious!

2. The Fjellstua viewpoint on Mount Aksla

Can’t get enough of Ålesund’s unique architectural style? Then you can admire the colorful palette from above! From the Fjellstua viewpoint on Mount Aksla, you get a truly spectacular view of how everything is laid out. Colorful houses spread across little islands, all connected by bridges. You’ll see boats sailing everywhere, and you might even spot a massive cruise ship docking. Either way, there’s plenty to see!

To get there, you’ll need to put in a bit of effort. The viewpoint is accessible via a staircase with no less than 418 steps! The stairs start in Byparken, the city park. If you have mobility issues, you can also reach the viewpoint by car, but parking is limited, so take the stairs if you can. Along the way, you’ll pass Byrampen, a glass viewing platform reminiscent of the Titanic’s bow—perfect for a Kodak moment.

Update: In the summer of 2024, I discovered that there are now fences on the rooftop, and you have to pay to access the terrace. What nonsense! If you walk just a little further (or back) towards the stairs, you’ll still get the beautiful view, but for free. I hope (and suspect) they’ll remove the gates soon because the terrace was completely empty.

3. Climb Sukkertoppen

If you haven’t had your fill of stunning views after visiting the Fjellstua viewpoint, then a trip to Sukkertoppen (The Sugar Top) is a must! This mountain peak is located on the opposite side of the city and offers breathtaking views of Ålesund, the Atlantic Ocean, and the countless nearby mountain peaks. To reach the starting point of the hike, head towards Hessa (by car, bike, on foot, or by bus). You can park at a school just west of the roundabout in Hessaskaret.

If you walk a little past the parking lot, you’ll find the trailhead to your right, between two houses. The rest is pretty straightforward. Sukkertoppen stands 314 meters above sea level and can be reached within an hour. Some sections can be a bit steep, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes! At the top, there’s a kind of compass that you can rotate. It lists all the names of the visible mountain peaks, along with their heights and distances. Super cool!

4. Shopping in Ålesund!

Personally, I prefer climbing mountains. But whenever I’m in Ålesund, I can never resist doing a bit of shopping. After all, it’s a tradition for me to bring home a souvenir after each visit to Norway. Last time, I picked up this cool bronze statue of Skadi, my favorite Norse goddess. And maybe a sweater with “Norway” on it. And some cheese-themed socks from H&M.

In addition to souvenir shops and the usual big names, you’ll also find many hidden boutiques scattered throughout the city. Must-visits include the record store, one of the shops with handmade Norwegian clothing, and Oliviers, a specialty store focused on olives and oils.

5. Visit one of the many museums

Ålesund is well-represented in the cultural scene. In addition to a glass museum, a klipfisk museum, and various art galleries, here are the museums that are definitely worth a visit:

Waldehuset Museum: The only house in Ålesund that survived the 1904 fire. It’s a unique spot where you can also enjoy some delicious waffles and cakes!
Jugendstilsenteret: As the name suggests, this museum is all about Art Nouveau. Housed in an old pharmacy, it features an interactive program (“The Time Machine”) that takes you through the events before, during, and after the fire.
Sunnmøre Museum: An open-air museum with 55 Norwegian houses and boats, ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day.

6. Atlanterhavsparken (Atlantic Sea Park)

The award-winning Atlanterhavsparken is a massive aquarium located just three kilometers from the city center. In this “water park,” you’ll learn all about the Norwegian fjords, the vast coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean in the most natural way possible. In addition to a wide variety of fish, they also have (baby!) seals and penguins!

7. Kayak through the city center

If you want to give your legs a break but still explore the unique city center, take a kayak tour through the heart of Ålesund! The guided trips are perfect for inexperienced kayakers, and let’s be honest, admiring the city from the water is—aside from from a mountaintop—one of the most quintessentially Norwegian things you can do in Ålesund.

Accommodation in Ålesund

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