What to do in Ålesund: discover the pretty Art Nouveau town

I don’t usually like saying that kind of thing, because calling a city “the most beautiful” means everything and nothing. Especially since I say the same about Bergen, and I’ll say it about Trondheim too because I loved it. But I’ve now been to Ålesund twice, more than 10 years apart, and both times I left thinking exactly the same thing. It really is a magnificent city, and above all one with truly unique architecture.

The first time was more than 10 years ago, on a classic Norwegian loop Bergen-Geiranger-Ålesund. The second time was recently, driving back down from Tromsø towards Paris (yes, that’s a lot of road, yes it’s long, but it’s still one heck of a trip that fills your eyes). We stayed a full day, did the whole town again, went back up to the viewpoint, and visited the aquarium. And I can tell you: 10 years apart, I found it just as beautiful.

Except this time, I took the time to look at what was around it. And there, surprise: there really is a lot to do. Fjord cruises, puffin island, RIB safari, hikes, archipelago… In short, it’s not just a cute little town where you stop for 4 hours passing through. Well, you can, because it isn’t very big in itself. But it’s also a real base for exploring the whole west coast of Norway, whether you have a car or not — that’s what’s so handy!

So I’ve put together a complete guide for you. All right, let’s dive in.

Why Ålesund is so special

You’ll see, it’s not a city like the others in Norway. It sits on an archipelago of several larger and smaller islands linked together by bridges and tunnels. Seen from above, it looks like it’s floating between the fjords and the sea. That alone is rare.

But what makes it truly its own is its history. In January 1904, a fire destroyed almost the entire city in a single night. 850 wooden houses went up in smoke. At the time, Kaiser Wilhelm II regularly spent his holidays in the region (he loved it), and he sent massive aid for the reconstruction. So the young Norwegian architects took the opportunity to rebuild the city entirely in the style fashionable at the time: Art Nouveau, or rather its Germanic version, the Jugendstil.

The result: today, Ålesund is quite simply the largest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. The façades, the turrets, the floral motifs, the faces carved into the stone… you walk around with your head permanently tilted up. Seriously, you go looking for a coffee and forget where you were headed because there’s a crazy doorway right in front of you.

And then there’s the nature all around. Because you’re in Norway after all. The Sunnmøre Alps behind, Geiranger not far, the ocean in front, islands everywhere. Hard to do better location-wise.

What to see in Ålesund town centre

Just wander around

That’s the first thing to do. Seriously. No complicated itinerary, no compulsory museum, just: step out, walk, look up. It has to be said the town centre is tiny.

The centre itself is packed onto a small peninsula, and you can cover it in a relaxed half-day on foot. The epicentre of the town is the Brosundet canal: a little canal along which the town’s most beautiful façades line up. It’s the obligatory photo spot. If you see a photo of Ålesund somewhere, there’s a 90% chance it was taken there. And you can even go kayaking there, nice!

Continue towards Apotekergata (the pharmacy street), Kongens gate and Storgata: these are the main arteries and where most of the Art Nouveau is concentrated. Many buildings have been listed and restored, so it’s well maintained, not in picturesque-ruin mode. What I find nice is that the ground-floor shops are up and running (cafés, restaurants, boutiques), which gives it a living-city feel rather than an open-air museum.

The Moloveien district (the “old town”)

It’s one of the few corners that didn’t burn in 1904. So there you’ll find a few old red wooden houses, like in the more classic Norwegian coastal towns. Today it’s a cute district with wine bars, antique shops (go see Trankokeriet, an old fishing warehouse turned curiosity shop, nice for pottering about for fifteen minutes) and cafés. The Fisheries Museum is also over that way if you’re into that kind of thing.

The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret)

If you want to dig a little deeper, the Jugendstilsenteret is the Art Nouveau museum of the country. It’s housed in a former listed pharmacy (the Svane pharmacy), and the original interior has been preserved: furniture, counters, lamps, everything’s there. It’s worth a look just for that.

Then again, I’ll admit I didn’t actually visit it. Reviews are a bit mixed: the museum is tiny, you can get round it in 45 minutes max. It’s pricey for what it is (around 130 NOK, i.e. €11). So do it if Art Nouveau really interests you, otherwise do like me and just admire the façades outside.

The ticket includes the KUBE art museum right next door, which is a bit broader in its themes (contemporary art, design, architecture). That makes up for it.

