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Your guide to visiting Ålesund, Norway on a cruise stop. This port city mixes Art Nouveau architecture, sweeping viewpoints, and quick access to fjords and wildlife.

Ålesund, Norway Cruise Port Guide: (Jump To)

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How To Get To The City From the Alesund Port

The Alesund cruise ship terminal is within walking distance of the city center, so you won’t need a shuttle or taxi to start exploring. From the port of Alesund, you can walk straight into town in under ten minutes.

There are two common docking points. If your ship docks at the main cruise pier (Skansekaia), you’re basically in town already—it’s a 3-minute walk to the pedestrian center. If you dock at Flatholmen or the industrial terminal, the port usually offers a paid shuttle into the center. It’s not walkable from those spots. Ask your cruise line which terminal you’ll be at before arrival.

Is Alesund, Norway Safe?

Alesund is safe, even for solo cruise passengers exploring on their own. Whether you're heading to the Aksla Viewpoint or wandering the art nouveau streets, this is a low-risk city with plenty of helpful signage.

Yes. Ålesund is very safe, even by Norway standards. The biggest threat here is probably a wet staircase. Crime is rare. You can walk around with your camera out, ask for help without worry, and explore independently with no concerns. That said, don’t ignore ferry and hike safety signs—Norway doesn’t post those for fun.

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How To Get Around Ålesund, Norway

Ålesund is compact, and most things to do in Ålesund are walkable from the port or reachable with a short local bus ride. The Alesund tourist information centre near the port can help with directions or quick maps of the city.

Downtown Ålesund is compact and walkable, especially the area around the Art Nouveau buildings and harbor. Most cruise passengers who are planning to stay in the city center won’t need to use the bus unless venturing farther out to the aquarium, Sunnmøre Museum, or Sugarloaf hike.

Many visitors enjoy the ease of the local Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tour which has many stops at local attractions.

Visitors who decide they require a bus ride will find that local city buses are affordable, reliable, and easy to use with the FRAM App. On the app, you can buy a 24-hour transit pass for about $18 USD or pay per ride for around $4 USD. You can also buy tickets directly from the bus driver while boarding.

Ferries are available to nearby islands for more ambitious day trips.

An Alesund tourist information centre tourist kiosk with information and local bookings is available as soon as you get off the ship.

What To See in Ålesund, Norway

What to do in Alesund from a cruise ship includes climbing the stairs to Aksla Viewpoint, checking out the Alesund Aquarium, and walking the town’s art nouveau district. These things to do in Alesund don’t require a tour and are easy to fit into a half-day.

Alesund Norway Cruise Port Things To Do in Alesund - Fjellstua

Aksla Viewpoint (Fjellstua)

Map: Google Maps

This is the city’s most recognizable viewpoint. You can climb the 418 stairs from the town park if you’re up for it, or save time and energy by grabbing a taxi to the top. Either way, the panoramic views are the reason to come—Ålesund, the surrounding islands, and the open sea all laid out below. There's a café at the top, but the main draw is outside.

Alesund Norway Cruise Port Things To Do in Alesund - Art Nouveau Center

Art Nouveau Center (Jugendstilsenteret)

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

This Museum was built inside a former pharmacy that survived the 1904 fire. After the rebuild, the entire town went Art Nouveau, and this place explains why. There’s furniture, photographs, and even a multimedia exhibit showing how the town transformed. It’s not very large, but it’s tightly curated. Entry includes access to the nearby KUBE art museum.

Ålesund Church

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

The church was rebuilt in stone after the fire, and the architecture reflects it—thick walls, minimal ornamentation, but well-made. Inside, you’ll find stained glass and local craftsmanship. It’s usually open between services and welcomes respectful visitors. It’s worth walking the few short blocks out of the way to check out.

Brosundet Canal

Map: Google Maps

This canal cuts right through the old part of Ålesund. The colorful buildings and small boats moored alongside it make for solid photos. It’s a good spot for people-watching and selfie-sticking, especially around the bridge. Many shops and restaurants are located here and it’s located near the main cruise pier so you'll probably pass by at some point.

Ålesund Town Park

Map: Google Maps

This is a small green space at the base of the Aksla stairs. There’s a statue of Viking Rollo (famous as the first ruler of Normandy), some benches, an and open lawn. It’s not a must-see on its own, but a nice spot to catch your breath before or after the hike up. If you’re walking to the viewpoint, this is your starting and end point.

KUBE Art Museum

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

Here you’ll find contemporary art in a historic building. The focus is Nordic artists and experimental exhibitions, which rotate frequently. Sometimes it shares themes with the Art Nouveau Center across the street. The space itself is worth seeing even if you breeze through the actual artwork. Admission includes both museums.

The Fisheries Museum

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

This is a compact museum inside a waterfront warehouse. You’ll see vintage fishing gear, boat models, displays about the town’s long reliance on cod, and (sometimes) authentic fish smells. It’s low-tech but informative and doesn’t take long to see. This is a thing to do in Alesund in the rain.

