Ålesund: Sea, Art Nouveau and Aksla

Ålesund offers several focal points for planning your trip: the sea and wildlife on Tueneset, Art Nouveau architecture and art in the centre, and trails and a viewing tower on the city mountain Aksla. If you are looking for a hotel in Ålesund, you can consider which of these aspects of the city you would like to shape your trip most. The locations differ both in what they offer and where they are situated.

The sea and hands-on activities at Atlanterhavsparken

Atlanterhavsparken is a public saltwater aquarium in Ålesund. In the activity room, visitors of all ages can catch crabs, take mussels, sea cucumbers and other species out of the water, and learn more about marine life. During the daily feedings, fish, seals, otters and penguins are hand-fed at set times. Staff explain the species and answer questions. As feeding times may change, check the current schedule before your visit.

The aquarium is on Tueneset, surrounded by nature, 3 km from Ålesund city centre. You can get there by car, bus, taxi or on foot. A visit combines marine themes and activities in the aquarium with a location outside the city centre. By contrast, the art museum Jugendstilsenteret and KUBE is in the heart of the centre.

Art Nouveau and art in the centre

The art museum Jugendstilsenteret and KUBE has national responsibility for Art Nouveau in Norway and displays authentic Art Nouveau interiors. KUBE presents several temporary art exhibitions throughout the year. This brings together permanent interiors and exhibitions whose content changes. The public programme includes guided tours, talks, concerts and other events; individual dates may change. If you are planning around a specific event, check its current date.

KUBE is located in the former branch building of Norges Bank, built in 1906, in the centre of Ålesund. This also makes a visit appealing to travellers who want to explore art and architecture together: the authentic Art Nouveau interiors are part of the museum visit, while the changing exhibitions and events offer further, varied reasons to visit.

Aksla: trails, steps and facilities

The city mountain Aksla is a hiking area with many options for different activities. Trails and roads lead to several areas. From the city centre, 418 steps climb through Byparken to Fjellstua; at the highest point of Aksla stands the Rundskue viewing tower. These details describe two specific landmarks to help you plan: the steps through the park and the tower on the mountain. Parts of the trail network on Aksla can be used by wheelchair and bicycle.

At Akslatunet near Dam2, there is a large shelter set up for socialising and barbecues. There is also a fitness park and a basic toilet; these facilities are free to use. Byparken has a playground for children aged 1 to 15. Together, the city mountain and park offer different ways to spend time outdoors, from trails on Aksla to a playground in the city centre.

Harbour, city park and other local details

Holm-bua is a landmark in Ålesund’s inner harbour. Byparken has a copy of the Gonge-Rolf statue; the original is in Rouen, and another copy is in Fargo, USA. The city mountain Aksla contains numerous traces of German defensive installations from the Second World War. Each of these places gives cultural and historical themes in Ålesund a specific point of reference: the harbour, Byparken and the city mountain.

Hundemarka near Fagerlia may also be relevant when planning your trip: dogs are allowed to run off-leash there. So, alongside the themes of the sea, art and hiking, there are also individual places with a clearly stated purpose.

Discover more destinations: Ellingsøy

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