Ålesund cruise port guide
Why go?
A picturesque town on Norway’s west coast, Ålesund was largely destroyed by fire in 1904 – and quickly rebuilt in grand style with one of Europe’s finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture. Its setting, on a narrow peninsula surrounded by islands, is just as alluring, plus the town even has its own mini-mountain.
Cruise port location
You can’t get much closer to the town centre than Ålesund’s cruise terminal, a stone’s throw from the harbour around which many of the Art Nouveau buildings are clustered. Many cruise ships call here on their way to or from Norway’s most celebrated fjord, Geiranger. Up to three ships can be accommodated.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
The town centre, a few museums, shops and the park that marks the start of the staircase to the Fjellstua viewpoint are just a stroll away. Bear in mind that some streets climb steeply away from the harbour.
Read more: Telegraph Travel's Norwegian Fjords Cruise Guide
Getting around
A summer tourist train (£18) makes a 70-minute loop from the cruise terminal around the main sites, including the Fjellstua viewpoint. A hop-on hop-off bus makes 10 stops on a similar route for a pricey £28. Local buses also run from close to the dock to the aquarium and Sunnmøre Museum.
What to see and do
If the weather is fine, combine a wander around the town with a half-day activity. Better still, there are two outstanding full-day excursions. If it’s raining, consider the museums and the aquarium.
What can I do in four hours or less?
You don’t really need a guided excursion to see the main town sights unless you have limited mobility. Walk around the harbour area and adjacent streets to see the best of the architecture. Do try to see the Fisheries Museum (£5.50 entry), in a handsome old warehouse that escaped the fire. It’s near the lighthouse. The centrally-located Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Museum, £8) has period furniture and various exhibitions on the town’s architecture.
If you’re fit, and especially if you have older children, head for Mount Aksla – you can hardly miss it. From the park, 418 steps lead up to Fjellstua for one of the best views in Norway. You’ll see the whole town, your ship far below and the surrounding mountains and islands. If the steps are too much, take public transport, but don’t miss this viewpoint.
An interesting collection of old buildings – original and recreated – as well as boats can be seen at the Sunnmøre Museum (£7), a short bus ride away. The Atlantic Ocean Park (£17.50) is one of Scandinavia’s best aquariums, good for all ages, with a 115ft (35m) main tank and seal enclosure. It’s a two-mile walk or take the bus.
Several cruise lines offer a three-hour excursion combining the aquarium and museum. There is plenty of choice for the other half of your day in port. Holland America Line, Cunard and Hurtigruten are among those offering kayaking trips.
Seabourn and others can organise a guided hike up nearby Sugar Top mountain. Viking has a boat trip to the island of Runde, a noted bird sanctuary.
What can I do in eight hours or less?
There are two especially rewarding excursions to be made from Ålesund. Many cruise lines offer a trip to Trollveggen, the Troll’s Wall, an immense inland cliff. Near its base, the Trollstigen – one of Europe’s most dramatic roads – winds up through 11 hairpin bends. The journey involves several photostops at waterfalls, gorges and mountain villages. It’s well worth stumping up the excursion price for this adventure.
Hjørundfjord pierces 20 miles into the Sunnmøre Alps and if your main aim is to appreciate scenery, consider a cruise from Ålesund along what is one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, squeezed between 5,000ft peaks. It’s a trip listed by several lines including MSC Cruises, or book independently (visitflam.com; about £80) but check return times carefully.
A popular choice with the likes of Princess Cruises and Saga, of about five hours, is a drive to the nearby islands of Giske and Godøy, linked to the mainland by bridges and tunnels. They boast an ancient church, a lighthouse and tales of lore; it’s a good one if you’ve been to Ålesund before. If you want to see the Unesco-listed Geirangerfjord from a different perspective, Costa Cruises and Silversea have a trip to a remote viewpoint that involves a cable-car ride.
Eat and drink
Like everywhere in Norway, eating and drinking in Ålesund is expensive and you may prefer to pop back to your ship for lunch. Otherwise, there are a few good café-bars overlooking the harbour. A bowl of fish soup is always a treat, or try a creamy homemade cake.
Don’t leave the island without…
The town has a clutch of quirky shops. Look out for antiques, especially nautical items. Made in Fjords is a gift shop with ornaments and artworks made by local craftsmen using natural materials such as wool, wood and stone.
Need to know
Safety
Ålesund is very safe to visit.
Language
English is spoken by almost everyone.
Closures
Most shops are closed on Sunday and may close earlier on Saturday.
Climate
May and June are the driest months, with September the wettest, but the town can see rain at any time. Carry a light jacket. The town has a number of arts and music festivals during the summer cruise period but none should impact on a visit.
Read more: Telegraph Travel's Norwegian Fjords Cruise Guide
