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