Ålesund municipality in Norway covers a large geographical area with islands and mountains. Nearby you will also find Sula with Sulafjellet and Devoldfabrikken, and Giske with, among other things, Alnes Lighthouse and the beautiful beaches at Vigra.
Do you want tips for things to do in Ålesund? Here you can see our suggestions for day trips with activities in Ålesund.
View point
The 418 steps up to Aksla are an experience in themselves. There are no skyscrapers in Ålesund, but if you want to get up on the city’s roof, then the tiny city mountain Aksla is the place for you. You can hardly say you have been to Ålesund without taking a trip up here. Feel free to start in the pedestrian street and take a few extra steps from the Millennium Stairs to the first nice viewpoint over the city. Then you cross the city park, where you can salute the statue of the Viking chieftain Rollon from Giske. Enjoy the various vantage points upwards with names such as Strykejernet and Byrampen.
If you haven’t lost your breath from the climb and the stairs, you will now, from the fine view of the North Sea on one side, the Sunnmør Alps on the other, the city in front of you and the bird island Runde on the horizon. After a short break, you can follow the path into Aksla to Rundskue, go down to Borgernesveg along the sea back to the city, or you can study the funny wooden figures in the forest on the way down Vannspringdalen to the city. End the trip with one of the city’s famous fish dishes such as Bacalao de Noruega, lobster soup or rockfish pizza.
Ålesund is surrounded by sea on all sides, and fishing is the very lifeblood of the town. Therefore, take a trip to the Atlantic Ocean Park Aquarium and Science Center and experience life in the sea.
Other short-travel experiences
This coast has a rich history both when it comes to industry and fishing. The sea route was no obstacle for the islanders. Although there are now mainland connections to the islands, it can be a rich experience to try island hopping to the Nordøyane and Ona . A perfect area for a cycling holiday, find the beautiful white bathing beaches, and visit the various lighthouses on the journey.
In addition, the fjords are perhaps closer than you think. The Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord are our the closesest most famous fjords. Just as beautiful in winter as in summer, perhaps even more so especially in the cold and white period.
How do you get to Ålesund?
Ålesund Lufthamn Vigra is the nearest airport, just 20 minutes from the city centre. There are several daily departures from other large Norwegian cities and international routes.
Train: to Åndalsnes with bus correspondence to Ålesund.
Boat: Havila Kystruten and Hurtigruten.
Bus: There are day and night buses from Oslo, in addition to good bus connections to Bergen and Trondheim.
Car: Easy access from Bergen, Oslo, Trondheim