Alesund

Alesund

The coastal town of Alesund is the commercial capital of the More og Romsdal district. But more important, it is noted for its characteristic Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, which some claim make Alesund one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. Today, narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues. As one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world, in 1998 Alesund was awarded the coveted Houens National Memorial Prize for the preservation of its unique architecture.

Activities

Atlantic Sea Park - Located about two miles west of Ålesund, this unique Sea Park is built into a large stretch of coastal area with fishing stands, hiking trails, bathing sites and outstanding diving venues. It features large aquariums teeming with ocean life from up and down the Atlantic. Fish feeding is daily at 1:00 p.m. Ålesund Museum - The exhibits at this museum concentrate on the history of sealing, fishing, shipping, the fire of 1904, the German occupation during World War II and the town's distinctive Jugendstil architecture. Ålesund Church - The church was built in 1909 in Norman style. It boasts splendid frescoes and beautiful stained-glass windows. The gable windows behind the organ were an inauguration gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II. Municipal ParkLocally known as Byparken, it features a statue of Rollo, which was presented to the people of Ålesund from the city of Rouen in 1911. The park also has a monument dedicated to Kaiser Wilhelm II who made major contributions to the rebuilding of Ålesund after the Great Fire in 1904.

Shopping

Enjoy browsing for Norwegian handicrafts and knitwear with the distinct Norway design. Shops along the pedestrian street and in the shopping mall are no more than 500 yards from the pier. Opening hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Food

For lunch ashore, there are a number of good restaurants. The obvious choice is fresh fish and seafood. At typical fish restaurants you can pick your own lobster or order the popular mixed fish and shellfish platter.

Currency

The local currency is the krone.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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