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The best things to do in Ålesund are a RIB fjord safari to Hjørundfjord, a wildlife sea safari for sea eagles and seals, guided kayaking in the archipelago, and the 418 steps up Mount Aksla. Add a walk through the Art Nouveau centre, Atlanterhavsparken, Giske, Alnes lighthouse or a day trip to Runde or Geiranger.
Ålesund is one of Norway's most unique coastal towns, surrounded by dramatic fjords, open ocean, rugged mountains and a stunning archipelago. Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and spectacular natural setting, Ålesund is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, wildlife experiences and fjord safaris.
Whether you are visiting on a cruise stop, planning a weekend getaway or staying longer to explore Western Norway, this guide covers the best things to do in Ålesund. It includes RIB safaris, kayaking, hiking and cycling, the town's classic attractions, practical travel tips and ready-made itineraries.
Where Is Ålesund and How Do You Get There?
Ålesund lies on the coast of Møre og Romsdal county in Western Norway, roughly halfway between Bergen and Trondheim. The town is spread across several islands linked by bridges and tunnels. The Sunnmøre Alps and some of Norway's most famous fjords, including Hjørundfjord, Storfjord and Geirangerfjord, are just inland.
- By air: Ålesund Airport Vigra is on the island of Vigra, north-west of the town. It is connected to the mainland by subsea tunnels. Airport buses run into the centre, and there are regular flights from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.
- By coastal ship: The Hurtigruten coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes calls at Ålesund, which makes the town an easy stop on a longer coastal voyage.
- By cruise ship: Cruise ships dock right in the town centre, within walking distance of the Art Nouveau streets and our meeting points. See the cruise section below.
- By bus: Express buses connect Ålesund with other towns in the region and with larger cities such as Bergen, Trondheim and Oslo.
- By train and bus: The nearest railway station is in Åndalsnes, at the end of the Rauma Line. Connecting buses run onward to Ålesund.
- By car: The E39 coastal road and the E136 via Åndalsnes both lead to Ålesund. Car ferries are part of many routes in the region, so allow extra time.
Why Visit Ålesund?
Unlike many Norwegian cities, Ålesund combines compact city charm with immediate access to wild nature. Within minutes of the harbour, you can:
- Join a high-speed RIB safari into dramatic fjords
- Spot sea eagles and seals along the coast
- Kayak between islands in the archipelago
- Hike to panoramic viewpoints
- Cycle along scenic coastal roads
Few destinations in Norway offer this level of access to both city culture and raw nature.
1) Explore the Fjords by RIB or Boat
If you only choose one outdoor experience in Ålesund, make it a trip on the water. The sea and fjords are where Ålesund truly comes alive, and the views simply cannot be matched from land. On all our RIB tours you are given a thermal suit and safety equipment, so you only need warm layers underneath. Shared RIB departures leave from Dronning Sonjas plass in Brosundet, in the heart of town. The minimum height for RIB tours is 140 cm.
For a full overview of the fjord options, see our guide to fjord tours from Ålesund. Below are the most popular choices, depending on the kind of experience you want.
Fjord Safari to Hjørundfjord (Best for dramatic fjord scenery)
Hjørundfjord is often described as one of Norway's most beautiful and least crowded fjords. Towering mountains rise straight out of deep blue water, creating scenery that feels untouched and authentic. The two-hour guided RIB fjord safari runs from May to October. It lets you:
- Cover large distances quickly
- Reach narrow fjord arms
- Learn about local history and geology
- Experience the fjord up close
Book here: Fjord Safari RIB Hjørundfjord. You can read more about the route in our Hjørundfjord tour guide.
Wildlife Sea Safari (Best for sea eagles and seals)
Ålesund's coastline is rich in wildlife. The two-hour wildlife sea safari runs in summer, from June to August, with afternoon and evening departures. It takes you through the archipelago and coastal zones, where you may spot:
- White-tailed sea eagles
- Seals resting on rocky islets
- Cormorants and other seabirds
This is a fantastic choice for photographers and nature lovers. If puffins are top of your list, the bird island of Runde is the place to go (see the attractions section below).
Book here: Wildlife Sea Safari. For more detail, see our sea eagle safari guide.
Coastal Safari (Best for a short coastal sightseeing trip)
The archipelago around Ålesund is full of small islands, narrow straits and dramatic rock formations. The one-hour coastal safari by RIB runs from May to September. It is perfect if you want sightseeing, coastal culture and stunning scenery in a short time, which makes it ideal for cruise passengers.
