Things to do

If you walk along the street in Ålesund, remember to look up. Up on Fjellstua, u on the mountains, up on the wide sky and the beautiful house facades. The architecture in central Ålesund with its towers, turrets and spectacular ornaments is a result of the catastrophic city fires in 1904. After the fire, the city rose like a phoenix from its ashes in beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

Today, the historic buildings in the center are home to exciting cafés, restaurants, shops, and galleries. And in addition to excellent shopping opportunities, you can of course also buy fresh fish at the fish market in Skansegata.

Why not experience the spectacular city of Ålesund from the water? You can rent kayaks and SUP-boards at Brosundet in the city centre.

We recommend going on a Family Tour with Uteguiden – the perfect tour for families, the inexperienced paddler or if you want a different introduction the Art Nouveau-city. As a guest of First Hotel Atlantica, you get a 20 % discount on this package.

You can also go on a guided city tour through Ålesund or explore the pedestrian street, Brosundet square and Ålesund museum.

Read more about the guided walk here

From the kayaks in Brosundet, you can see all the way up to the city’s main attraction: Fjellstua, the oldest restaurant from 1903 located on mount Aksla.

You’ll find exactly 418 steps from Byparken and up to Fjellstua. The uphill trip takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll find many opportunities to sit down on a bench on the way, if needed. For instance, you can make a stop at “Byrampen”, which is located in the middle of the mountainside and enjoy a panoramic view of Ålesund and the Sunnmøre Alps.

When you reach the top, you’ll get the perfect postcard view of the beautiful city, Godøya, Alnes lighthouse and all the way to Runde. You can also treat yourself to a cup of coffee and ice cream at Fjellstua.

Read more about Fjellstua here

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium is one of the largest saltwater-aquariums in northern Europe. It is located at the coastline west in Ålesund only a few minutes by car from Ålesund city center. The aquarium is a showcase for life along the Norwegian coast and the Atlantic, and you can also find a large and spectacular outdoor area with a view directly to the sea and surrounding islands. In the outdoor area there is a separate penguin park, a popular waterplay park with a gigantic octopus’s sculpture and a seal bay with an underwater observatory that shows the seals life in a spectacular way. Have a look at the cheeky otters in their enclosure, which even has a miniature lighthouse for them to frolic in! Throughout the day there are several activities like feeding shows, an open activity room for the kids (and daring adults!) with crab-fishing, and a shallow pool where they can see and feel the sea-life up close. Ever tried holding a sea cucumber? The aquarium has also a cozy café and a souvenir shop.

Read more about Atlanterhavsparken here

Saksa “The scissors” is one of the most popular hikes in the entire Hjørundfjord. It’s named after the shape of the peak when you see it from Øye. The mountain has three tops, where the north top is the highest peak. At the top, you’ll enjoy some of the most mesmerizing views in the area.

Take the boat to Urke, where you can walk up to Saksa, and also to Urkeegga and Slogen. All well-known and popular hikes. Read more about Saksa here.

With spectacular fjord views and pointed peaks, the Sunnmøre Alps offer many adventures for both experienced skiers and new ski enthusiasts. You’ll find many beautiful peaks, which are easy to take on and with fantastic views, in addition to more challenging and steep tours, for you with more experience.

Read more about ski touring at Uteguiden, who offers guided tours with skis and rents full equipment.  

Image copyright: uteguiden/Håvard Myklebust

Ålesund is not only popular for its beautiful nature and unique architecture but also its variety within culture and entertainment. From concerts to festivals, art exhibitions to cultural events, outdoor activities to sports arrangements, you’ll find the best things to see and do during your holiday here.

Read more about what going on in the city here

Alnes lighthouse is located in the fishing village of Alnes on Godøya, 20 minutes outside Ålesund. The lighthouse opened in 1876. A combination of beautiful nature, a protected coastal cultural monument and the proximity to the sea has made Alnes lighthouse a tourist magnet. Nearby, you’ll also find the viewpoint and special stone formation called Johan Skytt.

Runde is internationally known for its bird island and it’s an Eldorado for nature and bird lovers. The breeding season lasts from February to August, when more than 500.000 birds congregate on the island.

A visit to Giske can also be recommended to experience the sandy beaches and archipelago. Here you can end the day with a fresh jump in the fjord.

Ålesund’s new and fantastic water park! Bybadet has a lot of fun to offer, so here the whole family will be able to enjoy themselves for a long time. Here you can find a therapy pool, whirlpool, children’s pool, slides, jump towers, activity pool, training pool, a café and warm temperatures.

Read more about Bybadet here.