Cruise Port Stop Guide: Ålesund, Norway
Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town in Norway, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and breathtaking natural surroundings – known as where the fjord meets the mountains. A popular stop on many Nordic cruises, there’s so much to do and see in and around town, the hard part is deciding on what! So I’m here to help with a cruise port guide including links to any of the activities/tours I have done myself
- book activities via GetYourGuide(GYG) or Viator & day/spa/pool passes with ResortPass
- combine that with using a shopping portal to earn cashback or miles
- Stay connected/informed with T-Mobile or Airalo
- Read this for info on GYG and this for why I use Viator and this for more on ResortPass
- Details on using Rakuten for cashback and here’s for AA eShopping
- Here’s why I love T-Mobile & the deets on using Airalo
LOGISTICS
PORT: Ålesund | CURRENCY: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
DOCK | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 16:00 | 1 USD = 9.42 NOK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
LANGUAGE: Norwegian
Hei – hello (hi) | Hadet – good bye (hah-deh) | Unnskyld meg – excuse me (een-shool my) | Vær så snill – please (var soh snil | Takk – thank you (tahk)
MONEY MATTERS
Credit cards were widely accepted (I have been able to use American Express, Visa and MasterCard throughout Norway). ATMs are called Minibanks in Norway: I found that other than for tipping in local currency, I didn’t need to carry cash (ie tipping tour guides). Speaking of which, tipping is not obligatory in Norway as wages are high/workers are paid living wages so there isn’t an expectation/need for a tip (vs in the US where workers are reliant upon tips as part of their salary). It’s a gesture of appreciation to tip if you receive great service so I still do so when it’s warranted.
COMMUNICATION
English is widely spoken throughout Norway especially in touristic areas.
PORT INFO
BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!
A cruise stop in Ålesund port is very convenient as you will dock in the middle of a very walkable city!
TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS
Alesund to Trollstigen, The Land The Trolls
This tour will show you two iconic pictures of Norway in person – Troll Road + Ålesund from atop the Aksla Viewpoint
Ålesund From Fjord to Troll Bus Tour
This tour is showcases the incredible landscapes around Ålesund with a drive through the 11 hairpin turns of Troll Road and a stop for lunch and to admire Troll Wall
Ålesund History and Architecture
Learn about the tragic but beautiful story of why the buildings in Ålesund are so eye-catching and different from the rest of Norway and more about the Jugendstil (Norwegian Art Nouveau) architecture on a walking tour. Note that the one I did was booked directly at the Ålesund Tourist Info Center
Ålesund: Guided Food Walking Tour
Prefer to eat your way through the town? I heard from a couple of people that this was a really delicious tour and that they would highly recommend (book here)
Sea Kayaking In Ålesund
For a more active adventure and different perspective – book this tour that allows you to explore the town by kayak (book here) – definitely on my list for next time
Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour
On this half day (~ 4 hour), highly rated tour (with Norway Excursions AS, the company I have done a couple tours with), you will admire Ålesund architecture, visit the enchanting island of Godoy, climb to the top of Alnes Lighthouse, and visit the open-air Sunnmøre Museum and be back with time to explore more of Ålesund on your own, to book this tour, click here.
Ålesund Highlights +Alnes the most beautiful island 4Hour Excursion
Another half day and highly rated excursion, this small group tour starts with driving around Ålesund then has stops on islands of Godoy (Alnes lighthouse) and Giske (church). Book this tour here and have some time back in port to explore Ålesund at your leisure
Hjørundfjord Fjord Cruise
You will be able to see the beauty of the Hjørundfjord on this 6 hour sightseeing Hjørundfjord Fjord Cruise roundtrip from Ålesund A boat trip to the stunning Hjørundfjord, often less crowded than Geirangerfjord, offering a tranquil fjord experience.
