Ålesund walking tour & city guide
An Art Nouveau town on the islands.
Video by Nordic Experience on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
Ålesund, spread across several islands on Norway's west coast, was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a fire in 1904. Its turrets and pastel facades along the canal make it one of Norway's prettiest towns.
The town
The Brosundet canal is lined with Art Nouveau buildings. The Jugendstilsenteret museum explains the rebuilding. Climb the 418 steps up Mount Aksla for a famous view of the town and the islands.
Fjords
Ålesund is a gateway to the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO-listed fjord with waterfalls like the Seven Sisters.
A day in Ålesund
After a fire destroyed Ålesund in 1904, the town was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, with turrets, spires and ornaments. Walk through the center, then climb the 418 steps up Mount Aksla for the famous view over the town and the islands.
The Atlantic Sea Park aquarium is on the edge of town.
Good to know
Ålesund is the gateway to the Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord. Try bacalao, a dried cod dish.
The town is busy with cruise ships in summer.
Why it is unique
When Ålesund burned in January 1904, leaving thousands homeless, help came from all over Europe, including the German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had often holidayed in the area. The town was rebuilt in just three years, almost entirely in the Art Nouveau style of the time, and today it is one of the most complete Art Nouveau towns in the world. The Jugendstilsenteret museum tells the story. The town is spread over several islands linked by bridges, and the views from Aksla at sunset, over the islands and snowy Sunnmøre Alps, are unforgettable.
Top sights in Ålesund
- 1
Mount Aksla viewpoint
The famous view of the town.
- 2
Brosundet canal
Art Nouveau facades by the water.
- 3
Jugendstilsenteret
The Art Nouveau Centre.
- 4
Atlanterhavsparken
An aquarium by the sea.
- 5
Geirangerfjord
A world-famous fjord.
Food markets & where to eat in Ålesund
Brosundet
Restaurants by the canal.
Harbor
Seafood and fish soup.
Town center cafés
Coffee and pastries.
Food to try in Ålesund
Bacalao
A salt cod stew, an Ålesund specialty.
Klippfisk
Dried and salted cod.
Fresh shrimp
From the harbor.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Ålesund
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ÅlesundCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Ålesund.
- eSIM for NorwayStay online from the moment you land.
Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More cities in Norway
▶ 4 videosOslo
A green capital on a fjord.
▶ 4 videosBergen
Colorful wooden wharves at the gateway to the fjords.
▶ 4 videosTromsø
The Arctic capital of the northern lights.
▶ 4 videosStavanger
White wooden houses and the road to Pulpit Rock.
▶ 5 videosTrondheim
Colorful wharves and Norway's great cathedral.
▶ 6 videosLofoten
Red fishing huts beneath dramatic peaks.
▶ 5 videosGeiranger
A village at the end of the famous fjord.
▶ 5 videosFlåm
A fjord village and one of the world's most beautiful railways.
▶ 5 videosKristiansand
Norway's sunny southern seaside city.