Book here: Coastal Safari by RIB
Fishing Trip (Best for families and a relaxed local experience)
Fishing has shaped life along Norway's coast for centuries. The four-hour guided fishing trip is a relaxed, hands-on way to experience authentic coastal culture. It suits all ages, needs no experience and runs all year round. It is one of our most popular family activities.
Book here: Fishing Trip in Ålesund
2) Go Kayaking in Ålesund
Kayaking is one of the most peaceful and immersive ways to explore Ålesund. You experience the coastline quietly and up close, from a perspective you simply cannot get from land. If you want a truly local outdoor experience, a guided kayak tour is a perfect choice.
- Classic kayak tour Ålesund: 2.5 hours, from age 5, May to October. This is a great first paddle and very family-friendly.
- Sunset kayaking Ålesund: an evening paddle in the long summer light, from mid-June to the end of August.
- Kayak and hike Ålesund: a 6-hour day with paddling, a hike and lunch included, from age 13.
- Winter kayak and sauna: paddling in winter light followed by a warm sauna, November to April, from age 13.
Prefer to explore on your own? We also rent out single and tandem sea kayaks in Ålesund from May to September. See all options under sea kayaking.
3) Guided Mountain Hikes and Scenic Viewpoints
Ålesund is surrounded by mountains, which makes hiking one of the best things to do in the region. You can choose between short, easy viewpoints close to town and more ambitious day hikes into the Sunnmøre Alps.
Mount Storhornet on Godøya
Our guided hike up Storhornet on the island of Godøya takes about 6 hours, with lunch and transport included. It runs on Thursdays and Saturdays from June to August. From the top you look out over the open ocean, the islands and the mountains of Sunnmøre.
Book here: Hiking to Storhornet
Sunnmøre Alps (Day hikes from Ålesund)
For more dramatic mountain scenery, the Sunnmøre Alps offer unforgettable day hikes. We help you choose the best route for the day's weather and your fitness level. Browse all routes under hiking.
4) Cycling Along the Coast and Through Town
Cycling is a scenic and relaxed way to explore Ålesund and the surrounding coastline. Coastal roads, bridges and island routes offer incredible views, and guided tours help you see the best spots safely.
- Bike and Hike to Sukkertoppen: 4 hours with lunch included. You ride to the trailhead, then hike to one of the best viewpoints over town.
- Art Nouveau city bike: an easy 3-hour ride through the architecture and history of the town.
For longer adventures, we also offer self-guided multi-day cycling trips in Sunnmøre. See biking for details.
5) Coasteering
Want something more active? Coasteering combines scrambling along the rocky shoreline, swimming and jumping into the sea. You wear a wetsuit and helmet. The 3-hour tour includes transport and is open from age 8.
6) Top Attractions in and Around Ålesund
Beyond guided tours, Ålesund has a handful of classic sights that belong on any first visit. Many are free or close to the centre.
Mount Aksla, Fjellstua and the 418 Steps
From the town park, 418 steps lead up Mount Aksla to the Fjellstua viewpoint. The panoramic view over the Art Nouveau rooftops, the islands and the Sunnmøre Alps is the most famous photo spot in town. The climb takes most people 15–20 minutes. You can also reach the top by road, and there is a café at the summit.
The Art Nouveau Town and Jugendstilsenteret
After a devastating fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. Today the centre is one of the most distinctive architectural environments in Norway, with turrets, ornaments and colourful facades around Brosundet and the surrounding streets. The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) explains the fire and the rebuilding, and it makes a good indoor stop on a rainy day. Even if you are mainly here for outdoor activities, a walk through these streets is absolutely worth it.
Atlanterhavsparken (Atlantic Sea Park)
Just west of the centre, Atlanterhavsparken is one of Scandinavia's largest saltwater aquariums. It showcases the marine life of the Norwegian coast in a setting right by the sea. It is a favourite with families and a reliable choice in bad weather.
Giske and Alnes Lighthouse
A short drive north through the subsea tunnels brings you to the flat island of Giske. It has sandy beaches, a historic marble chapel and a calm, rural feel. On neighbouring Godøya, the striped Alnes Lighthouse stands where the land meets the open Atlantic. Godøya is also home to Storhornet, so the two combine well.