To find your way around

there’s a really handy thing at the tourist office: a free leaflet with a walking itinerary through town and all the historical explanations. Ask for it, it’s spot on and saves you searching online. The office is on the canal, you’ll come across it. Otherwise the main hotels have it too. Though, given the size of the town, you can also manage without it 🙂

Mount Aksla: THE Ålesund viewpoint

Let’s not kid ourselves, this is the must-do of the trip. If you miss this, you miss Ålesund. It’s as simple as that, because it’s THE view everyone knows.

Mount Aksla is a small 189-metre hill that looks straight down over the town. From the top you get the postcard view over the peninsula, the surrounding islands, the Sunnmøre Alps in the distance. It’s the view you’ll find on 100% of Ålesund photos. And it’s deserved, because honestly, it’s stunning. You instantly understand why the city was rebuilt here rather than elsewhere.

How to get up there

Three options.

On foot via the stairs: the classic option. Start from Byparken (the town park), and climb the 418 steps up to the Fjellstua restaurant. Reckon on 15-20 minutes. It’s not a hike, just steps, but it can get you a bit warm. At the top, the Fjellstua restaurant serves coffee and meals if you want to settle in.

By car: the quick version (i.e. the lazy one, like me) — there’s a road that winds around and up to the summit. Parking at the restaurant. Handy if you’re lazy or have reduced mobility. But it’s a shame to miss the stairs.

By e-bike: for a few years now, you can rent an e-bike in town (Uteguiden in particular) and ride the loop up Mount Aksla. That’s what I’d recommend to people who want to skip the steps but still enjoy the effort. And on the way down, you become a kid again.

When to go

For the photo, head up in late afternoon or early evening in summer: the light is crazy, especially under the midnight sun. Avoid the middle of the day if you’re taking photos, the colours are washed out.

In winter, sunset is very early but very beautiful. If you’re there in November-February, go up around 2-3pm and you’ll catch the sunset.

The alternative: Sukkertoppen (the “Sugarloaf”)

On Hessa island, right next door, there’s another summit: Sukkertoppen. 314 metres. Reckon on 30-45 minutes of climbing along a marked trail. The 360° view is even wider than from Mount Aksla (you see the ocean on one side, the town and fjords on the other).

It’s less well known, so less crowded. And it’s a proper little hike, not just stairs. If you have a bit of time and the weather’s on your side, do both: Aksla for the classic photo, Sukkertoppen for the walk and the panoramic view.

The Atlanterhavsparken aquarium

I’ll admit, I was sceptical before going. An aquarium in Norway, meh, must be for kids on a rainy day. Well, no. It’s one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe, and it’s really well done.

The Atlanterhavsparken sits on the west coast of the peninsula, 3 km from the centre, right on the ocean’s edge. And that changes everything: the aquarium is largely open-air, with pools open to the sea, and water pumped straight from the Atlantic. So what you see is genuinely what lives in the water right next door. Nothing artificial.

The main tank holds 4 million litres of seawater, and in it splash around enormous cod, salmon, halibut, conger eels and more. There’s a feeding session with a diving show every day, and it’s impressive — the fish are huge, the diver hand-feeds them, it’s a bit wild, especially since they don’t gobble him up.

But the highlight is the outdoor pools with the Humboldt penguins, the seals and the otters. The otters are fed at 2pm, the penguins at 2:30pm, the seals at 3pm. So plan your visit to catch all three in a row if you can. The penguins, I warn you, will melt your heart.

When we were there, the penguins were in full sunbathing mode, it was funny — I felt like I was back in Patagonia where I’d seen them for the first time. Humboldt penguins here, by the way, are the only ones that have no business being there, but they’re here for a conservation programme. So it’s fine, all is forgiven.

We got to see the seals being fed and it was pretty funny, more disciplined than Parisians at a happy-hour bar, since they came up one after another, but greedy.

Super cute thing: the otters spending their whole time squabbling in their pool.

Practical info

• Hours: open every day except 24/25 December, 1 January and a few public holidays. Summer 10am-7pm, winter roughly 11am-4pm (but check the website).
• Price: 275 NOK adult (about €23), 135 NOK child.
• Getting there: 7 minutes by car from the centre, free parking. Bus no. 1 from the bus station, get off at “Tuenesvegen” then a 10-min walk. In summer, free shuttle from the centre every hour.
• How long: allow a good couple of hours

Fjord cruises from Ålesund

Now we get to the part that really makes Ålesund a perfect base. Because you’re right at the crossroads of several of Norway’s most beautiful fjords.

