Keep exploring

I’ll take advantage of this pleasant walk, surrounded by beautiful buildings, to share a few ideas for places you might enjoy visiting to continue exploring Ålesund and its surroundings. If you’re looking for nature, head to the island of Godøy to see the Alnes lighthouse, which offers a wonderful view over the Atlantic Ocean. You can also hike up Sukkertoppen on the island of Hessa, where an impressive panorama opens over the archipelago and the peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby, the Sunnmøre Museum in Borgund gives you a glimpse into the region’s past, with traditional houses and historic boats displayed in an open-air setting. If fjords interest you, the Hjørundfjord is well worth a visit. It’s often considered wilder and less crowded than the famous Geirangerfjord, and you can explore it by boat or along hiking trails that pass through dramatic alpine landscapes. Not far from there, the Rose Church in Stordal, with its interior covered in colorful floral paintings, is a beautiful example of Norwegian folk art. You might also stop in Valldal, sometimes called the village of strawberries, where you can taste local fruit while visiting the spectacular Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, known for its turquoise water and immense rock formations. Of course, the Geirangerfjord itself is one of the region’s most famous destinations. You can reach it by ferry from Hellesylt, and it’s known for its steep cliffs, iconic waterfalls, and clear blue waters. For breathtaking viewpoints, the Ørnevegen road leads to a dramatic lookout high above the fjord, while the town of Åndalsnes offers sweeping views over a wide glacial valley thanks to the Romsdalen cable car. A little farther away, the island of Runde is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to thousands of seabirds, including the famous Atlantic puffins. Another unforgettable drive is the Atlantic Ocean Road, often called the “Road of the Century,” which crosses a chain of bridges linking small islands, an especially impressive experience when the wind and waves are strong. If you enjoy outdoor adventure, the Norangsdalen valley, with its steep mountains and mysterious lake, is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature. And for something a bit more dynamic, you can also take a RIB boat cruise on the Storfjord, an exciting way to explore the fjords and their spectacular scenery. All these places show just how rich and varied the natural and cultural surroundings of Ålesund really are.