ms Eurodam moored at Ålesund, Norway. Cruise ships dock at the Stornespiren/Prestebrygga cruise pier a stone's throw south from the center of town.

Art Nouveau Town

Ålesund suffered a great fire in 1904 which razed the town center to the ground. Most of the rebuilding work followed the architectural style popular at the time, making Norway's most distinctive Art Nouveau Town. A good place to start your walking tour is the tourist information center on Skateflukaia, where you can pick up free leaflets about the town. From the tourist center head inland slightly to walk down pedestrianized Kongensgate, continue down Notenesgata to head round the Brosundet inlet, to Apotekergata and the Art Nouveau Center. Take a short detour into Kirkegata, which is lined by numerous attractive Art Nouveau houses complete with bell gables, decorative window lintels and striking round turrets.

Art Nouveau Center (Jugendstil Senteret)

The Art Nouveau Center in Ålesund details the town's special architectural heritage, with exhibits spread over three floor. The museum has lots of character, as the building was formerly a pharmacy, and much of the original interior has been restored to its original condition. There's also a gift shop and café.

Mount Aksla

Mount Aksla, with its Fjellstua and Kniven viewpoints, is one of Ålesund's most popular attractions. The views of the islands offshore, the town beneath, and the snow topped Sunnmøre Alps inland are breath-taking. To reach Aksla climb the 418 steps from Town Park, at the end of Lihauggata.

Sunmore Museum

Sunmore Museum stands on the location of a medieval trading center. Over 50 traditional-styled buildings have been reconstructed to form a small settlement. On the seashore beside several Viking ships are moored, completing the picture of early Viking era life. The Museum is about 3 miles east of the town center, and can be reached by local bus 618 (nettbus bysbussen green line).

Sukkertoppen

Sukkertoppen, a small peak a short distance to the west of Alesund, has an exhilarating hike to its summit. From Hessa school, follow the main road westwards, then after 100m take the right turn at a fork in the road signed 'Sukkertoppvegen'. Continue for another 100m then head right onto a footpath which climbs up the east ridge of the peak. It takes about an hour to reach the top. Two buses from Ålesund center, the 618 and 624, stop at Skarbovik, three quarters of a mile north west of Hessa school (journey time around 10 minutes).