Cruise to Geiranger by boat (the clever option)

Now this is my favourite. The Geirangerfjord is probably Norway’s most famous fjord, UNESCO-listed, immense, vertical, with its Seven Sisters and Friaren (the Suitor) waterfalls. By car from Ålesund it’s about 3 hours on the road plus photo stops. It’s beautiful, but it’s a full day.

The really clever option is the direct Ålesund-Geiranger cruise by boat on a modern catamaran (the MS Geirangerfjord II). You board at Ålesund harbour in the morning, cruise easily for 3 hours through the Storfjord then the Geirangerfjord, arrive at Geiranger for 2-3 hours on site (lunch, walk, bus up to the Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend viewpoints if you like), and head back on the same boat in the afternoon.

It’s an 8.5-9 hour day, you see exactly the same landscapes (except the little stretch towards Hellesylt) as if you went by tourist boat from Geiranger itself, except you also cross the whole Storfjord. And zero driving fatigue. The boat has an audio guide, a café on board, comfortable seats.

Price: around €190 for the day return. It’s not cheap but it’s a complete and genuinely lovely experience.

• I talk about it in more detail in my full article on Geiranger, go take a look!

Cruise in the Hjørundfjord (the well-kept secret)

If Geiranger is the icon, the Hjørundfjord is the secret we keep among ourselves. It’s less well known, far less visited, but honestly, it holds its own without any complex. The Sunnmøre Alps plunge straight into the water, the peaks are as sharp as saw teeth (1,700 metres), there’s almost nobody, and you pass through little forgotten villages.

The advantage is that it leaves directly from Ålesund, so no need to move by car. Several options:

• Cruise-Service offers a day return Ålesund → Trandal → Sæbø → Urke → Øye, on the MS Bruvik, a fjord boat restored from 1949 (the wooden décor is superb). Reckon on 5 hours, around 1,100 NOK (€95). You make a stop at the village of Øye, home to the Hotel Union Øye, a wooden palace from 1891 that has welcomed crowned heads and famous writers. It’s worth going in for a coffee in the hall just for that.
• Uteguiden offers the same trip by RIB over 2 hours. Faster, bumpier, but you cover more ground and it’s noticeably more thrilling. Around 1,500 NOK (€130).

If you had to choose between Geiranger and Hjørundfjord and you’re afraid of the crowds, take the Hjørundfjord. You’ll have some peace and the scenery really is on par.

RIB safari: the adrenaline version

For those who want some movement, several operators offer RIB safaris (the ultra-fast rigid inflatable boats):

• Wildlife sea safari: a 1-2 hour trip in the Ålesund archipelago to see white-tailed eagles (the sea eagles, huge, super impressive), seals and loads of seabirds. From €90.
• Coastal RIB safari: 1 hour along the coast, a short but intense version. Good for those short on time.
• Hjørundfjord by RIB: 2 hours, to reach the fjord quickly. The best option if you’re in a hurry.

Everything leaves from the central harbour, next to Brosundet. Thermal suit provided. For children, check the minimum age and height (usually 140 cm).

Runde, the puffin island

Now this is THE detour to make if you’re here between mid-April and early August. Because at that time of year, the island of Runde, 2 hours from Ålesund, welcomes more than 500,000 seabirds that come to nest there. And in particular Atlantic puffins (“lundefugl” in Norwegian) — those little black-and-white birds with the orange-red beak that look like living mascots.

I’ve already seen puffins in Iceland, at several spots along the south coast. I wanted to see them at Runde too, but I’ve never managed to be in the area at the same time as them. Either it’s me who’s no good, or it’s them. I lean towards the former. But apparently Runde really is one of the best places to see them, and obviously the best in Norway.

How to get there from Ålesund

By car: 2 hours on the road + a ferry (Sulesund-Hareid, hourly departures, 25-min crossing). Then the road to Runde, over the bridges, and you park the car at Goksøyr Camping. That’s where the trail to the bird cliffs starts.

Without a car: there’s a bus from Ålesund (3 a day, 2h-2h30 journey, ferry included). Check on entur.no. Cheaper but it means carefully checking the return times.

