Alesund
A comprehensive local guide for the perfect day in Alesund.
Introduction.
Ålesund is a charming Norwegian seaside town, filled with Art Nouveau architecture and
stone-cobbled streets. Known in Old Norse as 'Eel Strait', the town has played a part in some
of the most seismic events in history and is now a beautiful tourist destination, with many
great places to eat, drink, and relax. Step back through time at any of Ålesund's breathtaking
museums or enjoy the cold sea breeze and wild beauty of Norway at Alnes or Kniven.
About this guide.
No guidebook knows a town quite like a local, so we've spoken to some of Alesund's
knowledgeable residents to help you plan your exploration in the different ports of call on
your voyage. In this comprehensive destination guide, you'll find details of the best places to
eat, drink, shop and experience something unique. To help you plan your time ashore, we've
provided the distance from the port gates or the shuttle drop off point to each point of
interest. Most spots are just a short walk away and you can find directions by clicking on the
'more info' button below each item. To use this guide onboard, internet access will be required.
Please make sure to save the guide as a PDF on your device before you travel or purchase an
internet package onboard.
1 Coffee
Ålesund has a wonderful variety of coffee shops, ranging from cosy high-street cafés to
old laboratories.
Dråpe Ålesund Kaffehus Café
Opt for a coffee and a slice of their famous carrot cake to go at this chic minimalist coffee house.
Opening Hours
monday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
sunday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Racoon Coffee Coffee
Shop
Just off the waterfront on a street corner, this is the perfect spot to soak in A lesund's relaxed
atmosphere.
Opening Hours
monday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
tuesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
wednesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
thursday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tante Bruun interior and design AS Breakfast Spot
Indulge in breakfast, pastries and Tante Bruun's daily specials in this warm and welcoming coffee
shop.
Opening Hours
monday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
tuesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
sunday Closed
Jacu Coffee Roastery Coffee
Shop
Exquisite artisan coffee at a local roastery that offers breakfast pastries and lunch sandwiches
too.
Opening Hours
monday open 24hr
tuesday open 24hr
wednesday open 24hr
thursday open 24hr
friday open 24hr
saturday open 24hr
sunday open 24hr
Apoteker'n Café Café
This cosy little café is nestled inside an old laboratory and is a great place to take some time off.
Opening Hours
monday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
tuesday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
wednesday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
thursday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
friday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
sunday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2 Lunch
Norway is best known for its seafood and
Ålesund doesn't disappoint with both fine dining and home-cooking options.
Sjøbua Seafood Restaurant
Stop at this elegant waterfront restaurant. The traditional Norwegian lobster soup is always a
popular choice.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
wednesday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
thursday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
friday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
saturday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
sunday Closed
XL Diner Seafood Restaurant
An elegant upscale restaurant serving fresh seafood. Be sure to try XL Diner's signature Bacalao
dish.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
wednesday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
thursday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
friday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
saturday 5:00 – 11:00 PM
sunday Closed
Apotekergata No. 5 Scandinavian Restaurant
Pick from Apotekergata's topography-themed tasting menu, with dishes from the ocean floor to
mountain tops.
Opening Hours
monday 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
tuesday 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
wednesday 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
friday 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
sunday 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Anno Restaurant & Bar Pizzeria
A chic waterfront venue with delicious stone-oven pizzas and quality local seafood options.
Opening Hours
monday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
tuesday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
wednesday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
thursday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
friday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
saturday 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
sunday Closed
Let’s Eat Deli Ålesund Deli Cafeteria
Fantastic value for this gastronomic tour of world cuisine that aims to appeal to everyone.
Opening Hours
monday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
tuesday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
saturday 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
sunday Closed
Island Discovery
4 hours
Discover the scenery and history of the ‘Viking saga islands’ of Giske and Godøy.
3 Drinks
Unwind like a Norwegian, with a beer in hand and a view of the sea at MILK, a glass of
wine at Vino or a Guinness at Nelly.
Vino Bar Wine Bar
Relax in Vino Bar and explore their excellent wine list with the guidance of warm and
knowledgeable staff.
Opening Hours
monday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
tuesday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
wednesday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
thursday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
friday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
saturday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
sunday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Molo Brew Brewery Bar
Molo Brew serves locally-brewed, high-quality craft beer. Come for their incredible burgers and
live music.
Opening Hours
monday Open 24 hours
tuesday Open 24 hours
wednesday Open 24 hours
thursday Open 24 hours
friday Open 24 hours
saturday Open 24 hours
sunday Open 24 hours
Bro Kystgastronomi Bar & Restaurant
A restaurant that transforms into a bustling bar come evening, Bro is the perfect spot for every
time of day.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
wednesday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
thursday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
friday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
saturday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
sunday Closed
MILK Bar & Lounge Cocktail
Bar
The coolest spot in Ålesund. MILK is open late, right on the sea and offers great beers, wine and
cocktails.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
wednesday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
thursday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
friday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
saturday 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
sunday Closed
4 Shopping
Homemade glassware, Norwegian antiques and toasty knitwear are on offer at
Ålesund's many boutiques.
