Ålesund

Ålesund is known for its Jugend (art nouveau) style architecture and one of our favourite towns in Norway. In 1904, this small Norwegian town burnt down and the town was completely rebuilt in the then cutting-edge art nouveau style. It has become something of an open-air museum that architecture fans will certainly adore.

Occupying 7 islands, with the city centre occupying two of them, this island city makes a spectacular sight when viewed from Aksla hill that overlooks the city.

Ålesund has the most important fishing harbour in Norway with it's fishing fleet, one of the most modern in Europe. Ålesund and surroundings also has a large furniture industry, home to the factory of Scandinavia’s largest furniture manufacturer, Ekornes. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ålesund was one of the chief stations of the herring fishery business.

The Art Nouveau town of Ålesund could be taken right out of a fairy tale. If you look up as you explore the town, you will discover an abundance of imaginative ornamentation on the fronts of the buildings. Walk up the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla and you will be rewarded by unforgettable panoramic views!