Organised excursion: this is the simplest option if you only have one day. Several operators run Puffin Safari evenings from Ålesund: speedboat to Hareid, private bus to the Runde Miljøsenter (the Runde environmental centre), documentary film “The Silver of the Sea”, fish soup, then a guided climb up to the cliffs at sunset. You get back to Ålesund late in the evening, wiped out but happy. Reckon on 6 hours return and around 1,500-1,800 NOK (€130-150).

The walk to the cliffs

From Goksøyr, reckon on 45 min to 1 hour of walking, including a fairly steep first section (bring good shoes). Then the terrain flattens out. You reach an observation plateau at the edge of the cliff.

The perfect timing: arrive around 7-8pm, because that’s when the puffins come back from the open sea after their day’s fishing to reach their burrows. At that moment, there are hundreds of them fluttering around you. It’s almost too much.

Tips

• Bring food and drink. apparently there’s nothing up there but birds
• Bring something to shelter from the wind even in summer. It’s on the ocean’s edge, it can bite.
• Not too close to the edge. The cliffs are steep, children must be held.
• Season: April to early August for the puffins. Before and after, they’re out at sea. You’ll still see sea eagles, gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots… but no puffins.

Further afield: the Trolls’ road (Trollstigen)

About 2 hours’ drive from Ålesund lies one of Norway’s most iconic roads: the Trollstigen (the Trolls’ Ladder). 11 dizzying hairpins carved into the mountain, a rock wall over 1,000 metres high looming over the road (the Trollveggen), waterfalls cascading everywhere, and at the top, a cantilevered panoramic platform that makes your head spin.

It’s the classic route when you set off from Ålesund on the road trip, heading towards Geiranger. You obviously go via the Trollstigen by car.

If you don’t have a car, then it’s a day excursion from Ålesund. Several operators offer combined Trollstigen + Geiranger bus tours over 9-10 hours, which lets you see both the same day. From €150.

Warning: the road is only open from May to October (sometimes later or earlier depending on snowfall). In 2024, the road was temporarily closed because of a landslide. Do check the opening on the official Tourist Routes website before planning, or on my article about closed roads. But right now, there’s no landslide so everything should be fine 🙂

If you have your car, you can do it self-drive no problem. Allow the full day, because the road is slow (you’ll want to stop every 200 metres for photos).

Godøy island and the Alnes lighthouse

A little getaway that’s apparently genuinely lovely once you’re there: Godøy island, 30 minutes’ drive west of Ålesund. You get there via an undersea tunnel (yes, under the sea — the Norwegians do this the way we cross a bridge).

The area is splendid, wild, super preserved. The star of the island is the Alnes lighthouse, a classic red wooden lighthouse overlooking a little bay with a white sand beach and rocks. There’s an exhibition on coastal culture inside, a café with a view over the Atlantic, and walking trails along the cliffs.

It’s also a spot known for surfing (yes, in Norway). There are often people in the water when the swell rolls in. If you’ve got your wetsuit and know how to surf, go for it. Otherwise, just enjoy the scenery.

For hiking, Godøyfjellet offers a crazy 360° view after 1h-1h30 of climbing. It’s not considered difficult and it’s waymarked.

The Sunnmøre Museum

If you like open-air museums, go see the Sunnmøre Museum, 4 km from the centre. More than 50 traditional Norwegian houses have been moved and rebuilt there, from the 16th century to the present day. You can go inside several of them. There’s also a collection of historic boats, including a replica Viking longship. It’s rather well done, and a bit off the usual tourist circuit.

Reckon on 1h30-2h. Compatible with a busy day if you have some slack. That said, the opening hours are really limited.

Water activities in town

For those who want to stay on the water without going too far:

• Kayak / SUP in Brosundet: rent a kayak (1 or 2 seats) or a paddleboard from Uteguiden and cruise around the canal in the heart of town. The waters are calm, it’s great for a different view of the Art Nouveau façades. A 2-hour guided outing, beginner level. Around €70.
• SVAI Molja floating sauna: a wooden sauna set on a pontoon, with a direct view of Mount Aksla and the Molja lighthouse. You heat up, you jump into the icy water, you warm up again. Very Norwegian, very fun. Book ahead, between €35 and €50/person depending on the option.
• Fishing at the harbour: early in the morning (really early), you can go to the harbour to see the local fishing boats and buy king crab or fresh crab directly from the fishermen. It’s a thing the locals do. You need to be there between 6am and 8am.

