The best things to see and do in Alesund (Norway Fjords) in 1 day

If you like modernism, you surely have cities like Barcelona o Brussels, in which this style of modern architecture It has a great role.

But did you know that Alesund is the reference of modernism in Norway?

The city of Alesund It should be one of the essential stages on your journey through the Norway fjords for at least two reasons.

On the one hand, due to its special location on the coast, between several small islands, and as a gateway to one of the most spectacular fjords you can visit, the Geiranger.

And on the other hand, for the special charm of its old town thanks to the numerous samples of art nouveau architecture, which is what is called in Europe the trend that in Spain we know as Modernism.

On your walk through the old town you will be able to see numerous examples of this type of architecture that so many of us like.

Curiosities history of the Alesund Fire

La Alesund history, a city that currently has about 40.000 inhabitants, is marked by the big fire happened on January 23, 1904.

In just one day, more than 850 houses burned and 10.000 people lost their homes, although only one person died in that sad event.

The strong gusts of hurricane wind were the cause of the great magnitude of the fire, but just three years later half of the destroyed buildings had already been rebuilt.

To achieve this, a great joint effort was carried out with the participation of numerous Norwegian architects.

And since at that time the architectural style art nouveau, a good part of the buildings showed that influence.

During your visit you will see that even the city's manhole covers are decorated in the characteristic style art nouveau, with the presence of nature and floral motifs.

Alesund, art nouveau in Norwegian fjords

The origin of the Norwegian city of Alesund It dates back to the 15th century, when the first merchants arrived to settle on these islands.

Its first status as a trading port was achieved in 1793 and 30 years later it became one of the main ones on this part of the Norwegian coast, along with cities such as Bergen, Molde, Kristiansund y Trondheim.

As a curiosity, since 1835 Alesund It became a very important port of reference for Spanish fishermen to send their boats to fish cod from Norway.

A few years later, in 1848, Alesund change your status from commercial port to city.

The best things to see and do in Alesund in the Norwegian Fjords

The best way to start your visit to this city would be climb to the Alesund viewpoint, known as Fellstua and located in the Mount Aksla.

Climb to the viewpoint of Mount Alksla in Alesund

There you will be at a height of 130 meters above sea level and you will find one of the most spectacular Panoramic views that you can enjoy in the region of the Norway fjords.

To this gazebo can get on the bus, but I advise you go down the modern stairs that from the top of the mountain take you from that point to the center of the city.

There are 418 steps that wind along the side of the mountain, which some people walk up, while small platforms open up that allow you to rest and enjoy other perspectives of the city.

Once you reach the foot of the hillside, you will find yourself in the germ of the new city that developed since the beginning of the 18th century in the norvoy island.

Alesundet Canal in Alesund

In your walk through Alesund you must go to Alesundet marine channel, which from the viewpoint you will have recognized by its striking yellow houses.

This channel opens between the aforementioned norvoy island, where the new city is located, and the Aspoya Island, where the ancient city is located.

In this last area that overlooks the canal is where several buildings art nouveau, whose facades you can see on a pleasant walk through this maritime area.

Next to the bridge that connects the two islands, you find the stone building known as Svaneapoteket, which you will distinguish by its fortress shape.

On this channel you can also do some recreational activities as kayak.

Art Noveau Center in Alesund

This stone building once housed a pharmacy, and now since 2003 it has housed the Art Noveau Jugend Center, turned to National Center of Modernism in Norway.

To visit it, you will enter through the corner where the historic pharmacy was, which you will see has been completely restored, and then tour the three exhibition floors.

In addition to contemplating the interior decoration in art nouveau and the numerous objects of this style, during your visit above all you should see the multimedia presentation that combining video, photos and sounds takes you to the time of the Alesund fire.

With a duration of 15 minutes, you can relive the drama of the fire and the reconstruction work that was carried out afterwards.

In short, your day in Alesund It will allow you to enjoy a beautiful city and get to know the more sober side that modernism presents in Norway.

Here you have more information about the activities to do in the Norwegian fjords in winter.

Best Photos of Alesund in Norwegian Fjords

Here you have more photos of Alesund, both panoramic views from the Aksla viewpoint like corners of the old style city art nouveau.

Map: how to get to Alesund

The city of Alesund is in the Norway fjords, 420 kilometers north of Bergen, seven and a half hours by car.