Alesund is a harbour city situated on the west coast of Norway. It is spread across islands and a peninsula, in the mouth of a few fjords. At the beginning of the 19th century, the city’s population was 300 people, while by the end of the century – more than 8 thousand. Such rapid growth was facilitated by its convenient location, that enabled the heyday of fishing focused mostly on cod.
Nowadays, the city still remains in the top of the Norwegian fishing and fish processing industries. It is a small place inhabited by a bit more than 40 thousand people, but somehow it is a very interesting touristic destination.
The city is built in coherent style, due to the fact that almost all of the buildings were erected during a few years in the beginning of the 20th century, after massive fire. Its Art Nouveau architecture is bringing there lots of enthusiasts of the style. Alesund is a part of the secessionist cities organization "Réseau Art Nouveau Network" among Barcelona or Budapest. If you wish to find out more on the city’s intriguing architecture or the Art Nouveau style itself – visit the Secessionist Center Jugendstilsenteret.
Alesund is a great place for nature lovers, as breath-taking mountains meet there with never-ending waters of The Norwegian Sea. It is a great area for active leisure such as skiing or mountain hiking to the peeks that offer outstanding views.
The oldest part of the city is located at the end of an island, which results in a great match of a sea panorama and secessionist architecture. Nearby there is Atlanterhavsparken, one of the biggest salt water aquarium in the whole Scandinavia, which serves as the leading touristic attraction of the region. Alesund isn’t your typical Norwegian city, and that is why visiting it can be very rewarding.