Round-Trip Boat Cruise to Geirangerfjord
When I took my first cruise, we (or really I) chose that particular itinerary as Geiranger had made its way onto my wanderlist as many have told me it’s the most beautiful place in Norway. That proved to be true as it truly is one of the most beautiful places I have been to in the world! Royals continue to flock to the area as Norway’s own Princess Märtha Louise wed at this UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024. Note that this is a 9 hour tour: Round-Trip Boat Cruise to Geirangerfjord with a scenic boat ride through Geirangerfjord with additional time to spend in Geiranger so if you’re on a cruise, make sure that you have ample time to take this!
HOW TO GET AROUND
Walking
Many attractions are within short/medium walking distance of cruise terminal. Note that walking through Ålesund can be hilly with some cobblestone streets with paved and maintained sidewalks. Listed are some of the attractions/main sights within Ålesund with walking distance/time info from cruise port
- There is a little pop up Tourist kiosk at the cruise terminal but there is a larger Tourist Information building (where I booked my walking tour) within the town 750 meters / 11-15 min walk
- Town Center: 200 meters / 2-3 min walk
- Art Nouveau Center (Jugendstilsenteret): 300 meters / 4-5 min walk
- Ålesund Church (Ålesund Kirke) 700 meters / 10 -15 min walk from cruise terminal
- Aksla Viewpoint: 1 km to start of stairs / 16-20 min walk
City Bus
Blue public bus – affordable way to get around. For more information on routes, timetables, tickets visit the official FRAM website here – this is the full English translation/version! Note that while you can buy your tickets onboard, it’s more expensive to do so. Download the FRAM app and buy your tickets in advance.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
Stops include cruise terminal / open air museum / near aquarium (~15 min walk) / near Aksla viewpoint (~15 min walk)
Ålesund Sightseeing City Train
Tram that only runs when cruise ships dock/buy tickets at office (which is located at cruise terminal). Departs every 20 minutes from cruise terminal.
Taxis
An expensive but convenient way to get around. Note that there are limited numbers
TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Mount Aksla Viewpoint
Mount Aksla Viewpoint for incredible view of Ålesund and surrounding areas (1 km from cruise pier to start of stairs/16-20 min walk) – post with details on what hike/walk is like + how else to get there
Trollstigen (Troll Road) – set to reopen July 14, 2025
The iconic 11 hairpin road in Norway near Ålesund (currently closed – set to re-open July 14, 2025) – here’s what the drive/tour was like
Ålesund Art Nouveau, Harbor Stroll & Brosundet Canal
You’ll find colorful buildings, fishing boats, and quaint shops around the harbor and through the scenic Brosundet area and Art Nouveau buildings are the de facto building style. – I learned about the town’s history and the Art Nouveau architecture in a guided tour, here’s what that was like
OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Ålesund Church (Ålesund Kirke)
Within Ålesund: 700 meters / 10 -15 min walk from cruise terminal (City Bus Route stop close by/ HOHO bus has a stop close by / taxi) Known for its stunning stained glass.
Ålesund Museum
Within town: 300 meters / 4-5 min walk from cruise port. A small but informative museum on Ålesund
Art Nouveau Center (Jugendstilsenteret)
Within town: 300 meters / 4-5 min walk from cruise terminal. Ålesund is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, rebuilt in this style after a devastating fire in 1904. Visit the Art Nouveau Center to learn about the town’s unique history and admire the elegant designs.
Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken)
Outside of Ålesund: 3.5 km west of port (City Bus Route has a bus stop close by / HOHO bus has a stop close by / taxi) One of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe, showcasing marine life from the Atlantic. Located a short taxi ride from the city center.
Sunnmøre Open Air Museum
Outside of Ålesund: 5.5 km east of terminal (City Bus Route stop/ HOHO bus has a stop/ taxi) Discover Norway’s history and heritage at the Sunnmore museum
EAT/DRINK
- Lamella AS: $4.43/47 NOK Lamella AS (Medium Scoop – Ice cream)
- Fisketorget: $29.61/314 NOK (245NOK Creamy Fish Soup + 69NOK Raspberry Lemonade)
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