Unlocking the Hidden Gems of Alesund, Norway – Where to Stay and What to See!

Norway has a lot to offer – from the magnificent fjords to the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. But there’s one gem that’s often overlooked – Alesund. This picturesque fishing town on Norway’s west coast is a true hidden gem. It’s a place of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming locals. If you’re looking for a unique vacation destination, Alesund is the place to be. 

Photo Credits: Dessy Dimcheva

Introducing Alesund – the picturesque fishing town in Norway that’s a hidden gem!

Alesund’s Unique Architecture

One of the first things that will catch your eye when you arrive in Alesund is the unique architecture. The town has a fascinating history – in 1904, a devastating fire destroyed most of Alesund. The whole town was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular at the time. Today, Alesund is one of the best-preserved Art Nouveau towns in Europe, with colorful buildings, intricate decorations, and ornate details. You can take a guided tour of the town to learn more about its history and architecture, or simply wander around and take in the sights.

Alesund’s Scenic Beauty

Alesund is surrounded by natural beauty – on one side, you have the majestic Sunnmøre Alps, and on the other, you have the open sea. The town itself is situated on several small islands, connected by bridges and tunnels. You can take a stroll along the scenic coastal path, hike up to the top of Mount Aksla for panoramic views, or go on a fishing trip to catch your own dinner. There are also several nearby islands, such as Runde and Giske, that are worth a visit.

Alesund’s Art and Culture Scene

Despite its small size, Alesund has a vibrant art and culture scene. There are several museums and galleries, such as the Jugendstilsenteret Art Nouveau Centre, which showcases the town’s unique architecture, and the Alesund Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history and traditions. There are also many live music venues, theaters, and festivals throughout the year, such as the Alesund Theatre Festival and the Alesund Jazz Festival. If you’re a fan of the arts, you won’t be disappointed.

Alesund’s Friendly Locals

One of the things that makes Alesund so special is the people who live there. The locals are known for being friendly and welcoming, and many of them are involved in preserving the town’s culture and traditions. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to interact with them, whether it’s at a local pub or café, while hiking in the mountains, or simply strolling around town. Many locals are also involved in sustainable tourism initiatives, so you can feel good about supporting the community while you’re there.

Alesund’s Accessible Location

Despite its secluded feel, Alesund is actually quite accessible. It’s only a short flight or ferry ride from major cities like Bergen or Oslo. Once you’re there, the town is small enough that you can easily get around on foot or by bike. There are also plenty of public transportation options, including buses and boats, to take you further afield if you want to explore the surrounding area. And if you need a break from the outdoors, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the town center to keep you entertained.

Where to stay – from luxury hotels to cosy cabins, we’ve got you covered for accommodation options

Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels rank highest in the hierarchy of accommodation options. They are ideal for travelers who prefer comfort, elegance, and high-end amenities. Luxury hotels offer a personalized experience, superior hospitality, and top-notch services. They are often located in prime areas with fantastic views, excellent restaurants, and unique five-star amenities. These amenities include swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers, and rooftop bars, among others. If you aim to splurge and indulge, luxury hotels are your best bet.

Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels are ideal for travelers who prefer a unique and intimate experience. These hotels offer spacious rooms, personalized services, and a relaxed ambiance. They boast of unique decor, cultural themes, and a high level of attention to detail. Boutique hotels are often located in non-commercial areas, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere. They are ideal for travelers who want to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Cozy Cabins

Cozy cabins are ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil and rustic experience surrounded by nature. They offer a unique and authentic experience, with exceptional views and tranquility. Cozy cabins come in different styles and sizes, offering an ideal retreat for solo travelers, couples, and families. They are often located on the outskirts of cities, near national parks, beaches, or mountains. If you need a break from civilization and want to reconnect with nature, cozy cabins are your go-to option.

Hostels

Hostels are affordable and ideal for budget travelers. They offer shared accommodation, communal spaces, and a vibrant environment. Hostels attract backpackers, solo travelers, and group travelers looking for a social and interactive experience. Hostels often come with additional services like free breakfast, city tours, and free Wi-Fi. They’re often found in central locations, making them an excellent option for travelers who want to be close to major attractions.