Visiting the fjord region around Ålesund without a car

The very good news is that you can perfectly well visit a good chunk of the fjords from Ålesund, even if you don’t have a car. So indeed, it can serve as a base camp for day excursions, as you would from Bergen, but in a much quieter town. If you come by plane or on the Hurtigruten and decide to stay a few days, it works very well — I was pleasantly surprised while writing this article to see everything you can see around here.

Here’s what you can discover from Ålesund:

• The famous zigzag road Trollstigen can be visited by bus, with a stop at Trollvegen and Gudbrandsjuvet
• You can, and it’s great, take a day return cruise to Geiranger to discover one of the country’s most beautiful fjords!
• For something more intimate, you can explore the Hjørundfjord by boat to Øye

How many days to stay in Ålesund?

That’s the real question. Here’s how I’d see it depending on your constraints:

• 1 day (the minimum): the town centre, Mount Aksla, the aquarium. That’s enough for the city itself, but you miss everything around it.
• 2 days: add a fjord cruise (Hjørundfjord or Geiranger) or Godøy + Alnes.
• 3 days: now you’re comfortable. Town + cruise + Runde (in season) or Trollstigen.
• 4-5 days: you’re on a relaxed holiday, you can do everything and even push on to a trek in the Sunnmøre Alps.

Honestly, 3 days is the sweet spot. One day for the town, one for the fjords, one for Runde or the surroundings. You’ll leave feeling you’ve really seen Ålesund and its region. Each time I’ve stayed a full day, and each time it was too short. Not for the town, because it really is small, but to make the most of the area. You know, I love doing cruises in Norway, and I’ve got a few more to do here!

When to visit Ålesund?

May to September: this is the ideal window. Long days, decent weather (decent, mind you, we’re talking about the Norwegian west coast, so it rains, you have to accept it), everything’s open. Generally speaking, Norway in summer is a huge playground!

• June-July: midnight sun (not literally like in Tromsø since we’re below the Arctic Circle, but very long days). Puffins at Runde. Trollstigen open. High season, so more people and more expensive.
• August: still very good, last chances for the puffins until the start of the month, and by September it starts getting cool.
• May and September: fewer people, still beautiful. May is also one of my favourite months in Norway in general.

How to get to Ålesund

By plane

Ålesund Vigra airport (AES) is 18 km from the city (20 minutes by car). There’s a regular shuttle (line FB65) to the centre, about €9 and a 25-min journey. Lots of domestic flights (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim) and a few direct international flights (Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London in season).

From most of Europe, there’s no direct flight. You’ll go via Oslo, Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Reckon on 2 connections generally. Compare prices on Booking Flights, it can go from single to double depending on the date.

By car

• From Oslo: 520 km, 7-8h drive. The E136 crosses lovely scenery, notably towards Åndalsnes. You can also do the Rauma Railway on this stretch, one of the most beautiful train lines in Norway.
• From Bergen: 370 km, 6h drive with ferries. I’ll admit we preferred to do it over 2/3 days to make the most of the area (Geiranger, Stryn, Fjærland…)
• If you’re coming with your own car, don’t forget to sign up for the Autopass for the tolls!

By boat

The Hurtigruten (Coastal Express) calls at Ålesund every day, in both directions. It’s a great way to arrive, especially from Bergen or Trondheim. The Havila Kystruten company offers the same thing with more modern, eco-friendly ships, also every day.

By bus

From Oslo, the Vy Express bus takes 11h. Not the fastest way but the cheapest. From Bergen, about 9-10h.

Where to stay in Ålesund

The advantage of Ålesund is that almost all the nice places to stay are right in the centre, walking distance from everything and on the water’s edge. No need for a car to find a room.

• Brosundet Hotel: a boutique hotel set in a former 19th-century fishing warehouse, right on the canal. Amazing setting, probably the best hotel in town. From €200/night, expensive in summer but really top-notch.
• Thon Hotel Ålesund: well located on the water, recently renovated, good value for Norway. Hearty breakfast. From €130/night.
• Quality Hotel Waterfront: modern, harbour view, pool, ideal for families. From €120/night.
• Scandic Parken: yes it’s a big ugly block that looms a bit over the town, but you get a magnificent view, and on top of that Scandic quality! (the breakfast, wow)
• the Noreg: where we stayed 2 nights, it’s very nice, good rooms, very well located and with parking. Off-season, they slash the prices!

Book at least 2-3 months ahead in July-August, and ideally more if you want choice. The town is small, the offer is limited, it goes fast. And off-season prices are really cheap

Find your dream accommodationin Ålesund!

