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Alesund is often said to be one of the prettiest towns in the fjord region for two reasons.
First, the town is architecturally interesting. In 1904, a devastating fire raged through the town, which was then primarily composed of wooden structures. It left some 10,000 people homeless. Hearing of this tragedy, Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II who liked to vacation in this area, sent four warships to Alesund with supplies and building materials. After the initial relief efforts, architects from all over Europe designed buildings for the new town. As a result, Alesund has one of the best collections of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture in Europe. Many of these have been preserved and now mix with modern buildings and buildings done in an indigenous Norwegian style. Second, is the town's beautiful setting. Alesund is located at the mouth of Stor (big) fjord on a series of islands connected by bridges and tunnels. This gives it a pleasant series of canal like waterways cutting through the town. In the distance the rugged Aksla and Sukkerttoppen Mountains form a beautiful backdrop. Alesund is a very walkable town. There are shops, cafés and places of interest within walking distance of the pier. The town’s primary attractions are the Alesund Museum and the Alesund Sea-Park, which is one of Northern Europe’s largest aquariums. Outside of town is the Sunnmore Open-Air Museum, which has more than 50 antique buildings depicting a traditional Norwegian fishing village. Alesund remains an important fishing center today and is homeport to a large modern fishing fleet. Approximately, 40,000 people live in Alesund today. |
Alesund is a pleasing mix of the old and the new in a
pretty natural setting. 
Above: Passenger ships dock in the center of town.
Below: Locals greeting a ship dressed in traditional clothing. 
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Above: Colorful Northern European buildings reflect into the harbor.
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Alesund's prevalent Art Nouveau and Gothic style architectures mix with more modern buildings on quiet streets with shops and cafés.
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Cruise destination profile - Norway - Norwegian Fjords - Alesund