Visiting the west coast of Norway has become a favorite destination for many travelers during the short summer months, especially for me.
One of the best-kept secrets (though not really a secret anymore) is a little town, which I very much enjoy, called Ålesund. A postcard-perfect port town that is usually mentioned as one of Norway’s best panoramic views of their amazing fjords.
Whether you’re passing by or just stopping by, here are some of the best things to do in Ålesund when you only have a day or less.
Visit Fjellstua Viewpoint
Fjellstua Viewpoint, on Aksla mountain, is one of the places you can reward your eyes with a spectacular 360-degree view of Ålesund. The best part it’s free!
That is an F and an R with a double dose of EE. Something that every traveler can afford!
The eye-catching photos below speak for themselves.
Don’t miss the Ålesund walking tour around the colorful buildings
One of the nicest things to do in Ålesund is the Ålesund walking tour. This is actually nothing more than just walking around the streets of Ålesund. A town that is lined with colorful picturesque houses that lies flush against the Ålesund waterways.
These waterways meander slowly through this quaint little west coast town, which is lined with private as well as public boats filling the waters, and lined with brightly colored houses on either side of the streets. Nothing beckons someone to a slow stroll on a lazy day as this walking tour.
Just a little bit of history
Before these distinctive colorful buildings, that Ålesund is known for, there were houses and buildings made widely of wood, just like most of the Norwegian towns.
This was changed by a wind-driven fire destroying about 850 houses in January 1904, that left almost the entire town of Ålesund devastated. This gave rise to the colorful town we see today, which was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style which was the architectural style at that time.
End the day at Ålesund’s street kitchen - Stuen
On a perfect summer day at the Stuen and after a slow stroll down the streets of Ålesund, there’s nothing better than the taste of a popular ice cream called ‘softis’ in Norwegian.
This Stuen is actually one of the oldest kiosks in the town.
Though, if this delightfully delicious ice cream sent from the Gods is not satisfying enough, then you're lucky because this little kiosk is also one of Ålesund´s oldest “must try” places for traditional street foods. A win-win for any hunger pains and definitely, one of the many things to do in Ålesund.
Thank you for reading! Please share if you like this article. If you want to know other off the beaten path summer destination in Norway, you can read my previous article "Summer in Sandsøya".
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