Ålesund

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Ålesund, Fjordlands, Norway

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418 steps! In case you had forgotten! Photo - Ålesund, Fjordlands, Norway

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418 Steps to Climb and Worth Every One!

by karly07

Belfast, United Kingdom

July 6, 2009

Best of IgoUgo On our near two week holiday touring some of the major towns and places of interest in Norway, we spent a day and a night in the beautiful 'art nouveau' town (as it is referred to) of Alesund. In fact, it is such a lovely town, that back in 2007, ...Read more On our near two week holiday touring some of the major towns and places of interest in Norway, we spent a day and a night in the beautiful 'art nouveau' town (as it is referred to) of Alesund.

In fact, it is such a lovely town, that back in 2007, it was voted Norway's most beautiful town. To appreciate that layout and wonderful setting of the town a trip up Mount Aksla is a must.

Now, there are a few ways to do this, and it is dependent upon two main things. Firstly your fitness, and secondly the weather.

It you are reasonably fit you should attempt the 418 step climb (the shortest way up) to Fjellstua, the restaurant at the top, where you get the most magnificient views. Don't be put off by the number of steps though, as with each flight of steps, there is usually a bench to rest on, and there is plenty of room for the fittest to get by, without making you feel pressurised to keep climbing.

The base of the steps is actually in the midst of a little park/wooded area, and you will then see the signposts pointing you in the direction of the 418 steps to Fjellstua.

If you are not as fit, or is the weather is not at its best, you can always get a taxi, drive or take the little town train (quite expensive!!) up to Fjellstua.

Once you have made it to the top, you will be rewarded with some spectacular panoramic views of the town of Alesund, the surrounding fjord and even the sunmore alps on a clear day. If you look closely you can get a better look at some of the beautiful architecture in the town, as well as the harbour, and you realise that the town centre itself is situated on an island.

After you have admired the town and surrounding area from every possible angle, you can enjoy either the cafe, where you can have a drink and a snack whilst enjoying the views outside, or enjoy the menus on offer in the Fjellstua restaurant. Unfortuntaly the restaurant was not open on the day we visited the site, I'm not sure whether this was due to it being a Sunday or if it was simply closed. There are however washroom facilities, although there is a charge for use.

All in all, for the absolutely stunning views that Fjellstua offers to those who have either climbed or driven up, it is a place that you should not miss out on visiting whilst in Alesund. You really cannot appreciate the layout of this town from simply walking around it, and those panoramic views easily explain why this town was voted the most beautiful town in Norway a few years ago. Close

From journal An Independent Tour of Norway on a Modest Budget!

Ålesund, the art nouveau town

by davidx

Todmorden, England, United Kingdom

November 23, 2002

Best of IgoUgo After a major fire in 1904 in Ålesund, substantial international assistance was provided for rebuilding. Additionally, Kaiser William the Second of Germany often holidayed in the area and provided massive personal funds. The current city was rebuilt ...Read more After a major fire in 1904 in Ålesund, substantial international assistance was provided for rebuilding. Additionally, Kaiser William the Second of Germany often holidayed in the area and provided massive personal funds. The current city was rebuilt in the style of the times and thus it appears to be an Art Nouveau town unlike any other in Norway--that is, as far as I know. It is not a matter of finding the odd Art Nouveau buildings surrounded by alot of other styles, but of all the town center being of the same Art Nouveau style.

It looks like there was a period without much in the way of planning regulations, as some peripheral buildings appear unlikely to have satisfied any; more recently there has been tighter control. Certainly, more modern buildings seem to have been constructed to fit in.

The best streets to see are the largely pedestrianized ones of Apotekergata, Kongeensgata, and Løvenvoldgata; here, everything is Art Nouveau and ornately decorated facades and turrets appear everywhere. The whole aspect of Brosundet Harbour is also quite delightful and the unmissable church is well worth a look. We did not have time to go into the wider city, but some of the suburban areas seen from the bus, including the shopping arcade, completely lacked any distinctiveness at all.

Be sure to stay in the heart of the town.

I did not go up the mountain above the city--410 steps are outside the range of my possibilities--but I am sure that the view over the city and islands must be amazingly good. Other than this, and the Art Nouveau streets, the main attractions for anyone staying here would be in day-trips away from town.

The ones I would suggest (in no particular order) are:
Bus and boat to the bird island of Runde;
Sunmøre Museum;
The Giske Islands;
The Hjørundfjord.
Hurtigrute to Geirangerfjord;
Circular tour of the Moldefjord by car or buses or car ferry-–getting the long distance ferry from Molde to Vikebund one-way–-see Fisheries Museum while in Molde.

I have not done any of these but I would certainly want to if I visited here again. That said, as you can tell, there is plenty to do for a holiday here. Unless you positively hate Art Nouveau, the town’s delightful position near several islands and its proximity to the trips above make it a good centre. If you do like Art Nouveau, it must be about as good as anything you will find anywhere. Forget the agents and arrange your own break.

From journal Fabulous Fjords

Ålesund

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418 Steps to Climb and Worth Every One!

Ålesund, the art nouveau town