Mount Aksla and Norwegian viking history
Mount Aksla and Norwegian viking history
Welcome to Ålesund, to the famous viewpoint Aksla and to a time travel a thousand years back in time to the viking island of Giske.
About the excursion
Level: 1 (Read more)
Season: Winter, spring (2 Jan - 31 May)
Min/max persons: 10 - 25
Booking reference: AESN10
Price: Price list
The guide will meet you at the quay and accompany you on the bus to Mount Aksla, and then on to the Island of Giske. You'll enjoy mulled wine at the Viking farm before visiting Giske Church. Throughout the excursion, you'll be treated to storytelling. Most activities are indoors, but please dress appropriately for the weather.
It is thousand years since Norway’s most famous King, the Viking King Olav Haraldsson, had the Christian Law adopted as Norwegian law. This period was also the birth of the nation of Norway and the start of the society we know today. One of the oldest estates in Norway was located on the island of Giske at that time. It was home to the powerful Giske-family, also called the Arnesons. Exclusively for Havila Kystruten, we invite you to a journey back in time and a history lesson, where we go deeper into this dramatic time for Norway.
During this authentic excursion, crafted by locals on the island of Giske exclusively for Havila Voyages, you will learn about the origins of Norway's national identity. You'll also explore the dramatic Christianization era that has shaped our nation for the past 1000 years. Rest assured, there will be a whole lot of storytelling!
Your guide and bus will meet you at the quay and welcome you to The Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, voted by many as Norway's most beautiful one and your first town on your journey north after Bergen. To get a good overview, the tour first goes up to the viewpoint, which is 130 meters above Ålesund towncentre, the mountain of Aksla.
Ålesund and the Aksla viewpoint
Ålesund is particularly known for two things, its beautiful architecture and its status as a fishing capital.
You will find out more about this on the tour, which first goes up to the town mountain Aksla, Ålesund's highest point. From this vantage point, 130 meters above sea level, you get a fantastic view of Ålesund and the picturesque surroundings, including the island of Giske, which is the destination of the excursion.
Storytelling and activities at Giske
The island Giske is connected to the mainland through two subsea tunnels, only 15 minutes by bus from the town centre.
At Giske we start with a visit to Gisketunet, where you get an insight into what life at Giske was like exactly a thousand years ago. Storytelling, combined with various activities, contributes to a gathering time around the fire. Continuing we take a short walk to Giske church. This beautiful little marble church – was build as a family chapel for the powerful Giske family almost 900 years ago – is still in use every single week. Join an authentic experience full of educational storytelling - where the stories happened. Welcome to Giske!
