Around the beginning of the 1900s, Europe (including Alesund Norway) experienced a new architectural and artistic style within decorative arts, the Art Nouveau, also known as the Jugendstil in German, el Modernismo Catalán in Spanish and the Modern Style in English.

The style varied depending on the leading architects and artists representing this new genre in each big European city. Barcelona had its style, and so had Vienna, Brussels, Glasgow, Prague, and the other metropolises embracing the new style and having architects who desired to influence it.

Jugendstil | Photo: Travel In Culture

Also, Alesund became such an Art Nouveau town, maybe a bit by chance. As it happened, a devastating fire ravaged in January 1904. Ten thousands of citizens were made homeless overnight. When rebuilding the houses, mainly in 1904-1907, the architects were influenced by the new, prevailing style in Europe, the trending Art Nouveau.

What still today makes Alesund unique is precisely this fascinating architectural style found everywhere in the streets on the outstanding building façades – the early 1900s style, the Art Nouveau. The views are breathtaking – especially from the neighbouring mountain overlooking the city.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Going for a stroll through the historical centre of Alesund, you will spot the eye-catching architecture on every street corner. The subtleties of turrets, spires, and beautifully ornamented colourful wooden houses together create the unique atmosphere of a bygone time, yet surprisingly and harmonically integrated with the modern Norwegian city.

Alesund´s popularity with visitors is indisputable, given its extraordinary cultural scene. Cosy cafés, the odd seafood restaurant and intriguing small boutiques all contribute to the attractiveness and character of the architecturally spectacular coastal city.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Photo: Travel In Culture

You will notice the impressive pharmacy, Svaneapoteket, from 1907, both a museum and a national centre of Art Nouveau. The Ålesund Art Nouveau centre, Jugendstilsenteret & KUBE, is inside the spectacular pharmacy. Today, the building features remarkable, authentic objects from the age and temporary exhibitions.

Walk along Skateflukaia, Kongens Gate, St Olav Square, continue over the iconic bridge, Hellebroa with a stunning view to a Venice-like canal sea, discover the fortification in Bakkegata, the old church, Kipervikstorget, the City Hall and all the other beautiful and unusual façades with a touch of Art Nouveau in central Alesund.

Hellebroa | Photo: Michelle Maria / Pixabay

At Molovegen, you can explore the old wooden warehouses and vividly coloured fisherman’s houses, of which some today have been converted into enticing cafés and fascinating museums.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Continue along the pier past a couple of traditional old ships towards the iconic red lighthouse at the end, marking the entrance of Alesund Harbour for visitors arriving from the seaside.

Photo: Travel In Culture

To obtain panoramic and picturesque postcard views of Alesund, you will climb the 418 steps to the Fjellstua viewing point at the city park, Byparken. It is a fascinating hike with panoramic lookouts, including Byrampen (the city ramp) and Strykejernet (the iron). While ascending the steep mountain, you can follow the number of steps already completed (step numbers are printed on some of the steps!).

Strykejernet, Aksla Mountain | Photo: Travel In Culture

It is from the Aksla Viewpoint that the iconic ‘aerial’ shots of Alesund are often taken. You have a fabulous view of scenic Alesund from up here both in the morning, during the day and at sunset!

Alesund is unique in Norway – and in Europe. Besides rocks, islands, islets, pristine sandy beaches, and freely roaming sheep carrying catchy bells just a few kilometres from the central streets, Alesund is one of the top cultural cities in Norway.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Photo: Travel In Culture

In addition to Art Nouveau, the Alesund area offers a lot of other activities and interesting sites to visit such as the Sunnmøre Museum, an open-air museum of 55 traditional old houses, the Atlantic Sea Park, Atlanterhavsparken, with otters and penguins, the Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy and the Slogen Mountain for a fabulous hike up the renowned summit in the Sunnmøre Alps.

You can also opt for a cruise into the Hjørund Fjord or the Geiranger Fjord, some of the most beautiful fjords in the world, or go to study the unusual puffins on Runde, the bird island, where 100,000 pairs of puffins nest every year. The town has got something for everyone, but the Alesund Art Nouveau houses are one of the major draws!

You can also make Alesund part of a trip along the Norwegian West Coast: Things to Do in Norway – Trip West Coast – Fjords & Cities 12 Days

Photo: Travel In Culture

Photo: Travel In Culture

Going to Oslo? Then take a look at 9 Cultural Things to Do in Oslo: Opera House, Akershus, Munch Museum

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