The Traveling Professor runs one of our most popular trips — Norway and the Fjords by Scenic Rail and Ferry — a breathtaking journey through Oslo, Flåm, and Bergen. For those who wish to extend their adventure, we always recommend adding a few extra days in Ålesund, one of Norway’s most charming and picturesque cities.
Nestled where the fjords meet the mountains, Ålesund is known for its dramatic setting and distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. It’s a city of colorful waterfronts, stunning viewpoints, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. From Bergen, it’s an easy short flight north — and absolutely worth it.
Our favorite place to stay is the Thon Hotel Ålesund, perfectly located on the waterfront with modern rooms and great service. You’ll also find plenty of excellent seafood restaurants nearby serving the freshest catch from the Norwegian Sea.
Start your visit with a walking tour through Ålesund’s city center. The 1904 fire that destroyed much of the town led to its stunning Art Nouveau rebirth. Visit the Jugendstil Center (Art Nouveau Center) to learn more about the city’s unique architecture and design heritage. End the day with dinner overlooking the harbor — the views at sunset are unforgettable.
Get your morning workout by climbing the 418 steps up to Mount Aksla. From the top, the panoramic views over Ålesund’s islands and fjords are some of the best in Norway. In the afternoon, visit the Atlantic Sea-Park (Atlanterhavsparken), one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. It’s a fun and educational way to experience the marine life of Norway’s coast.
No visit to Ålesund is complete without seeing the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the ferry from Ålesund to Geiranger and cruise past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. It’s one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and the perfect finale to your Norwegian adventure.
If you’ve joined The Traveling Professor’s Norway and the Fjords by Scenic Rail and Ferry tour, adding Ålesund to your itinerary is the ideal way to complete your journey. Whether it’s the city’s architectural beauty, seaside charm, or proximity to the Geirangerfjord, Ålesund is a destination not to be missed.
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Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.
Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.