Photo Credits: Piotr Musioł

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals give you the chance to experience a destination like a local. They range from short-term rentals, condos, apartments, and even villas. Vacation rentals offer the freedom to choose a space that best suits your needs. They are ideal for travelers who prefer more space, privacy, and flexibility. They often include a kitchen, laundry facilities, and spaces that make them feel like a home away from home.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Alesund: Hikes, Boat Trips, and More!

Hiking

As a mountainous region, Alesund offers a plethora of hiking trails. For breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings, Aksla Mountain is a must-visit. You can climb up the 418 steps to the Fjellstua viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view of Alesund, the coast, and the Sunnmøre Alps. You can also do less strenuous hikes in the city’s parks, like the Fjellstua Forest Park and Storhornet.

Boat trips

Alesund is surrounded by fjords, islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Taking a boat trip is an excellent way to explore the area’s unique natural landscape. The Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. You can take a scenic ferry ride from Alesund to Geiranger and see cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and charming villages. Several companies offer fishing trips, sightseeing tours, and even kayak rentals.

Wildlife safaris

Norway is home to various wildlife, including whales, dolphins, seals, eagles, and moose. You can take a wildlife safari tour to spot them and learn more about their behavior, habitat, and conservation. Alesund Safari offers whale and dolphin watching trips, while Atlantic Wildlife offers seal safaris. You can also go on a moose safari in nearby forests.

Beach hopping

Alesund may not be famous for its beaches, but it has some hidden gems. On sunny days, you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Ålesundet, a sheltered bay near the city center. Nearby islands like Giske and Godøya have stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters. You can rent a bike or car to explore the islands or take a ferry from Ålesund. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Cultural tours

 The natural beauty of Alesund is complemented by its rich history, culture, and architecture. The city center has over 200 Art Nouveau buildings, which you can admire on a guided tour or self-guided walk. You can also visit the Aalesunds Museum to learn about the city’s maritime heritage and the Sunnmøre Museum to experience rural life in the region. The Volsdalen Camping offers Viking themed activities and accommodations.

Photo Credits: Igor Francetic

Food and drink – discover the local cuisine and sample Norway’s traditional delicacies 

Start your culinary exploration by trying Norway’s national dish, the Fårikål. This hearty lamb and cabbage stew is a staple of Norwegian cuisine, especially during the fall and winter months. The dish’s simplicity makes it all the more special – just lamb meat and cabbage, boiled together with a few spices. The result is a tender, mildly flavored stew perfect for warming up during Norway’s colder seasons. You can enjoy Fårikål in almost any restaurant, café, or home-cooked meal across the country.

Norway’s oceans and rivers are rich with seafood being a staple in the local cuisine. A must-try from the sea is the Røkt Laks, or smoked salmon. Norwegian smoked salmon is well-known for its flavor and texture. The process of hot-smoking the salmon creates a rich, flaky, and slightly sweet flesh that melts in your mouth. You can enjoy smoked salmon in different forms – on a slice of bread, as a topping on a salad, or even just on its own.

For meat lovers, Norway has one of the world’s best beef – the Pinnekjøtt. This traditional Norwegian Christmas dish is made of air-dried lamb ribs that are then steamed over juniper branches. The result is crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside meat. In Norway, Pinnekjøtt is often served with pureed rutabaga, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, and is best enjoyed with a cold beer or two.

No traditional Norwegian meal is complete without dessert. Norway’s best-loved dessert is Krumkake, a thin and crispy wafer cookie with a hint of vanilla. The batter is made of flour, sugar, eggs, and cream, which gives the Krumkake its lightness and slight sweetness. You can find Krumkake in most bakeries across Norway, mostly during the holiday season. They’re also popular as a treat to accompany a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Finally, it’s time to wash down all that delicious Norwegian food with the local drink, Aquavit. This traditional Norwegian spirit has been around since the 16th century. It’s a distilled spirit made from potatoes and flavored with herbs, such as caraway, dill, and fennel. Aquavit is best served cold and sipped slowly to appreciate its unique aroma and taste. It’s usually enjoyed as a shooter alongside a meal or during celebrations like weddings, Christmas, and Easter.

