When my dear friend Bea from Germany arrived as the first international guest during COVID, I had to give her the very best. That included the dazzling Art Nouveau town Aalesund and the entrance to the furious Stad Ocean in only 36 hours before going back to Oslo.
If having: 8 hours in Ålesund
Most Beautiful Flight in Norway: OSL (Oslo) to AES (Aalesund)
Arriving on the morning plane from Oslo to Aalesund, you will be granted an outstanding view of the Alps of Sunnmøre. Maybe you can spot the Fjord of Geiranger? Flying into the airport named Vigra is also the name of the island you are landing on. Then of to the city center with the bus that takes around 30 minutes.
History of Aalesund
A short introduction to Aalesund’s history, in 1904 on the 22nd of January, there was a devastating city fire that burned down the entire town except for one house. Emperor Wilhelm II from Germany sent four ships with emergency essentials, was at the dock by the 26th of January. They renamed one of the streets in Aalesund after the Emperor – Keiser Wilhelms Gate in Aalesund. The help also arrived from France and many other European nations since the fire was the latest news in Europe.
In 1907, Many different architectures rebuilt the city, and today Aalesund has the most extraordinary collection of building in Art Nouveau architecture in Norway.
Arriving at Hotel Brosundet at 09:00 in Aalesund
We stayed at Hotel Brosundet, very boutique chic with warm and welcoming Scandinavian design and the highest fireplace you may have seen? We went to the Café of Apotekergaten 5 for cinnamon rolls and a coffee.
Hotel Brosundet is one of seven unique places to stay in Norway.
Another charming place to stay is Hotel 1904 (the year of the city fire in Aalesund).
Walking the 418 Stairs to the Famous Viewpoint of Aalesund
Fjellstua, or translated to English, would be the Mountain living room. After 418 stairs, you will be astonished by a view of Aalesund town and the grand Alps of Sunnmøre.
If you are a Viking fan – make sure to see the statue of Rollo in the park before going up the stairs.
Wildlife Sea Safari at 12:00
62’North delivers the ultimate combination between adrenaline, sightseeing, and the fjords’ tells. We booked our trip at 62’North. You will see the sea eagle and seals if you are lucky. You will visit Runde Island, known for eagles and puffins, on the trip. Runde Bird Sanctuary is home to over 500 000 birds. The speed of the boat is a fun adventure. The light at sea is spectacular.
Lunch at Apotekergata 5 with Blue Mussels at 14:00
After a hilarious, fun, and adventurous wildlife safari, it’s time for lunch, and now you can hold the food inside the stomach. Highly recommend all seafood at Apotekergata No. 5. We went for blue mussels and a hamburger. And if you can share, you can taste both. I love blue mussels. These once were cooked to perfection.
A Nap for Losing the World for a Moment at 15:00
I highly recommend a nap when traveling and exploring, like an hour or two, where you enjoy your room and the comfortable bed that will give you some time to recharge before exploring more.
A Stroll in the Town of Aalesund to the Lighthouse of Molja
Before dinner:
- Take a stroll through the town.
- Storhaugen for Viewpoint
- Go to the lighthouse of Molja.
- Enjoy Ålesund from diffrent angels.
Dinner at Bro for a Culinary Experience at 19:00
I highly recommend Bro Restaurant for anyone visiting Aalesund. Bro is a treat to yourself; indulge in this excellent dining experience. Get amused at how they combine local produce and flavors into each dish.
Also recommend XL dinner, if you want to eat the best Bacalao in Norway.
Nightcap at Arkivet the Hotel Bar of Brosundet in Aalesund
Let’s intrigue our taste pallet more and, by this, have the nightcap at Akrivet Bar in Hotel Brosundet. Even New Yorkers will be impressed by the bartender.
Other bars in Aalesund
Breakfast at Hotel Brosundet in Aalesund at 09:00
All Champions must have breakfast. At Hotel Brosundet they have everything you want and even more. I loved the strawberry jam from Valldalen, which has the best strawberries in Norway. You must try ;).
The Concept of Peiskos: Enjoying the Crackling Fire
Norwegians, we do have some strange hobbies. One of them is sitting and watching the fireplace and making sure that the fire is intense and beautiful. Bring your coffee or tea, and enjoy an hour in front of the burning fireplace. In Norway, this is our meditation. You don’t have to speak. You can listen to the crackling of the fireplace and maybe even put more wood in the fire.
Local Dinner
If you can find an Airbnb experience with the art of potetball, then go. A very traditional dish that can be fun to learn how to cook. Or any other Norwegian cooking class.
1 Day and 12 Hours in Aalesund
When having only 36 hours in Aalesund, be clear on your plan before going. When you arrive at Aalesund, it is all about enjoying the town’s quirkiness. And most of all, the grand outdoor with the wildlife and sparkling light kissing the waves of the ocean.
Why do Pauline Travels love Aalesund?
My family is from Aalesund on my mum’s side. During High School, I lived in Ålesund. I see Aalesund as home. I have to say it is genuinely a beautiful town in Norway. Bergen is charming, and so are Trondheim, but Ålesund has the grand alps of Sunnmøre and the famous fjords like Geiranger & Hjørund. If short in time in Norway, choose Ålesund if you want the utterly coastal fjord experience with outstanding scenery.
How to pack for Aalesund?
The picture is on the 19th of August; it was a rainy day with eight degrees. I wear wind trousers, mountain boots, a rain jacket, and a wool sweater. Truth? Stormy weather on the coast is one of my favorites, and I enjoy it when nature shows in different shapes and colors, and the light at sea is glorious.
Also read: Packing to Norway
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