Norway - the ultimate nature-based cruise destination

Ålesund

Photo: Arnfinn Tønnesen

Port of Ålesund

Fairway to the fjords and Northern Norway

The picturesque Art Nouveau town of Ålesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the sea, and is situated at the very entrance to the world heritage listed Geirangerfjord. The town is also an excellent starting point for round trips to some of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. Ålesund is internationally renowned for its unique architecture in the Art Nouveau style. The town was devastated by fire a winter’s night in 1904, laying 850 houses in ashes and leaving 10.000 people homeless. During a remarkably short period of time, the new Ålesund was rebuilt in the unique architectural style, especially significant from 1890-1910, with a myriad of turrets, spires and medieval ornaments. The Art Nouveau Centre portrays the town’s unique position in Norwegian architectural history.

Useful Links & Downloads

Harbor Map

Port information via Barentswatch.no Google Maps

Attractions & Excursions

Photo: Malvin Dalhus

Guided Walk and Art Nouveau Centre

A stroll through Ålesund reveals a town full of colourful and beautiful architecture. Enjoy the charming pedestrian zone and the picturesque fishing harbour where fishermen sell their catch directly from their boats. In a great fire of 23 January 1904 the whole town of Ålesund was destroyed, and a new town rose like Bird Phoenix from the ashes.

Photo: Oddbjørn Monsen

Ålesund Panoramic and Sunnmøre Museum

Experience the Art Nouveau town and the best views of this spectacular scenery, including a breathtaking panoramic view from Mount Aksla. Enjoy a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the modern suburbs to the bustling old trading centre of Borgund, site of Sunnmøre Museum.

Photo: Roger Engvik

Ålesund Panoramic & Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium

Enjoy a tour through the town centre amongst the Art Nouveau buildings and drive up to the vantage point at Mount Aksla. Visit the award winning Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest aquariums in Scandinavia. Built into the coastal landscape, facing the mighty ocean, it provides a fascinating insight into the multitude of life beneath the waves.

Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life

The Saga Islands Giske and Godøy

Explore the saga island of Giske, the birthplace of the Viking chieftain Rollo, who invaded and founded Normandy in 911 and thus became the ancestor of William the Conqueror, sire to the English Royal Family. The island had a unique position during the Viking Era and was the seat of one of Norway’s most powerful noble families.

Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life

Hjørundfjord Cruise

Enjoy the beautiful and dramatic Hjørundfjord on this combination of a fjord and overland tour (boat and bus). Here in this dramatic scenery you will find large goat farms up in the mountainsides and fish farming plants along the seaside.

Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

Hjørundfjord off the beaten track

Experience one of Norway’s hidden treasures on this roundtrip to the wild and dramatic Hjørundfjord. The fjord is just off the beaten track, but still situated on the very doorstep to Ålesund! See how the locals live, and experience the striking scenery that Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany valued so highly more than 100 years ago.

Photo: Malvin Dalhus