Things to Do in Ålesund, Norway: Your Complete Guide to Norway’s Art Nouveau Jewel
Known as the gateway to the famous Geiranger and Hjørundfjords, Ålesund serves as the perfect base for exploring Western Norway’s most spectacular attractions. The city’s unique position across several islands, connected by bridges and tunnels, creates a stunning maritime setting that has earned it recognition as one of the world’s most beautiful towns.
One of the most compelling attractions of Ålesund, Norway, is the city’s remarkable Art Nouveau architecture. Following the great fire of 1904 that destroyed much of the medieval town, Ålesund was rebuilt in the fashionable Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century. Today, over 400 buildings showcase this distinctive architectural heritage, making Ålesund home to one of Northern Europe’s most concentrated collections of Art Nouveau buildings.
Strolling through the city centre reveals ornate facades adorned with turrets, spires, and decorative stonework inspired by fairy tales and folk art. The buildings’ warm pastel colours create a charming streetscape that changes beautifully with the Nordic light throughout the day. Many of these architectural gems now house boutique shops, cosy cafés, and quality restaurants, making exploration both visually stunning and practically rewarding.
The Jugendstilsenteret provides the perfect introduction to understanding what to see in Ålesund, Norway. This dedicated museum offers fascinating insights into the city’s architectural transformation, featuring period interiors, historical exhibitions, and detailed explanations of the Art Nouveau movement’s influence on Norwegian design. The centre’s beautiful period rooms have been meticulously recreated to show how wealthy Ålesund residents lived during the early 1900s.
Interactive displays and guided tours help visitors appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship that make Ålesund’s architecture so distinctive. The centre also houses a charming café where you can enjoy Norwegian specialities whilst surrounded by authentic Art Nouveau décor.
No visit exploring what to do in Ålesund, Norway, would be complete without climbing the famous 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint. This moderate climb rewards visitors with arguably the most photographed panoramic view in all of Norway. From the summit, the entire city spreads out below like a living postcard, with its Art Nouveau buildings nestled between sparkling fjords and dramatic mountain peaks.
The climb typically takes 15-20 minutes for most visitors, though you can also drive or take the seasonal tourist train to the top. The viewpoint includes Fjellstua restaurant, where you can enjoy refreshments whilst taking in the spectacular scenery. The view is particularly magical during the midnight sun period of summer and the Northern Lights season in winter.
For those seeking more adventurous things to do in Ålesund, Norway, the hike to Sukkertoppen offers spectacular rewards. This moderately challenging 3-4 hour round trip takes you to 314 metres above sea level, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding fjords, islands, and mountains.
The trail winds through varied terrain, from coastal paths to rocky outcrops, showcasing the diverse landscapes that make Western Norway so captivating. On clear days, the views extend across multiple fjords and can include glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks. The hike is terrific during the summer months when wildflowers bloom along the path.
One of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, Atlantic Sea Park is a must-see attraction among those in Ålesund, Norway. Located just outside the city centre, this remarkable facility showcases the rich marine life of the North Atlantic through enormous tanks and interactive exhibits.
The aquarium’s highlight is the massive ocean tunnel, which visitors can walk through while surrounded by sharks, rays, and hundreds of other sea creatures. Daily feeding demonstrations and educational programmes provide fascinating insights into marine ecosystems. The facility also features outdoor seal pools where playful seals delight visitors with their antics.
A short drive and boat ride from Ålesund brings you to Runde Island, one of Norway’s premier birdwatching destinations. Between May and August, this dramatic island hosts over 100,000 seabirds, including the charming puffins that have become symbols of Norwegian wildlife.
The island offers excellent hiking opportunities along dramatic clifftops, providing spectacular ocean views and unparalleled birdwatching experiences. Guided tours are available for those wanting expert knowledge about the island’s unique ecosystem and bird behaviour. The boat journey to Runde itself offers beautiful coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
Exploring Ålesund’s waterways by kayak provides an intimate perspective on this maritime city. Several operators offer guided kayaking tours that navigate between the islands, having unique viewpoints of the Art Nouveau architecture from the water level. These tours typically include safety instruction and equipment, making them suitable for beginners.
Evening kayaking tours are particularly magical, especially during summer’s midnight sun when the golden light transforms the cityscape into something truly ethereal. Some tours include stops at secluded beaches or hidden coves where you can enjoy Norwegian refreshments whilst surrounded by pristine nature.
The Ålesund Museum complex offers comprehensive insights into the region’s history, culture, and maritime heritage. The main museum building houses extensive collections covering everything from the great fire of 1904 to traditional fishing practices and local folk traditions.
