Alesund - Norway

Your ship will dock right in front of the city centre of Alesund. Walk right into town and explore this wonderfull art nouveau city. Read all about the Alesund cruise dock in our cruise port guide.

Alesund is a unique town because the fire created to opportunity in 1904 for all of it to be rebuild in the Art Nouveau style. At the end of the 20th century, beginning 21st century this was the most popular architecture style, philosophy and way of life, because in Europe it was time for something new. This photo is a beautiful example of what the city looks like today. This picture was made in the city centre about 200 meters from the ship.

This is the mandatory photo stop when visiting Alesund. From the +/- 150 meter high Mount Aksla you will get a beautiful panoramic view over the entire Art Nouveau city centre, your ship, the surrounding islands and the fjord. To get up to the viewpoint simply take the hop on hop off bus, trolley train or taxi from the parking lot in front of the ship or walk up the 418 steps. The steps start in the park in front of the hill.

The Jugendstil museum is the best way to start any visit on Alesund. It is the old pharmacy that has been transformed into the museum that will show the importance and style of art nouveau. Make sure not to miss the exhibition from ashes to art nouveau. Find this museum within 300 meters of your ship.

This is one of the largest aquariums in Scandinavia. It depicts underwater life in the atlantic ocean and in the fjords. Make sure not to miss the penguins and the diving show. The park lies about 3,5 west of the port. Reach the Atlantic Ocean Park by public transport bus 614 or 618, 120 NOK taxi ride or hop on hop off bus.

In the city centre of Alesund you will find the Fisheries Museum in an old warehouse of 1861. This museum depicts the history of Alesund as a fishing port.

Sometimes the local church will give concerts. Search for a sign like this in port to see if this is also happening during your stay in port.

In front of Alesund there are thousands of islands. Especially Giske a famous one. The Giske church is a 12th century chapel and the only one in Norway built in marble. Ask the tourist information in port about their opening hours. The best way to reach the church is by public transportation. At the bus station in front of the ship you will find the bus marked “Giske & Godoy”.

In the middle of the ocean is where we find the bird cliff Runde. This island has the widest variety of sea birds species in Scandinavia. In the nesting season from February to August more than 500.000 sea birds take over the island. Around 100.000 pairs of puffins nest here but you will also find great skuas, gannets and shags here. It is quite hard to get to Runde. By public transportation it will take you too long. There is a company 62°Nord that offers daily departures from the city centre by boat to Runde. Order your tickets online on their website.

Norway is famous for its open air museums and this is one of them. Take a step back in time and walk through the ages. This park shows you the typical houses that have been build in this part of Norway throughout the centuries. Make sure not to miss their boat collections. You’ll find Sunnmore Museum about 5,5 km east of the port. Take public bus 618 or 624 at the cruise terminal or the hop on hop off bus.

Take a local bus to the islands in front of the coastline. Navigate the deep and famous underwater tunnels to reach them and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the local bus. Find the local bus on the parking lot/bus station in front of the ship. The middle stop will say Giske and Godoy. Pay the driver for a ticket. From here it is about 15 km to the north west.

There are certainly interesting city walks to take through Alesund, but there are definitely also a couple of challenging hikes surrounding the town. Ask the tourist information for the Sugar tops hike to make the most adventurous one.