Sunnmøre Museum

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

This is an excellent open-air museum filled with traditional homes, moss-covered roofs, reconstructed Viking boats from the 7th Century, and a a real taste of early life in the region. It’s about 10 minutes from town, so you’ll need a taxi or bus. If you’re interested in how Norwegians lived before modern plumbing and insulation, it’s a solid stop. Some tours include this, or you can go on your own.

Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken)

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

Atlantic Sea Park is Norway’s largest saltwater aquarium with tanks, feeding demos, and touch pools. The focus is cold-water marine life, so expect cod, rays, and other North Atlantic species. Outside, there are seals, penguins, and otters in a naturalistic setup overlooking the fjord. It’s located about 10 minutes by taxi or bus from downtown Ålesund.

The Lighthouse at Molja

Map: Google Maps

This tiny lighthouse has been converted into a one-room hotel, but the exterior is still a good photo stop. Located at the end of a narrow jetty just off the Brosundet canal. No need to book a night—just swing by for the view. It’s a quick detour if you’re walking the canal route or checking out the Fisheries Museum.

Kongens Gate (Marina) for Shopping

Map: Google Maps

The town’s main commercial street and marina area. You’ll find souvenir shops, design boutiques, and outdoor gear stores. You’ll find decent cafes and fancier sit-down restaurants near or on the water. There are also some public art sculptures adding to the street’s allure. It’s not a long street, but it’s a reasonably short walk from the port and usually has a few decent window displays. It’s a good spot to find a souvenir, gift, troll statue, or sweater.

Hike to Sukkertoppen (The Sugar Top)

Map: Google Maps
Map: Alltrails

This is the harder of Ålesund’s hikes, with a longer trail and more elevation than Aksla. The reward is a 360-degree view of the town, fjords, and open sea. The roundtrip takes about 2 hours, not counting transit to the trailhead which would require a bus ride or taxi. You’ll want sturdy shoes and decent weather. It’s worth doing if you’re active and have the time.

Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Norway!

Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.

Best Shore Excursions in Alesund, Norway

Shore excursions from the Alesund cruise port often walking tours or boat rides through Hjørundfjord. If you're planning what to do in Alesund Norway on a shore day, these excursions offer a mix of culture and scenery.

Ålesund Walking Tour

A local guide leads you through the Art Nouveau district with context on the 1904 fire and rebuild. Usually includes entry to the Art Nouveau Center. Good for architecture and history fans. Low effort, easy pace.

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Hjørundfjord Cruise

Less trafficked than Geirangerfjord, this fjord cruise is quieter and more rugged. The cliffs are high and close, and visibility depends on the weather. Smaller boats mean more flexibility. A good option if you’ve already seen the big-name fjords.

Sea Kayaking in Ålesund

This is a close-to-town kayaking option that lets you see Ålesund from the water. Paddling routes go under bridges and along the coast. Most tours include all gear and dry bags. Guides adjust the pace depending on the group.

Troll Road (Trollstigen) Tour

One of the most dramatic roads in Norway, full of switchbacks and photo stops. Takes most of the day and involves a lot of bus time. The payoff is the view at the top, assuming the fog doesn’t roll in. Worth it if you haven’t done a fjord-mountain combo yet.

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Giske and Godøy Island Tour

This tour visits two nearby islands linked by undersea tunnels. Stops often include an old lighthouse, a few churches, and scenic points. A slower-paced option compared to the fjord tours. Usually includes van or minibus transport.

Best Restaurants in Alesund, Norway

Seafood is the main event in Alesund, especially at places like XL Diner where local fish is the specialty. If you’re after something quick, the cafes near the Alesund cruise ship terminal serve up great coffee and snacks.

XL Diner

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

Known for bacalao and other clipfish dishes. Big portions and good views from the windows overlooking the water. A local favorite, especially for lunch. Service is quick by Norwegian standards.

Anno Restaurant & Bar

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

Modern take on Norwegian food, with an emphasis on seafood and seasonal ingredients. Portions aren’t huge but the quality is high. Service is efficient, and it's not far from the harbor. Good for lunch or early dinner.

Let’s Eat Deli

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

Sandwiches, smoothies, and wraps made for takeaway. Right in the center, so it’s convenient between stops. Fast service and better than average ingredients. You can eat outside or take it to the park to fuel up before climbing to the lookout.

Racoon Coffee

Map: Google Maps
Website: Link

Indie café with a focus on sourdough toasts, eggs, and coffee. It’s in the marina shopping area situated perfectly for mid-shopping refueling. Inside you’ll find a chill atmosphere, lots of plants, and one of the better breakfast spots in town. It’s a good alternative if everywhere else is packed.

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Alesund Cruise Port Map

Alesund Norway cruise port maps are easy to find online or at the Alesund tourist information centre. The port of Alesund is well-marked, and most attractions appear on any basic Alesund Norway city map on your smartphone.

Map: Google Maps (Main/Skansekaia Port)
Sightseeing Train Map: PDF

The city is easy to navigate using Google Maps or your favorite mapping app. Pin and save the destinations you find interesting from our list above and plan your path. We also share a map of the sightseeing train.