Ålesund

One stormy winter night in 1904, a fire raged through Ålesund. By morning, 850 houses were in ruins and more than 10,000 people were homeless. But the city was rebuilt within three years. This is how Ålesund became an art nouveau city with a rare architectural expression. No other city in Norway has so many art nouveau houses next to one another. There are towers and spires and flowering vines that twist along the buildings’ colourful facades wherever you turn.

When you have finished admiring the beautiful art nouveau details, it's time for the great view. Preferably by walking up the 418 steps to the city mountains. Panoramic views of the Sunnmøre Alps, fjords, islands and ocean await. 

With such a location, it is no wonder that Ålesund is the fishing capital. Visitors see it and taste it. Fishing boats are moored in the centre, you can feed fish in Atlanterhavsparken (the aquarium) and you can enjoy countless varieties of klipfish at one of the city's many restaurants.