Alesund, Norway
The island of Giske is the reputed birthplace of the great Viking Rollo, who laid siege to Paris and founded the Duchy of Normandy. William the Conqueror was his grandson.
In 1904, a massive fire destroyed 800 buildings in this fishing port. Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II responded with immediate aid, and Ålesund was reborn. Not surprisingly, the town was rebuilt in the then-popular Art Nouveau style known as Jugendstil. The result is one of the prettiest ports in Norway. Buildings with elegant turrets and spires can be seen lining the streets of the city center. Today, the city is one of Norway's most important fishing harbors and the world's largest supplier of stockfish (Klippfisk) - dried cod. Alesund's major attractions are the surrounding fjords and the stunning Sunnmøre Alps.
Points of Interest
- Mt Aksla
- Valldal
- Sunnmøre Museum
- Atlantic Ocean Marine Park
- Trollveggen
- Giske Island
- Godøy Island
- Jugendstil Museum
Easy Alesund
- Mt Aksla
This tour is designed for passengers who prefer to see some sights from the motorcoach with little or no walking involved. Enjoy a two-hour introduction to this unique city that offers a glimpse of ancient and modern history. This narrative drive takes you past some of the very impressive Art Nouveau buildings from the turn of the century, as well as some of its more picturesque vistas.
Easy Activity
$69.95
Step Back in Time: A Walk Through Alesund & Coffee
- Jugendstil Museum
After the fire of 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt with Kaiser Whilhelm's aid in the style of Germany's Art Nouveau. Explore the city on a walking tour that visits the Norwegian Art Nouveau Center. View the town's buildings with their stone towers before strolling to the foot of Mt. Aksla.
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
$79.95
Hiking Sugarlump Mountain
Lace up your hiking shoes and embark on an exhilarating trek 800 feet up to the summit of Sugarlump Mountain. Your knowledgeable guide will highlight the flora and fauna as you ascend the trails. Your efforts are rewarded with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, islands and pretty city of Ålesund below.
Strenuous Activity
$94.95
The Atlantic Ocean Park, Sunnmøre Museum & City Drive for Families
- Sunnmøre Museum
- Atlantic Ocean Marine Park
Destroyed by fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in the German Art Nouveau style known as Jugendstil. View its elegant buildings before touring Sunnmøre Open Air Museum with it collection of historic buildings and ships. Visit Atlantic Ocean Park, an aquarium with massive, seascape style tanks set in the coastline.
Moderate Activity
$129.95
The Islands of Giske & Godøy
- Giske Island
- Godøy Island
Discover the islands of Giske and Godoy, loaded with charm and history. You'll tour Giske, the 'Saga Island,' known to be inhabited since the Bronze Age, stopping for a photo at the 12th-century white marble church. You'll also see Godoy, with its lighthouse that offers spectacular views of the fjords.
Moderate Activity
$164.95
Easy Hjorundfjord Cruise
Behold one of the gems of the fjords during a leisurely cruise along the Hjorundfjord. Relax on board and marvel at the wonderful views, as you're surrounded on both sides by many mountain peaks - some rising up from the fjords to heights of up to 5,000 feet above sea level.
Moderate Activity
$179.95
The Best of Romsdal & the Troll Path
- Trollveggen
- Valldal
Explore Norway's breath taking Western Fjords on a scenic drive offering some truly spectacular views. You'll see the dramatic cliffs of the Trollveggen rising 3,600 feet into the clouds. You'll visit fertile Valldal, noted for its strawberry production and annual Strawberry Festival. Then enjoy a traditional country lunch at a local restaurant.
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$259.95