One day in Ålesund: the top three
Quick visit only? Try this relaxing itinerary
Photo: Elisabeth Beyer
Ålesund from above. The trail up Mount Aksla is well maintained, and this view is the reward.
Elisabeth Beyer
Vancouver, B.C.
Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, the surrounding Sunnmøre Alps mountains, and a stunning fjord landscape.
There are plenty of activities here that will appeal to everyone’s taste. You can take a tour to the puffins on Runde Island, visit the aquarium, go fishing in the summer, skiing in the winter, or take the ferry north through the stunning Geirangerfjord.
These are all great options if you’ve got a few days to spend in this scenic part of Norway, but if you’re like me and only have one day, you will want to spend your time wisely and effectively.
I visited this unique town this summer during the Voyage of the Vikings cruise, and with only one day I tried to make the most out of my time here. If you’ve got a day to spend in Ålesund, here’s my list of top three things to see (without feeling rushed!):
1. Walk up to Fjellstua Viewpoint
The viewpoint at the top of Mount Aksla provides a panoramic view onto Ålesund, the archipelago, and surrounding mountains. Isn’t it incredible?
The trail up to the top is paved and well maintained. There are handrails and every 20 steps or so you’ll find benches to rest so even the laziest of hikers can take their time during the ascent.
If you’re strapped for time or don’t want to walk the 418 steps, you can also drive to the top by car or take the city train.
On the way up, I found myself turning around every few steps because the view kept getting better and better, so I would really recommend taking the walk.
Photo: Elisabeth Beyer
Ålesund is most famous for its Art Nouveau architecture.
After soaking in the view for a few minutes relatively undisturbed, a tour bus arrived and unloaded a huge swarm of tourists. My cue to leave!
Instead of walking back to town the same way I had come, I found a different route that followed along the ridge of Mount Aksla for approximately 10 minutes before descending down to the city level. All in all, this took about 20 minutes total and was an easy walk.
There are plenty of signs and maps at the top of Mount Aksla, so you can easily plan your route. The path I took down had some great views onto the mountains around Ålesund and it was much quieter than the popular 418 steps.
Whichever way you decide to reach the Fjellstua Viewpoint, know that it is a stop in Ålesund that should not be missed!
2. Discover Ålesund’s Art Nouveau History
In 1904 the majority of Ålesund, at the time comprised of wooden structures, was destroyed in a fire. Shortly after, over 50 architects from all over the country were brought in to design a new city. It was decided that the town would be re-built in the popular style of the time, Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil, which utilized stronger materials like brick and mortar.
Examples of the Art Nouveau era can be found all over Ålesund since the majority of buildings constructed between 1904 and 1907 are more or less in tact today. Ornate balconies and spires adorn buildings; decorative archways and doors are a common sight.
To learn more about the history of Ålesund, you can venture into the old pharmacy, Svaneapoteket or “Swan Pharmacy,” which has been converted into a three-story interactive museum and Ålesund’s Art Nouveau Center. Queen Sonja of Norway opened the Art Nouveau Center in 2003.
Photo: Elisabeth Beyer
Kvæfjordkake, also known as “The World’s Best Cake” doesn’t disappoint. Editor’s note: next week’s Taste of Norway will feature this amazing confection, so stay tuned!
3. Have your cake and eat it too
If there’s one last thing you do in Ålesund, make it this: try a piece of traditional Norwegian cake, Kvæfjordkake, also nicknamed “The World’s Best Cake.”
Trust me, it does not disappoint.
I sampled this delicacy comprised of sponge cake, meringue, almonds, and vanilla at a cozy café called Nomaden Espresso Bar (Apotekergata 10), which is only a three-minute walk away from the Art Nouveau Center.
Elisabeth Beyer is a German-Canadian travel writer and blogger based on the west coast of Canada. She loves to explore different cultures and destinations, favoring natural landscapes to big cities. You can read more about her travels at her personal blog www.sidetrackedtravelblog.com.
This article was originally published on The Sidetracked Travel Blog.
It also appeared in the April 29, 2016, issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