Runde – Puffin Island
Runde, south-west of Ålesund, is one of Norway's best-known bird cliffs. In the breeding season it is the place to see puffins, along with gannets, guillemots and many other seabirds. Plan it as a day trip by car or with a local tour, and bring good shoes for the hike up to the cliffs.
Geirangerfjord Day Trip
The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is reachable as a long day trip from Ålesund. Allow plenty of time for roads and ferries. Once you are there, our Skageflå Hike and RIB Adventure combines a boat ride with a hike to one of the fjord's most iconic farms. See our guide to the best things to do in Geiranger or browse tours in Geiranger.
7) Ålesund for Cruise Passengers
Ålesund is one of the easiest cruise ports in Norway because the ships dock right in the centre. Most of our guided tours meet at Notenesgata 3, about a 3–5 minute walk from the cruise pier. RIB tours leave from Dronning Sonjas plass in Brosundet, also a short walk away.
- 2–3 hours in port: Walk the 418 steps to Aksla, then join the 1-hour coastal safari or wander the Art Nouveau streets.
- Half a day: Choose the 2-hour Hjørundfjord RIB safari or the 2.5-hour classic kayak tour, then stroll back via Brosundet.
- A full day: Combine a morning boat or kayak tour with Aksla, Atlanterhavsparken or the 4-hour bike and hike.
Always leave a buffer before all-aboard time. If you book directly with us, our own refund and rebooking terms apply. For more tips, read what to do in Ålesund on a cruise.
8) Ålesund Tours at a Glance
| Tour | Duration | Season | Price from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Safari by RIB | 1 h | May–Sep | NOK 1,099 | Cruise guests, short visits (min height 140 cm) |
| Fjord Safari Hjørundfjord | 2 h | May–Oct | NOK 1,499 | Fjord scenery (min height 140 cm) |
| Wildlife Sea Safari | 2 h | Jun–Aug | NOK 1,499 | Nature lovers, photographers (min height 140 cm) |
| Fishing Trip | 4 h | All year | NOK 2,090 (child 1,849) | Families, all ages |
| Classic Kayak Tour | 2.5 h | May–Oct | NOK 899 (child 699) | Beginners, families (from age 5) |
| Sunset Kayaking | 2.5 h | Mid-Jun–Aug | NOK 899 | Couples, evening paddlers |
| Kayak and Hike | 6 h | Summer season | NOK 1,649 | Active guests (from age 13) |
| Winter Kayak and Sauna | 4 h | Nov–Apr | NOK 1,249 | Off-season visitors (from age 13) |
| Hike Storhornet | 6 h | Jun–Aug (Thu and Sat) | NOK 1,699 | Hikers |
| Bike and Hike Sukkertoppen | 4 h | Summer season | NOK 1,449 | Active sightseers |
| Art Nouveau City Bike | 3 h | Summer season | NOK 999 | Culture and easy cycling |
| Coasteering | 3 h | Summer season | NOK 1,449 (child 1,149) | Adventurous families (from age 8) |
Prices are per person from our current price list. Always check the tour page for live availability.
9) 1-Day and 2-Day Itinerary Ideas
To get the most out of Ålesund, plan your days around the weather and your travel style. These two itineraries work very well for most visitors.
If you have 1 day in Ålesund
- Morning: Walk the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint.
- Midday: Join a wildlife sea safari (summer) or the coastal safari.
- Afternoon: Explore the Art Nouveau district and enjoy fresh seafood by the harbour.
If you have 2 days in Ålesund
- Day 1: Fjord Safari to Hjørundfjord by RIB, followed by an evening city walk or sunset kayaking.
- Day 2: Guided kayaking or cycling, then Atlanterhavsparken, Giske or a short mountain hike.
With a third day, add Runde for the puffins or a long day trip to Geiranger.
10) Weather and the Best Time to Visit Ålesund
Ålesund has a mild, maritime climate for its latitude. Winters are milder than inland Norway, and summers are fresh rather than hot. The weather changes quickly and rain can fall in any season, so pack a waterproof jacket and warm layers whatever the month.
- Summer (June–August): Peak season, with very long daylight hours, generally calmer seas and the widest choice of tours, including the wildlife sea safari.
- Spring and autumn: Fewer crowds and dramatic light, which photographers love. RIB fjord safaris and kayaking run well into autumn.
- Winter: Quieter, but still beautiful for a peaceful coastal experience. Fishing trips and winter kayaking with sauna run in the dark season.