The museum’s outdoor section features historic buildings relocated from around the region, creating an authentic historical village atmosphere with traditional crafts demonstrations and seasonal events.
Located outside the city centre, Sunnmøre Museum showcases regional culture through historic buildings, traditional boats, and cultural artefacts. The highlight is its collection of conventional Norwegian wooden ships, including medieval vessels that demonstrate the region’s maritime heritage.
Ålesund’s Art Nouveau buildings house a delightful collection of boutique shops offering everything from high-end Norwegian fashion to unique souvenirs. Many stores are located in beautifully preserved historic buildings, making shopping itself a cultural experience.
Local designers showcase contemporary interpretations of traditional Norwegian crafts, including modern knitwear, jewellery inspired by Nordic nature, and home décor items that reflect the region’s design heritage. Several shops specialise in authentic Norwegian products, ensuring visitors can find genuine local items rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
Popular purchases include:
Ålesund’s coastal location ensures access to some of Norway’s finest seafood, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Local restaurants pride themselves on serving ultra-fresh fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies caught in the surrounding waters.
Must-try dishes include fresh Atlantic salmon prepared in various traditional and contemporary styles, king crab from Arctic waters, and the region’s famous klippfisk (dried and salted cod). Many restaurants offer seasonal specialities that showcase the best of each season’s catch.
Local establishments serve authentic Norwegian fare with modern twists, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Traditional dishes include reindeer from Lapland, locally raised lamb, and hearty soups, all of which are ideally suited to the Nordic climate.
The region’s dairy products are exceptional, with local cheeses offering unique flavours derived from mountain pastures where cattle graze on diverse alpine vegetation. Traditional breads and pastries provide perfect accompaniments to these regional specialities.
Bro & Bryt: Located in the charming Brosundet area, these sister restaurants offer sophisticated dining with an emphasis on local ingredients and innovative preparation techniques. The waterfront location provides beautiful views while dining.
Fisketorget Delikatesse: Half the shop sells seafood, and the other half is the restaurant. This unique establishment combines a fresh seafood market with restaurant dining, ensuring the freshest possible ingredients.
Maki: Ålesund’s renowned sushi restaurant showcases how Japanese techniques can highlight the exceptional quality of Norwegian seafood, creating fusion cuisine that celebrates both culinary traditions.
Summer offers the longest days and warmest weather for exploring all the things to do in Ålesund, Norway. The midnight sun period provides nearly 24 hours of daylight, making it an ideal time for extended outdoor activities and photography. Summer hiking conditions are perfect, with accessible trails and comfortable temperatures.
Boat trips and fjord cruises operate frequently during peak season, offering convenient access to remote fjords and islands. Summer also brings festival season, with various cultural events celebrating everything from music to food to maritime heritage.
Winter transforms Ålesund into a snow-covered wonderland, with Northern Lights displays above the city’s Art Nouveau architecture. Activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cosy cultural experiences with special winter menus at local restaurants.
When planning extended Norwegian adventures, female travellers should pack layers for variable weather conditions, waterproof gear for outdoor activities, and comfortable walking shoes for city exploration and hiking. Norwegian infrastructure is excellent, and English is widely spoken, making independent travel straightforward and enjoyable.
Consider including these essential destinations in your broader Norwegian itinerary: Bergen’s Hanseatic heritage, the dramatic Lofoten Islands, historic Trondheim, Stavanger and the famous Preikestolen, Tromsø for Northern Lights viewing, the spectacular Geiranger and Nærøyfjords, vibrant Oslo, the stunning Hardangerfjord, and the engineering marvel of the Atlantic Ocean Road – representing some of the 10 must-visit places in Norway that showcase the country’s diverse attractions.
Ålesund offers the perfect combination of cultural sophistication and natural splendour that defines the best of Norwegian travel experiences. Whether you’re drawn by the unique Art Nouveau architecture, spectacular fjord scenery, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, this remarkable city provides unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.
The city’s manageable size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, whilst its strategic location provides easy access to some of Norway’s most spectacular natural attractions. From climbing the famous 418 steps for panoramic views to exploring hidden architectural gems in quiet side streets, every moment in Ålesund reveals discoveries.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Ålesund to appreciate both the city itself and its nearby attractions fully. The combination of urban sophistication and pristine natural beauty, enhanced by genuine Norwegian hospitality, ensures that your visit to this Art Nouveau jewel will create lasting memories and leave you planning your return to explore even more of Western Norway’s remarkable treasures.
