Ålesund: My Art Nouveau Dream
We sailed in at sunrise and the town looked like a watercolor painting – all soft pinks, greens, and turrets reflected perfectly in calm water. We climbed the 418 steps to Mount Aksla at 8 a.m. and had the entire viewpoint to ourselves – 360° of islands, fjords, and snow-capped Sunnmøre Alps turning pink. We had breakfast at a café built in 1905 with original Jugendstil interiors – coffee and svele (thick Norwegian pancakes) with brown cheese that tastes like caramel.
In the afternoon we went kayaking in the Brosundet canal right through town – paddling between Art Nouveau façades while locals waved from balconies felt surreal. The pros: the most beautiful architecture in Norway and compact enough to see everything. The cons: another set of steps (those 418 again), but the view rewards every single one.
Getting Around Ålesund
Ship docks literally in the town center – everything is walkable or short water taxi.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
The stairs to Aksla are steady but rewarding – take them slowly and stop at the viewpoints; the panorama just keeps getting better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ålesund worth it?
A: The prettiest town in Norway – yes!
Q: Best thing?
A: Aksla viewpoint at sunrise/golden hour.
Q: How long for Aksla?
A: 1.5–2 hours round-trip with photos.
Q: Walk from port?
A: Yes – right into Art Nouveau heaven.