Trankokeriet Antikk Arts & Crafts Store
Trankokeriet stocks everything from traditional Norwegian wooden crafts to authentic vintage
toys.
Opening Hours
monday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
tuesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
wednesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
thursday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Galleri Artifex Gallery
Visit the chic and contemporary Artifex for a select variety of beautiful art and bespoke designs.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
wednesday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
thursday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
friday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
saturday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
sunday Closed
Ingrids glassverksted Glass Studio
Explore the majestic handcrafted glassware at Ingrid's Glassverksted with each piece as unique
as the next.
Opening Hours
monday open 24hr
tuesday open 24hr
wednesday open 24hr
thursday open 24hr
friday open 24hr
saturday open 24hr
sunday open 24hr
Husfliden Ålesund Gift Shop
A mega-store dedicated to Norwegian knitting and needlecraft. Grab a jumper or pair of gloves
for the journey.
Opening Hours
monday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
tuesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
thursday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
sunday Closed
Sky-High Views at Strandafjell
5 hours
Experience once-in-a-lifetime mountaintop views.
5 Culture
Delve into Ålesund's Art Nouveau architecture or take a walk around one of its heritage
museums.
Jugendstilsenteret og KUBE Museum
Immerse yourself in this astonishing reconstruction of an art nouveau museum that offers
changing exhibits.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
wednesday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
thursday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
friday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
saturday 12:00 – 4:00 PM
sunday 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Fisheries Museum in Ålesund Museum
Surrounded by stunning harbour views, this fascinating museum pays homage to Ålesund's proud
fishing heritage.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday Closed
wednesday Closed
thursday Closed
friday Closed
saturday 12:00 – 4:00 PM
sunday Closed
6 Outdoor
Ålesund sits in the midst of magnificent scenery. Explore its viewpoints and surrounding
nature for some unforgettable views.
Aksla Viewpoint
Work your way up the mountain and treat yourself to an unforgettable view of your journey thus
far.
Opening Hours
monday Open 24 hours
tuesday Open 24 hours
wednesday Open 24 hours
thursday Open 24 hours
friday Open 24 hours
saturday Open 24 hours
sunday Open 24 hours
Sunnmøre Museum Historic Site
This open-air museum is home to around 55 well-preserved buildings, houses and boats from
A lesund's past.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
wednesday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
thursday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
friday 12:00 – 6:00 PM
saturday 12:00 – 4:00 PM
sunday 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Alnes Fyr Lighthouse
Godøy island is home to this beautifully set lighthouse, great restaurants and breathtaking scenery.
Opening Hours
monday Closed
tuesday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
wednesday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
thursday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
friday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
saturday 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
sunday Closed
Storhaugen Trail
A hiking area with a beautiful view over Ålesund, and lots of viewpoints along the
trails.
Opening Hours
monday Open 24 hours
tuesday Open 24 hours
wednesday Open 24 hours
thursday Open 24 hours
friday Open 24 hours
saturday Open 24 hours
sunday Open 24 hours
Hjørundfjord Cruise
3 hours
See one of the gems of the fjords from Ålesund during a leisurely cruise along the
Hjørundfjord.
i General Tips.
Curency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Emergency services
Police 112, Ambulance 113, Fire 110
Police station
Nedre Strandgate 50
+47 70 11 87 00
Tourist information office
Skateflukaia
+47 70 16 34 30
Pharmacy
Ålesund Storesenter, Grimmergata 1
Vitusapotek
+47 70 10 76 80
Tipping
Tipping is not required or expected in Norway. Rather, it is entirely voluntary and up to you.
That being said, some people prefer to round up to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK.
Locals dislike it when you
Try to haggle over prices, are overly affectionate in public, criticise local customs without good
cause, act like you are better than someone else (The Jante Law).
Gifts to take home
Merino wool knitwear, vintage Norwegian antiques, Art Nouveau enamel.
Taxi
Alesund Taxi
+ 47 70 10 30 00
Security
Ålesund is a safe destination, but as with any destination, you should take the usual safety
precautions. Stay in well-populated areas, especially at night, and keep track of your
belongings.
Essential phrases.
Good morning
God morgen
"Goo moh-ohrn"
Good afternoon
God ettermiddag
"Gooh eh-ter-mee-dahg"
Good night
God natt
"Gooh naht"
Hello
Hallo
"Hallo"
Where is
Hvor er…?
"Woor err"
Please
Vær så snill
"Var-saw snill"
Thank you
Takk
"Tahk"
Excuse me
Unnskyld meg
"Unn-shill mei"
I dont understand
Jeg forstår ikke
"Yay for-storh ee-keh"
Alesund by P&O Cruises
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of thisguide, some of the information included is
subject to change.Opening times, admission details and prices were correct at timeof publication, however
they should only be used as an indication.If you find any information to be incorrect, or have anysuggestions
for what else we could include in this guide, then wewould like to hear from you. Write to: The Editors, Cunard
LinePort Guides, Cunard Line, Floor 3, Shore Operations, CarnivalHouse, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton,
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