Ålesund, Norway

Ålesund, Norway
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alesund_3.jpg
Author: GangerRolf


Ålesund is a stunningly picturesque Norwegian town on the west coast of Norway. It is in Møre og Romsdal county, Sunnmøre district, Ålesund region. The town covers 98.78 sq km (38.1 sq mi) and has a population of 43,000 (2011 estimate).

The town of Ålesund may have existed as early as the 10th century, as documented evidence pointed to it being the hometown of Gangerolf, the founder of the dukes of Normandy from that period. For that reason, there is a statue of Gangerolf in Ålesund today.

Modern-day Ålesund has one of the highest number of houses built in the Art Nouveau style, giving it an outstanding contribution to European architecture. This came about largely due to the big fire which consumed Ålesund in 1904. This necessitated a major rebuilding.

It so happened that when the fire broke out, Emperor Wilhelm of Germany was in the Sunnmøre district when the fire broke out. He immediately sent four warships with building material to help build temporary shelter for its inhabitants and also barracks for the construction workers.

Aerial view of Ålesund
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%C3%85lesund_DSC_0289.jpg
Author: GangerRolf


Kirkegata, Ålesund
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alesund_Kirkegata_-_2.jpg
Author: GangerRolf


When the Norwegian architects rebuilt Ålesund, they adopted the Art Nouveau style, also called Jugendstil in Germany, which was in vogue during that time. In honor of Emperor Wilhem's contribution, the town named its busiest street after him.

Visiting Ålesund

The most practical way to reach Ålesund is by flight. The Ålesund Airport gets flights from cities in Norway as well as from Riga and Copenhagen. There are long-distance buses from Oslo to Ålesund, but if you are planning to take the bus, be prepared for the 10-hour journey.

Sights & Attractions in Ålesund

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