Shopping – uncover hidden gems in Alesund’s quaint shops and boutiques 

Artistic Treasures at Husfliden 

Husfliden is a charming store that offers a great selection of traditional Norwegian handicrafts. From handmade wool sweaters to intricate embroidery works, the store is a treasure trove of authentic souvenirs. You’ll also find a great selection of artisanal gifts such as handblown glassware and leather accessories. Taking a stroll through Husfliden is like taking a trip through Norwegian culture and craftsmanship.

Vintage Finds at Tine & Ull 

If you’re into vintage fashion, Tine & Ull is a must-visit boutique in Alesund. The store offers a great selection of unique vintage pieces, from retro dresses to quirky accessories. You’ll snag a unique, one-of-a-kind item that you won’t find anywhere else. The store also offers a great selection of second-hand clothing, so you’ll be able to get your sustainable fashion fix.

Sustainable Fashion at Fretex 

Fretex is a thrift store chain in Norway known for its focus on sustainability and ethical fashion. The Alesund branch is no exception, offering a great selection of pre-owned clothing and accessories. The store also carries brand new sustainable fashion lines, so you can indulge in guilt-free shopping. You’ll find a range of styles, from casual to high fashion, so make sure to give Fretex a visit.

Handmade Delights at Ting Hjemme 

Ting Hjemme is a charming boutique that specializes in handmade homewares. Every item in the store is crafted by hand, making each piece truly unique. From handcrafted pottery to woven textiles, the store offers an eclectic mix of items to decorate your home. If you’re looking for a perfect souvenir to bring back home, you’ll find it here. 

Norwegian Treats at Godt Brød 

After a long day of shopping, you’ll need a delicious pick-me-up. Godt Brød, meaning “good bread” in Norwegian, is a local bakery that offers some of the best Norwegian baked goods around. From traditional cinnamon buns to freshly-baked bread, the bakery has something for every taste. Sip on a latte and enjoy a sweet treat while you take a break from shopping. 

Nightlife – experience the vibrant nightlife scene with traditional pubs, clubs, and more

Photo Credits: Juan Encalada

Nightlife experiences take many forms, from the bars and clubs to the traditional pub scene. One of the most highly praised nightlife establishments is the theme bars, designed with vibrant, colorful decor and drinks that will leave you wanting more. It’s all about themed beverages that take inspiration from popular culture to leave an unforgettable imprint on one’s mind. Additionally, specialty cocktails named after fictional characters, colors, and genres will have you sipping on creative concoctions while unwinding within a buzzing atmosphere.

Traditional pubs and bars, on the other hand, are perfect for low-key evenings, where live music, comfort food, and quality beverages take center stage. These pubs delight visitors with their warm aesthetic filled with wood paneling and fiery ambiance from the traditional fireplace. The locals frequent these kinds of establishments for some socializing and a few beers with their friends. A visit to one of these will provide you with a taste of what it’s like to truly unwind in the company of others.

Clubs, on the other hand, offer the chance for people to let their hair down, dress up, and have a night of high energy and excitement. With laser lights, the latest music, and an exhilarating environment that can keep you dancing until dawn, a club is the perfect environment for individuals who are into the party and dance culture. The club scene is always changing, with different themes and dress codes each weekend, often collaborating with well-known DJs to create an unforgettable experience.

One of the most awe-inspiring nightlife experiences often enjoyed in many cities around the world is the “rooftop bar.” These establishments are primarily centered around the view, providing patrons with a breathtaking 360-degree view of their surroundings. The environment in these establishments is commonly lavish and sophisticated, making it a perfect place to grab a special drink while admiring the fantastic view of the city’s skyline.

Photo credits to: Arijit Basu