Ålesund Fjords
Ålesund: A stunning Art Nouveau city nestled between majestic fjords and the sea, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable fjord adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer daylight hours
Ålesund Fjords
Best Time
Longer daylight hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ålesund: A stunning Art Nouveau city nestled between majestic fjords and the sea, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable fjord adventures.
"It was our favorite fjord tour in Norway. Scenic views galore on a comfortable boat with big windows."
🎯 Climb Mount Aksla
Worth the 418 steps for incredible city and fjord views! :hiking_boot:
🚢 Book Fjord Cruises Early
Popular tours, especially to Geirangerfjord, fill up fast. Book in advance! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Aksla Viewpoint
Ålesund
Climb 418 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, fjords, and ocean.

Geirangerfjord Cruise
Geirangerfjord
Experience the grandeur of the Seven Sisters waterfall and dramatic cliffs on a scenic fjord cruise.
Art Nouveau Architecture
Ålesund City Center
Wander through streets adorned with intricate Art Nouveau buildings, a testament to the city's rebirth.

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium
Ålesund
Discover marine life from the Atlantic Ocean in one of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art Nouveau Charm
Fjord Excursions are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb Mount Aksla
Worth the 418 steps for incredible city and fjord views! :hiking_boot:
🚢 Book Fjord Cruises Early
Popular tours, especially to Geirangerfjord, fill up fast. Book in advance! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Art Nouveau Streets
Wander aimlessly to discover the unique architectural details. :cityscape:
☀️ Enjoy Midnight Sun
Experience endless daylight above the Arctic Circle in summer. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb Mount Aksla
Worth the 418 steps for incredible city and fjord views! :hiking_boot:
🚢 Book Fjord Cruises Early
Popular tours, especially to Geirangerfjord, fill up fast. Book in advance! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Art Nouveau Streets
Wander aimlessly to discover the unique architectural details. :cityscape:
☀️ Enjoy Midnight Sun
Experience endless daylight above the Arctic Circle in summer. :sunwithface:
🌊 Consider a RIB Tour
For an adrenaline rush, add a RIB boat tour in Geirangerfjord. :motorboat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning fjord scenery and the unique Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund. Many highlight the boat tours as a favorite experience, praising the breathtaking views and informative guides. However, some visitors were disappointed by the presence of large cruise ships impacting the ambiance of certain fjord locations.
"Lots of great waterfalls on the way , however when turned the corner to see the town at the end there sat a 5000 passenger cruise ship. How disappointing. To boat in 3 hours and to see that ship sitting there really ruined the whole vibe. The cave and goats along the way did very little to add to the trip. If you love waterfalls go otherwise I would skip it"
James Whaley
"We greatly enjoyed the tour! Great views, audio guide and a lot of information on board about nearby attractions ☺️"
Katrina Lukina
"It was our favorite fjord tour in Norway. Scenic views galore on a comfortable boat with big windows. During the stop in Geiranger, we also did a 50-minıte rib tour."
qwenchana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ålesund is accessible by plane with a regional airport (AES) or by car via scenic coastal roads. Many visitors arrive by ferry or cruise ship, making it a popular stop on Norwegian coastal voyages.
Absolutely! Ålesund is a fantastic starting or ending point for road trips, offering access to stunning fjords and scenic drives like the route to Geirangerfjord.
Yes, public transportation options include buses and ferries connecting Ålesund to other Norwegian towns and cities.
The city center is very walkable, and many attractions are easily accessible on foot. For excursions, consider renting a car or using local bus services.
Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES), serves domestic flights from Oslo and Bergen, and some international routes during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Mount Aksla viewpoint is free. The climb involves stairs, but the panoramic views are priceless.
Prices vary depending on the tour operator and duration, but expect to pay around 700-1000 NOK for a standard fjord cruise. RIB tours are typically more expensive.
While specific combo tickets might not be widely advertised, purchasing tickets for attractions like the Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium in advance can sometimes offer slight discounts.
Opening hours for the Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium vary seasonally, but it's generally open daily during the summer months. Check their official website for current times.
Yes, Ålesund is a popular cruise port, but it's also a vibrant city to visit independently. Many travelers arrive by plane or car to explore at their own pace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Boat tours are highly recommended for experiencing the fjords. Daily departures for Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord are available from Ålesund.
The Seven Sisters waterfall in Geirangerfjord is iconic. Many other stunning waterfalls cascade down the cliffs along the fjord routes.
Ålesund is a photographer's paradise, with its unique architecture, dramatic fjords, and scenic viewpoints like Mount Aksla.
While not guaranteed, you might spot seals, porpoises, and various seabirds during fjord cruises. The bird island of Runde is also a popular nearby destination.
A day trip can cover the city's highlights, but to truly explore the fjords and surrounding areas, plan for at least 2-3 days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Being a coastal city, Ålesund offers excellent fresh seafood. Look for local specialties like cod, salmon, and shrimp.
Several restaurants in Ålesund offer stunning views of the harbor and surrounding fjords, providing a memorable dining experience.
While specific recommendations vary, exploring the city center will reveal charming cafes and restaurants serving both local and international dishes.
Dining in Norway can be pricey. Budget-friendly options include cafes and self-catering if you have the facilities.
Most restaurants are accommodating and offer vegetarian options. Vegan choices are becoming more common, but it's always good to check menus in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
Mount Aksla offers the most iconic panoramic shots. The colorful Art Nouveau buildings and harbor also make for beautiful photography.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides beautiful light for both the city and the fjords. Midday can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive fjord views and cityscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant details.
Drone regulations in Norway can be strict. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Capture the dramatic waterfalls, the sheer cliffs, and the reflections on the water. Look for charming villages along the fjord.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your itinerary, remember that Norwegian weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproof gear. Many cafes offer kid-friendly snacks, and the city's compact nature makes it easy to navigate with strollers.
🚗 Road Trippers
When planning your route, be aware of potential road closures due to weather, especially outside of summer. Utilize local information centers for the best driving advice and to discover hidden gems along the way.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the golden hour light from Mount Aksla for breathtaking city and fjord panoramas. For fjord photography, focus on capturing the scale of the cliffs, the movement of waterfalls, and the reflections on the water. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Majestic Fjords
Beyond Geirangerfjord, the Hjørundfjord offers a more dramatic and less crowded experience, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. For those seeking adventure, consider a RIB boat tour for a faster-paced exploration and closer encounters with the fjord's natural wonders.
When planning your fjord excursion, remember that early summer is ideal for seeing the waterfalls at their most powerful. However, the scenery remains breathtaking throughout the warmer months, with September offering fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors.
The Architectural Gem of Ålesund
Wandering through the city center, you'll discover buildings adorned with turrets, spires, and intricate stone carvings. The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) offers insights into the city's reconstruction and the architectural movement.
To truly appreciate the city's layout and its relationship with the surrounding natural beauty, a climb up Mount Aksla is essential. The viewpoint provides a breathtaking panorama of the Art Nouveau rooftops, the harbor, and the surrounding fjords and islands.
Day Trips and Excursions from Ålesund
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the bird island of Runde is a must, especially during nesting season when puffins and other seabirds abound. Public transportation options make these day trips accessible.
If you're on a road trip, scenic drives abound. The route to Geirangerfjord via Åndalsnes offers spectacular mountain passes and viewpoints. Remember to factor in time for spontaneous stops to capture the incredible Norwegian scenery.
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