FAQ – Practical info

Is one day in Ålesund enough?

For the city itself, yes: town centre, Mount Aksla, aquarium, that fits into one day. But it would be a shame: the richness of Ålesund is also its location and everything around it. If you can treat yourself to 2 or 3 nights, you’ll be much more satisfied. It’s the perfect town to take your time, really. If you need a good little break during your road trip.

Ålesund or Bergen, which to choose?

If you really have to decide: Bergen for the historic-city atmosphere with the Bryggen district and its capital-of-the-fjords feel; Ålesund for the architecture unique in the world, the quieter location, and real direct access to Geiranger and the Hjørundfjord. If you can, do both on the same trip. Bergen → Ålesund is a 6h drive with one or two ferries, and in between you have all the most beautiful fjords, but it’s above all the perfect loop for an itinerary through Norway’s most beautiful fjords.

Can you visit Ålesund without a car?

Yes, no trouble for the town and most of the main excursions. The aquarium is reachable by bus, the cruises leave from the harbour, Mount Aksla you climb on foot. For Runde, you have the bus + ferry or the organised excursions. For Trollstigen or the more remote spots, there you need to either rent a car or go via a bus excursion.

So you can absolutely come for a few days without a car and range around, no trouble at all.

Is it expensive?

It’s Norway, so yes, it’s expensive. Accommodation and restaurants especially. Hotels are mainly expensive in July and August. Off-season, when there are very few tourists, hotel prices are more like €100/130. That lets you treat yourself a little.

Is Ålesund a rainy town?

Yes, it rains in Ålesund. Often. A bit like Bergen and Bodø. The oceanic climate of the Norwegian west coast, that’s what it is. The year averages 9°C, and the driest month is May. But hey, you’re in Norway, you knew it before you left, and the landscapes under the low clouds clinging to the mountains are beautiful too. Waterproof jacket essential. That said, it can be sunny — during our stay in April, incredible weather as you can see in the photos. Not exactly warm, mind you, but beautiful!

Are there northern lights in Ålesund?

It’s possible but rare and faint. Ålesund is too far south to be a good aurora destination. It’s only during major activity that you might see them, looking north. If you’re coming for the aurora, head up to Tromsø or Alta instead.

Can you combine Ålesund with other destinations in Norway?

Absolutely, that’s actually the idea. A few classic itineraries:

• Bergen → Ålesund → Geiranger → Trollstigen → Åndalsnes: this is the perfect 2-week itinerary to discover the fjords of Norway.
• Oslo → Train to Bergen → Hurtigruten to Ålesund (great sea-and-mountain route)
• Ålesund – Atlantic Ocean Road – Molde – Trondheim: this is a bit different and mainly aims at the very pretty coastal towns, but with lovely scenery!

If you want to know everything about the possible itineraries, I have other full articles on the Norway of the fjords and on Geiranger that should nicely complement this one.

Well, I think I’ve covered it all. Ålesund really is a destination apart in Norway, one that deserves more than a quick stopover in passing. If you go, drop me a line in the comments to tell me what you thought. And if you have specific questions about planning, don’t hesitate!

In the meantime, you can find other articles to prepare your stay in Norway and the fjords.

• What to do in the fjords of Norway – the itinerary, the most beautiful spots and all the activities of the west coast
• What to see in Geiranger and its fjord – Norway’s most famous fjord, a cruise away from Ålesund
• The most beautiful Geiranger cruises – all the options for sailing the Geirangerfjord
• What to do in Bergen in a few days – the other great gateway to the fjords, 6h drive from Ålesund
• The fjord cruises from Bergen – to compare with the excursions leaving from Ålesund
• The 13 most beautiful cruises in Norway – my pick of the day trips across the whole country
• The Atlantic Ocean Road – the legendary Atlanterhavsveien and its bridges, in the extension of Ålesund
• A 2-week itinerary in the fjords – the perfect loop Bergen – Geiranger – Ålesund
• Everything you need to know about Norway to plan your trip – my general guide to prepare your stay
• Where to go in Norway in summer – between fjords and Lofoten, all the good tips of the fine season
• How to pay tolls and ferries in Norway – understanding the Autopass before hitting the road
• The most beautiful places in Norway – to keep dreaming and build your itinerary
• Spending a weekend in Oslo – the capital, often your point of arrival before heading west