Ålesund Cruises
Ålesund is Norway’s popular, art-nouveau epic of towers and turrets, ornaments and balconies, steeples and spires. The city’s delightful pedestrianised streets, offer a diverse mix of art galleries, shops and lively cafés, and lead to the 418 steps that climb Mount Aksla. The Fjellstua restaurant and café at the summit is the perfect place to sit and soak up panoramic views of this attractive city, the archipelago, and the Sunnmore Alps.
Virtually destroyed by fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt within three years and is regarded widely as one of Europe’s true visual experiences.[ReadMoreMob] The port is home to the Jugendstilsenteret – The National Art Nouveau Centre –, which has a well-preserved art nouveau interior and regularly features exhibitions and displays.
Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and this seaport is the home base for Norway's largest cod-fishing fleet, which, unsurprisingly, provides the city's visitors with some superb seafood to try.
Top Experiences
Art Nouveau architecture
1904's catastrophically destructive fire came at a time of economic depression, drawing talent from miles around and resulting in the incredible concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in Ålesund.
Giske and Godøy
The island of Giske is the birth place of the Viking King Gangerolv, or Rollo, who conquered Normandy in 911 AD, and was home to some of the most important Viking families. The neighbouring island of Godøy is home to a renowned lighthouse, dating back to 1876 and situated in the pretty fishing village of Alnes.
Ålesund Aquarium
Atlanterhavsparken is one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe. Built into the coastal landscape, and facing the Atlantic Ocean, each tank is built to resemble the natural coastal environment of its inhabitants.
Mount Aksla
This mountain offers panoramic views over the archipelago, the town centre and the beautiful Sunnmøre Alps.
Cruises to Ålesund
In Search of the Northern Lights • T2202A
- See dramatic landscapes on this Arctic discovery
- Join in the celebrations of Sami National Day
- Visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral in Tromso
In Search of the Northern Lights • S2204A
- Visit remote and dramatic lands of Norway
- Unmissable sights of the regions scenic beauty
- A chance to witness the remarkable Northern Lights
In Search of the Northern Lights • T2205
- Get closer to the wintertime scenes of Arctic Norway
- Seek out the remarkable Aurora Borealis
- A cable car ride to the peak of Mount Storsteinen
Arctic Fjords & Midnight Sun • L2215
- Cross the Arctic Circle
- Experience the Midnight Sun phenomenon
- Sail through size-restricted Trollfjord and Nordfjorden
Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights • M2222
- Visit the Briksdal Glacier from Olden
- Scenic cruise along Hjørundfjord
- View Ålesund from atop Mount Aksla
- NB: This cruise will be sailing on board Balmoral
In Search of the Northern Lights • L2230
- Overnights in Alta and Tromsø to spot Aurora Borealis
- Spend time with the Sámi people in Tromsø
- Cross the Arctic Circle
Northern Lights • S2228A
- Visit Tromsø for a chance to seek-out Aurora Borealis amongst the Arctic wilderness, away from light-polluted skies.
- Experience a taste of Sami community life at Alta; and explore the unique 'blue town' of Sortland.
- Scenic cruise by Torghatten and the Seven Sisters mountains too.
White Christmas in Norway • T2232
- Experience life with the Sami people
- Go in search of the Northern Lights
- Experience a Norwegian Dog Sled tour
In Search of the Northern Lights in Nine Nights • T2305
- Seek out the enigmatic Aurora Borealis from Alta
- Marvel at the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø
- Explore Alesund to the full as Bolette docks close to the city centre