Cruise Holidays To Ålesund

Overview

Ålesund is a picturesque city perched at the mouth of Stor Fjord and set on two islands which are connected by bridges. The original city burnt down in 1904 (with its wooden architecture, Norway has suffered a lot from fires over the ages) and was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, with the addition of many turrets and fairytale facades. Most of the newest generation of buildings are well preserved and make Ålesund unique and highly photogenic, particularly when you add the sweeping views over the islands and Aksla mountain.

Cruise ships dock close to the centre of the town so exploration and shopping can be done on foot. You can take the 400 steps up to the Kniven Overlook on Mt Aksla for a stunning panoramic view of the bay, surrounding mountains and offshore islands.

Other sightseeing opportunities include the outdoor Sunnmore Museum, with a collection of traditional farmhouses and boats, and the Medieval Museum in which a 10th century village has been recreated.

Ålesund is also a starting point for touring the hills of the Sunnmøre region, the Norang valley, the Øye glaciers and the island of Runde. It’s the gateway to the most beautiful Fjords in Norway, including the famous Geirangerfjord, surrounded by steep mountains, with deserted farms clinging to the sides, and majestic waterfalls such as The Seven Sisters and The Suitor.