When we talk about traveling on a cruise, Alesund is one of those destinations that has it all: stunning nature, history, and unique experiences. So, if you're going to make a stop in this Norwegian corner, there are several must-visit places that are well worth it. To start our guide on what to see in Alesund if your cruise makes a stop or port call, it's important to know a bit about the history of this city:
History of Alesund: A Journey Through Time
Alesund, with its distinctive architecture and picturesque location among islands and fjords, is a gem on the west coast of Norway. However, like any city, its current beauty is the result of a rich history and a series of events that have shaped its identity.
Although the documented history of Alesund begins in the Middle Ages, the region was inhabited long before. It is believed that the first Viking settlements were established here around 800 AD. These Nordic explorers and traders left their mark on the culture and history of the region.
During the Middle Ages, Alesund benefited from its strategic location. Access to the sea and the abundance of marine resources turned the city into an important trading point, especially for fish. Commercial connections with the rest of Europe strengthened, allowing Alesund to grow and prosper.
A transformative event in Alesund's history was the great fire on January 23, 1904. In a single night, a devastating fire swept through much of the city, leaving over 10,000 people homeless. However, what could have been a total tragedy turned into an opportunity for rebirth.
With international assistance, especially from Germany, Alesund was rebuilt in a completely different architectural style: Art Nouveau or Jugendstil. Talented architects drew inspiration from this modern and ornamental style to design buildings with detailed facades, turrets, and floral motifs. It is this architecture that gives Alesund its distinctive and unique appearance today.
Throughout the 20th century, Alesund continued to establish itself as a center of fishing and export, especially of cod. Over time, it also started attracting tourists and adventurers, thanks to its natural beauty and rich history. The city modernized but always retained its essence and connection to the past.
Below, we provide a list of excursions, activities, or places that are recommended to see in Alesund during the day your cruise is in port:
1. CRUISE AROUND HJØRUNDFJORD
You might think, "I'm already on a cruise, I don't need another one!" but the Hjørundfjord is not just any fjord. We recommend this journey because it's like seeing the essence of Norway in a microcosm. Steep mountains, deep emerald waters, and small villages nestled along its shores. If you want to experience the vastness of nature, this is the place to be.
Approximate excursion cost: 129 euros per person
Duration: 3 hours
Where to book or buy this excursion? Cruise lines (MSC, Costa, NCL, etc.) usually offer it in their list of excursions, and it's advisable to book them online for cost savings.
2. GISKE AND GODØY ISLANDS
Don't miss the opportunity to explore Giske and Godøy. These are small islands filled with charm. In Giske, the ancient stone church whispers centuries of history, while in Godøy, the lighthouse at the highest point offers panoramic views that even the best cameras can't fully capture.
Approximate excursion cost: 44 euros per person
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Where to book or buy this excursion? You can book this excursion on the website Shore2shore-excursions.com or through the cruise line's website for around 79 euros per person.
3. ATLANTIC OCEAN PARK
When we mention the Atlantic Ocean Park, we're not talking about your typical aquarium. It's a close encounter with marine life from the North Atlantic. You'll observe creatures from the deep ocean in environments that replicate their natural habitats. It's an immersion (literally) into marine biodiversity.
Approximate excursion cost: 75 euros per person (includes admission)
Duration: 3 hours
Where to book or buy this excursion? On the cruise line's website
Aquarium website: https://en.atlanterhavsparken.no/
Aquarium admission price: 20 euros per person
4. MT. AKSLA AND AKSLA VIEWPOINT
If your legs are craving some action, Mount Aksla is the challenge you're seeking. A climb of 418 steps might seem daunting, but the reward at the Aksla Viewpoint is priceless. Alesund stretches out at your feet like a detailed model, and the vast ocean unfolds before your eyes.
Approximate excursion cost: 45 euros per person
Duration: 3 hours
Where to book or buy this excursion? On the cruise line's website
You don't need to book an excursion if you just want to visit the Aksla viewpoint, as it's very easy to reach the stairs that lead up the mountain from the port where the cruise docks in Alesund.
5. ALNES FISHING VILLAGE
The relaxed atmosphere of Alnes Fishing Village is like a balm for the soul. You can wander through the streets, feel the sea breeze, and perhaps savor some local delicacies. It's not every day you get the chance to be in a place that seems frozen in time.
Approximate excursion cost: 75 euros per person
Duration: 3 hours
Where to book or buy this excursion? On the cruise line's website
6. SUNNMØRE MUSEUM
Interested in learning how the ancient inhabitants of this region lived? Then a visit to the Sunnmøre Museum is a must. It's an open window to the past, with traditional buildings and objects that tell the everyday life of the local people.
Museum admission: 10 euros per person
Where to buy the Sunnmøre Museum admission? https://www.vitimusea.no/musea/sunnmoere-museum
7. ALESUND: TROLLSTIGEN ROAD
The legendary Trollstigen Road is not just a road, it's a journey. Every turn presents a more astonishing landscape than the previous one. It's a route that connects with the magic and mystery of Norwegian land.
Approximate excursion cost: 62 euros per person
Duration: 7 hours
Where to book or buy this excursion? On the website Shore2shore, which specializes in cruise excursions, or on Civitatis.com
8. KAYAKING IN ALESUND
The silence, the gentle sound of water, and Alesund city from a different perspective. That's how we describe the experience of kayaking through these waters. You'll feel part of the landscape, and trust us, it's a sensation that isn't easily forgotten.
Approximate excursion cost: 65 euros per person
Duration: 2 hours
Season: May to September
Where to book or buy this excursion? On the website Fjordtours.com
9. BIKING AROUND ALESUND
It's not just pedaling. Biking around Alesund means having the freedom to stop wherever you want, feeling the wind on your face, and discovering corners that might not be in tourist guides. It's experiencing the city at your own pace and in your own way.
Approximate excursion cost: 59-75 euros per person
Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Where to book or buy this excursion? On the cruise line's website
