Mount Aksla

Ready for a small challenge? You’re about to start a short climb that leads to one of the best viewpoints in Ålesund. Mount Aksla rises to only about 190 meters above sea level, but thanks to its location right in the middle of the Ålesund archipelago, the view from the top is truly impressive. From there, you’ll see the city spread out between the sea and the fjords, the Atlantic Ocean stretching toward the horizon, and to the east, the snow-covered peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. To reach the summit, you can climb the 418 stone steps that wind their way up the hillside. Most people take between 10 and 20 minutes to reach the top, depending on their pace. There’s no need to rush, benches along the way offer good spots to pause and catch your breath. The climb may feel a bit steep at times, but that just makes the view at the top even more rewarding. If you’d rather skip the stairs, there are other ways to get there. You can drive up to the summit, or take the small tourist train called Bytoget, which usually departs from the cruise terminal. Once you reach the top, take a moment to look around. You’ll be able to spot the city’s three main islands, Nørvøya, Aspøya, and Hessa, as well as the Sunnmøre archipelago with its countless small islands scattered across the sea. And if you’re interested in history, a little farther beyond the viewpoint you can also find the remains of World War Two bunkers, built by German forces to monitor the harbor and the surrounding fjords. So take your time, enjoy the climb, and get ready for a fantastic view at the top.