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Ports and Excursions of Northern Europe


Ålesund, Norway-port

In 1904, much of Alesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period’s popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Alesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Alesund’s squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town’s rich fishing history and Norway’s contribution to World War II. Buy exquisite Norwegian fashions, jewelry, leather handbags, tapestries and glassworks. Alesund offers a wealth of restaurants serving everything from Norwegian seafood delicacies to international gourmet fare, ranging from Japanese to Italian.

View Cruises that visit this port

Free Excursions

Regent Choice Excursions

  • Ålesund and the Sunnmore Museum
    Light Activity
  • Atlantic Ocean Park
    Light Activity
  • The Saga Islands: Giske and Godoy
    Light Activity
  • Walking Tour of Alesund
    Extreme Walking or Long Tours

Ålesund and the Sunnmore Museum

Light Activity

Duration: 3 hours

Tour Code: ALE-004

Ålesund is known as the Art Nouveau town by the sea, and recently voted the most beautiful town in Norway. It has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the sea, and it is situated at the very entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord.

Internationally renowned for its unique architecture, the town was devastated by a fire in 1904, laying 850 houses in ashes and leaving 10,000 people homeless. During a remarkably short period of time, the new Ålesund was rebuilt in the unique architectural style, especially significant from 1890-1910, with a myriad of turrets, spires and medieval ornaments.

Your tour begins with a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the moderns suburbs to the old trading center of Borgund. Here, in a delightful open-air setting you'll find the Sunnmore Museum. This wonderful museum is comprised of various types of farmhouses and boathouses which have been moved to this site from all over the region. The Museum also houses a number of different old boats. The shipbuilding traditions of the area hold their traditions from long ago, and boats built here were believed to be the most reliable to be found along the coast. On display here are also replicas of the so-called Kvalsund boat from the year 700 AD and the even older Fjørtoft boats. Alongside is also the fishing vessel "Heland" - better known as the "Shetland Bus" as it was used to carry Norwegian partisans acrss the North Sea during World War II.

Your return to Alesund includes a stop at the Mount Aksla viewpoint, Fjellstua. Truly spectacular scenery that includes breathtaking panoramas of the mountains and sea can be appreciated from this advantageous location. After a stop for photos, you'll continue your journey back to the pier in Alesund, passing through central areas of the city along your route.

Please note: This tour includes a moderate amount of walking at the Sunnmore Museum - some of it over uneven surfaces. There are some steps to negotiate at the various displays and the main building is not wheelchair accessible. Therefore, the tour may not be suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are suggested.