Cidade Turismo
Norway

Before you go

Your trip to Ålesund.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Ålesund – Møre e Romsdal Destination Geiranger and Ålesund about 75 km from Molde

How to get there

  • Ålesund lufthavn, Vigra (AES) Vigra · 15 km
  • Ålesund rutebilstasjon 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. Vigra Airport is about 15 km away, connected to the centre by bus. The Hurtigruten calls at Ålesund on its route between Bergen and the north. From Geiranger it is about three hours by car or bus, with a ferry crossing.

How many days

One day for the art nouveau centre, the Jugendstilsenteret and Aksla. Two days to include the aquarium and the Sunnmøre Museum. One or two more days for Geiranger and Trollstigen.

When to go

From May to September the days are usually long, with more boats and buses to Geiranger. Rain is common year‑round. Winter tends to be wet and dark, with temperatures around freezing and little snow in the town centre.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not within the town, which is explored on foot and by bus. A car is useful for Geiranger, Trollstigen and the coastal islands; without one there are buses and tours in summer.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Ålesund
  1. Morning
    Art nouveau center

    Start at the Jugendstilsenteret and walk along Apotekergata, Kongens gate and the Brosundet canal.

  2. Afternoon
    Aquarium

    Go to Atlanterhavsparken for the Atlantic tank and the penguins, then return on foot along the waterfront.

  3. Late afternoon
    Aksla

    Climb the 418 steps from Byparken up to the Fjellstua viewpoint.

  4. Evening
    Brosundet

    Dine near the canal, enjoying fish and cod, a local speciality.

2 days in Ålesund

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Art nouveau

    Jugendstilsenteret and KUBE, then the art nouveau streets of the centre.

  2. Afternoon
    Aquarium

    Atlanterhavsparken, with the fish feeding.

  3. Late afternoon
    Aksla

    Ascent via the staircase up to Fjellstua.

  4. Evening
    Center

    Have dinner at the harbour and walk along Brosundet when it's lit up.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Sunnmøre Museum

    Old houses and boats at Borgund, with the medieval site.

  2. Afternoon
    Coastal islands

    By car or bus, go to Godøy and the Alnes lighthouse via the submarine tunnels.

  3. Late afternoon
    Return along the coast

    Return via the islands with the low light over the sea.

  4. Evening
    Departure for Geiranger

    Sleep in Ålesund and set off early for Geiranger the next day.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Ålesund to Geiranger?

By car or bus, in about three hours, with a ferry crossing. In summer there is also a boat along the Storfjord and day excursions.

What to eat in Ålesund?

Fish and dried salted cod, klippfisk, the basis of the town's economy, prepared in dishes such as bacalao.

Does the Hurtigruten stop in Ålesund?

Yes, on routes northbound and southbound. In summer, the ship often detours via Geirangerfjord.

How long to stay in Ålesund?

One day for the town center and Aksla; two days including the aquarium, the museum and the islands.

Does Ålesund have a beach?

There are bathing areas on the seashore and on the islands, used in summer. The water is usually cold.

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