Ålesund
Why cruise Ålesund
Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic fjords of northern Norway and is considered a must-see destination on a Norway cruise of the fjords. Often listed as one of the most beautiful cities in Norway, the town features stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a vibrant mix of art galleries, shops, cafés and restaurants, the latter of which serve the region’s acclaimed fresh seafood.
What to see and do in Ålesund
Jugendstilsenteret
After you’ve spent some time wandering around the harbour where the majority of the town’s Art Nouveau buildings are situated, pay a visit to Jugendstilsenteret (the Art Nouveau Centre), which houses period furniture and objects, as well as temporary exhibitions that provide an insight into the town’s architecture.
Fisheries Museum
The building in which this museum is housed is worth a visit in itself. The charming old warehouse dating back to 1864 was one of the few to escape the town’s great fire in 1904, which raged through Ålesund and destroyed most of the city centre, having burnt down 850 houses. Inside, the exhibits portray the historical development of fisheries and detail Ålesund’s production of dried cod and other types of fish products.
Mount Aksla
For unparalleled views of the town centre, the surrounding archipelago and fjords, head up Mount Aksla. The fit among you can walk the 418 steps up to Fjellstua from the town park, or you can go by car or take the city train. Fjellstua, situated at the top of the mountain, features an outdoor restaurant, café and a viewing platform.
Sunnmøre Museum
A bus ride away from Ålesund’s town centre, this open-air museum comprises an interesting collection of 55 old and distinct buildings. The museum also houses one of the largest boat collections in Norway, which includes replicas of Viking ships.
Further afield
If you wish to venture further afield, there’s plenty to see and do outside of the town centre of Ålesund and many cruise lines offer trips to these as part of their excursion programme. For families, the Atlantic Ocean Marine Park, which is a bus ride away and is considered one of the best aquariums in Scandinavia, is a great shout. Alternatively, if you really want to go off-the-beaten-track, the likes of Princess Cruises and Carnival offer excursions to the famous Trollveggen (Troll Wall) – a massive cliff boasting the tallest vertical rock face in Europe – as well as the islands of Giske and Godøy.
Need to know
Getting around in Ålesund
Ålesund’s cruise terminal is located minutes from the harbour. The town’s main attractions can all be reached on foot, but you can take a car or take the city train. There’s also a hop-on hop-off bus and local buses available. Cruise lines typically offer shore excursions to the outlying attractions.
When to go to Ålesund
The best time to visit is during the summer months. May and June are typically the driest months in Ålesund. The town also features on northern lights cruise itineraries in the winter.
Currency
Ålesund uses the Norwegian krone. The majority of places should accept credit and debit cards, but it’s worth taking cash with you too.
Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don't need a visa to enter Norway unless you're planning to stay longer than three months.
Smaller ships and hand-crafted itineraries – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a different take on cruising
Marella Cruises: What is a fly cruise? Your guide to TUI holidays from the Caribbean to the Canary Islands
Winter cruises 2021: Where to enjoy Europe's best Christmas markets
7 things to never do on a cruise - and 6 things you must do
Caribbean cruise holidays: 3 of the best ports in the Caribbean
Recipe: Lemon and pepper macarons with smoked salmon by P&O master pâtissier
What's included on luxury ocean cruise lines? From flights & drinks to tips & wifi
Cruise ship capacity: From P&O Cruises to Marella Cruises, what is guest capacity now?
Holland America Line: New ship Rotterdam departs on maiden voyage - what's onboard?
Royal Caribbean reveals longest world cruise EVER - 274 nights & 57 destinations
The Classic Voyage South: Kirkenes to Bergen
- 5 nights, departs on the 15 May 2023
- Hurtigruten Coastal Express, MS Polarlys
- Kirkenes, Vardø, Båtsfjord, + 30 more
Norwegian Fjords
- 7 nights, departs on the 16 Apr 2022
- P&O Cruises, Iona
- Southampton, Stavanger, Olden, + 5 more
21-Day Voyage Of The Midnight Sun & Viking Sagas
- 21 nights, departs on the 26 Jun 2022
- Holland America Line, Rotterdam
- Amsterdam, Eidfjord, Skjolden, + 12 more
