8 Great Cool Things to Do in Alesund Norway

Some of our recommended cool things to do in Alesund Norway include skiing during the winter or grab a ferry and journey through the UNESCO site Geirangerfjord.

The city of Alesund Norway is known for having Art Nouveau architecture and an incredible fjord landscape. The nearby Sunnmøre Alps Mountains are another major draw. There is plenty to see and do in Alesund so everyone is sure to find something they will love.

Take a tour to Runde Island to see the puffins, go fishing during the summer, or take an aquatic adventure in the Aquarium. Go skiing during the winter or grab a ferry and journey through the Geirangerfjord.

Geirangerfjord is a great place to visit in Alesund Norway
Geirangerfjord is a great place to visit in Alesund Norway

8 Cool Things to Do in Alesund/Ã…lesund Norway

1. Climb The Alnes Lighthouse

The fishing village of Alnes is home to a stunning lighthouse. The landscape is lush and beautiful and the beach is a major surfing spot in the area. The lighthouse itself was built in 1876 and is now a protected monument and part of Norwegian coastal culture.

Take a trip to the lighthouse to enjoy historical exhibitions or purchase some local handicrafts and other souvenirs. If you are feeling brave then climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The top of the Alnes lighthouse is the best place to see everything Alesund has to offer.

2. Hike to the Fiellstua Viewpoint

The trail leading to the viewpoint is kept well-maintained and is paved to make it easier to climb. There are even handrails and a bench every 20 steps or so. There is absolutely no excuse to not hike your way up this ascent.

Though if you do not have enough time or energy to climb up 418 steps then you can take a train or just drive to the top. Either way, the views are spectacular and worth the visit.

3. Go Birdwatching at Runde Island

When summer kicks in you will have the chance to take a guided boat trip around Runde Island, which is the perfect chance to see the birds up close. Take a hike up the marked paths on the mountain to see the colonies up close and personal if the boat feels too far away from the action.

4. Conquer the Ultimate Hike by Climbing to the top of the Sugar Top/ Sukkertoppen

Hiking to Sukkertoppen is a must for anyone visiting Alesund. The hike starts out in a small neighborhood near Alesund Center. Take a bus or a taxi to the starting point. It is worth the hike just to see the beautiful views from the top of the Sugar Top. The hike takes around 2 hours but your reward is the sweetest views of the city, coast, and fjords. All in a single panoramic view.

5. Visit the Alesund Museum

The Alesund museum might be small but it has lots of great material stretching from ancient times to World War II. It is an excellent place to learn about the history of Alesund, especially how the town was rebuilt following the war. The lifeboat display is also particularly interesting. The museum offers a comprehensive way to learn more about the history and culture of the city.

6. Visit the Atlanterhavsparken/The Atlantic Sea-Par/ Norwegian Aquarium

The Alesund Seapark is one of the largest aquariums in all of Europe. Located around 4km away from the city, the aquarium features exhibits about the aquatic life of Norway. There is plenty of sealife to enjoy here including otters and penguins. It is a perfect place for the young, not to mention the young at heart, to visit.

7. Take a Trip to Hjørundfjord on a Private Boat

The Hjørundfjord is perhaps the most beautiful fjord in Norway. Take a private high-speed boat trip to see the gorgeous coastline for yourself. Take in the incredible coastline and the wildlife of the fjords of Norway by visiting Hjørundfjord and seeing it up close.

8. Take a Day trip to Geiranger/Geirangerfjord

No trip to Ålesund would be complete without experiencing the Geirangerfjord and its waterfalls. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Geiranger fjord is surrounded by three tall waterfalls.

>>> For more Norway fjord cruise info see Viking Cruises Into the Midnight Sun

How to get from Alesund to Geiranger?

1) rent a car and have an epic 2-hour road trip from Ã…lesund.

2) Take the bus 250 at Ã…lesund bus terminal to Hellesylt. After which, you can enjoy the 2-hour ferry to Geiranger.

Hike to Slogen

From the fjords to the mountains. Slogen is one of the best summits of the Sunnmøre Alps, with unprecedented views. The Sunnmøre Alps and nearby fjords are visible from Slogen. Slogen also offers incredible views of the ocean. Hike to the top and see what you can see!

The Top Ã…lesund Hotels

1) Scandic Ålesund—Situated right at the iconic waterfront, Scandic Parken Alesund offers amazing views of the sea. Attractions are a few steps away from the hotel. Amenities include a gym and sauna.

2) Hotel Brosundet—Now, a family-run hotel, Hotel Brosundet Alesund was once a  fishing warehouse. Yet the Art Nouveau design still exists in the hotel. Guests love the wooden beams and the weird shaped roofs.

Best things to do in Ålesund Norway in summer:

When the weather is on point and everyone is wearing their cool shades, you should definitely check out their Midsummersjazz, Boat festival, and Jugenfest. And of course, hiking is a must thing to do in summer.

Best things to do in Ålesund Norway in winter:

Despite the freezing weather, skiing in the winter season is a must. End a long skiing session with a cup of coffee at Nomaden Espressobar or the Invit Coffeebar.

>>> For more Norway fun see our favorite Things to Do in Oslo

Weather in Alesund All Year Round:

In the giant freezer known as Norway summer season lasts for 1-2 months (3 is a miracle). However, when the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, you get to experience the best summer you can ever experience. The temperature is neither too warm nor too cold.

Alesund is mostly cloudy and rainy all year round. The temperature ranges from  60°F and low of 50°F in the warm season.

Whereas the winter/cold season can last up to 5 months anytime from November to April. The coldest month would be February. Temperature range from 30°F and high of 40°F.

Check Norway weather forecasts and conditions.

Article by Pierre from Anything Under Our Stars.

Pierre moved to Norway in 2014. He was Backpacking in Norway the first few months of living there in search for work. Now, a health care worker by trade, adventurer by passion, blogger wherever he goes, Pierre writes about his travels and his life at Anything Under Our Stars.

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2 thoughts on “8 Great Cool Things to Do in Alesund Norway”

  1. I’d love a trip to the Fjords one day – beautiful. I know someone who went in the winter – she took a picture of a waterfall, completely frozen in full flow, stunning. 😊

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