Alesund

Ålesund is a town on the west coast of Norway, built across three islands: Hessa, Aspøya, and Nørve. Ships dock close to downtown, so shopping and the town centre are accessible on foot. The port sits at the mouth of Stor Fjord, and it serves as a gateway to the fjords of Norway. Ålesund is usually a port of call rather than a turnaround port.

On 23 January 1904, a catastrophic fire destroyed most buildings in the town, leaving around 10,000 people without shelter. The town was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style using materials from across Europe, and is now one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world. Most buildings date from between 1904 and 1907. A climb of 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city, archipelago and the Sunnmøre Alps.

The town has the most important fishing harbour in Norway, and more than two thirds of the world's production of klipfish comes from here. Fishing remains a core part of local life. The Jugendstilsenteret, a national interpretation centre, tells the story of the 1904 fire, the rebuilding effort, and Art Nouveau style. The Sunnmøre museum is an outdoor folk museum founded in 1931, occupying 120 hectares with over 55 old houses from the past 300 years and replicas of Viking ships.

The surrounding landscape is dramatic. Countless smaller islands and skerries dot the shore, with the often snow-capped Sunnmøre Alps forming a scenic backdrop. The Hjørundfjord, etched deep into the Sunnmøre Alps, is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Ålesund is a starting point for exploring the dramatic scenery of the famous Geirangerfjord. Guided kayak trips are available for those wanting to see the town and coastline from the water.