Exploring Ålesund
- RetiredCormac
- Sep 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Schedules
Review the sailing schedule carefully. Depending on the time of the year the boat may dock in Ålesund all day, alternatively it may only dock for a short while at Ålesund then progress to visit either Geiranger or Hjørundfjord, before returning to Ålesund. This is the information that I've collated from the Hurtigrute and Havila Voyages websites.
Round Voyage & Voyage North - Day 2 - Variant 1 -
Hurtigruten and Havila operate this November to March
Arrive Ålesund @ 09:45, Depart @ 20:00
Round Voyage & Voyage North - Day 2 - Variant 2 -
Hurtigruten operate this June to August.
Havila operate it May to August.
Arrive Ålesund @ 09:45, Depart @ 10:00
Arrive Geiranger @ 14:25, Depart @ 14:45
Arrive Ålesund @ 19:00, Depart @ 20:00
Round Voyage & Voyage North - Day 2 - Variant 3 -
Hurtigruten operate this April & May, and September & October.
Havila operate it September & October only.
Arrive Ålesund @ 09:45, Depart @ 10:00
Arrive Hjørundfjord @ 12:15, Depart @ 15:45
Arrive Ålesund @ 18:00, Depart @ 20:00
Round Voyage & Voyage South - Day 12 / Day 6 - Arrive @ 00:30, Depart @ 01:20
Climate
Midnight Sun - Not applicable
Polar Night - Not applicable
Here is a good link to the Norwegian weather service.
Observations - other than Excursions
Ålesund is a lovely picturesque coastal town. Its famed for its buildings. The Art Nouveau architecture that is very present throughout the town was as a consequence of the rebuilding after a significant fire in 1904.
The town is also known as the gateway to the fjords. That includes trips to Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord.
As you approach the town - you'll spot the elevated viewing point. It's a steep climb to get the best views, 418 steep steps up to Mount Aksla to be more exact. But you will be rewarded with excellent views. It is worth the effort, but be warned - it is a tough climb.
Note - it is possible to get to the viewing point by car/taxi. We only discovered that when we had got to the top.
We found the town to be compact and busy - but not too busy.
Walking through the streets along by the harbour is also nice, soaking up the city’s creative and café culture makes Ålesund a perfect stop.
Eats
Lots of restaurants. During the winter we returned to the ship for lunch and then went out for another walk - taking a bit of a different route.
Walk
There are good footpaths around the city.
Ålesund - in one line
Ålesund is a busy compact town - with a great viewing point if you have the energy and time.
Updates
Here is a google maps from the ship to the view point mentioned above
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