Mount Aksla Hike: How to Find the Best Ålesund Viewpoint

The first thing everyone tells you to do in Ålesund is climb the steps up to the viewpoint on Mount Aksla – and honestly, they’re right.

The panoramic views over the Art Nouveau town and mountains are so worth the hype!

I did this hike in winter, on my Havila Coastal Express stopover, with limited time and zero interest in a steep workout (I’m very much a flat walk kinda girl!)

But even with all that, the route was completely manageable.

You don’t need special gear or super fitness levels, and you don’t need to psych yourself up for a hard mountain trek!

The route to Mount Aksla is a short but steep climb, with plenty of spots to catch your breath and enjoy those classic Ålesund views that get better and better as you go!

Or, if the steps don’t appeal, I’ll also share a couple of easy alternatives that take you right to the main viewpoint (without breaking a sweat!)

In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to hike Mount Aksla, what the difficulty is really like, the best viewpoints, and the options for if you’d rather skip the climb altogether.

Ready? Let’s get into everything I wished I’d known before my own Mount Aksla hike!

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Overview: Mount Aksla, Ålesund

Table of Contents

Start/Finish: Byparken (Ålesund Town Park)

Steps: 418

Time Needed: Just over 1 hour (15-25 minutes up and back, plus time at the top)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate (short but steep uphill, suitable for beginners)

Elevation Gain: ~150m

Route Type: Wide staircase with handrails and plenty of stops along the way

Cost: Free (although in peak season, there is a small fee to access the main terrace)

Best Time of Year: Year-round. Easiest in summer, but magical in winter if it’s not icy

Best Time of Day: Golden hour or late evening (summer) or midday (winter)

Toilets: Available at Fjellstua Café at the top (seasonal opening hours)

Food & Drink: Fjellstua Café (seasonal) or plenty of cafés in town before/after

Public Transport Options: The tourist train in summer or taxis

Why Mount Aksla Is Ålesund’s Best Viewpoint

Mount Aksla is by far the best viewpoint in Ålesund, and you’ll see it everywhere – on Instagram, scrolling Pinterest, on postcards and on basically every tourist advert for Western Norway.

And honestly, there’s a good reason why this mountain viewpoint is so hyped!

From the top terrace of Fjellstua, you get a full panoramic view over Ålesund’s fairytale Art Nouveau buildings and main canal, the surrounding islands, the deep blue fjords and the surrounding mountains of the Sunnmøre Alps.

It’s a truly impressive view! So if you’re looking for the best Ålesund viewpoint, this is it.

Plus, the combination of the city’s Art Nouveau buildings with the surrounding mountains makes the Aksla viewpoint in Ålesund one of the most unique city views in Norway!

To visit, have to climb 418 steps (doable with reasonable fitness and mobility). Or, alternatively, you can take the tourist train or get a taxi to the summit.

Looking out across Ålesund from the iconic Fjellstua Viewpoint, Mount Aksla

How to Climb Mount Aksla

Starting in Byparken

The Mount Aksla hike starts at Byparken, Ålesund’s leafy and quiet central park, which is only a short walk from pretty much everywhere in town.

If you’re arriving by cruise or with Havila/Hurtigruten, the walk from the port to step 0 in Byparken takes about 10 minutes, so you don’t need any public transport.

Then, as soon as you reach Byparken, you’ll see the steps rising in front of you. (Just follow the clear signs marked “Fjellstua”).

In Byparken itself, there are also some statues to admire, including the Gener statue and Rollo the Viking, so it’s worth visiting the park in its own right before or after your climb.

Katie’s Top Tip: The route to walk to Byparken from town is also a little hilly in places. It’s nothing too strenuous, but you may want to relax on one of the park benches or sightsee around the statues before tackling the steps.

Climbing the Aksla Steps

Climbing the Aksla steps definitely looks intimidating from the bottom, but don’t worry, because the reality is so much easier than it appears from step 0!

There are 418 steps in total, but they’re wide, well-maintained, mostly have railings for support, and are broken up into smaller sections with viewpoints and benches.

I never felt like I was grinding uphill nonstop, and honestly, it surprised me how quickly I reached the top (in around 20 minutes) because I was constantly admiring the scenery and stopping to take photos!

One of my favourite stops on the way up was Byrampen Viewpoint. It’s just under halfway up, where you really start to see Ålesund and the surrounding water open up below you!

But all the way up, the views change constantly and get more beautiful.

The higher you get, the more you see of the harbour, surrounding islands, mountains, and storybook Art Nouveau buildings below.

You’ll also see numbers on some of the steps, which will tell you your progress to the top!

Katie’s Top Tip: Pace yourself and stop often, even if you don’t find the steps challenging. Some of the best views are on the way up Mount Aksla, so you don’t want to rush the climb!

Finally nearing the top of the Aksla Steps!

The Top Fjellstua Viewpoint

Once you reach the top terrace, the full Fjellstua view finally opens up in front of you – and this is the moment that makes the whole climb worth it!

At the top, there is a relaxed terrace with a panoramic view across Ålesund, with the town’s colourful Art Nouveau buildings sprawling beneath you, the fjords stretching out behind, beautiful islands far into the distance, and the Sunnmøre Alps looming above it all.

When I visited in winter, the sun was hazy and the light icy-blue – absolutely stunning!

From the top of Mount Aksla, you will see:

The Art Nouveau town of Ålesund
Ålesund’s beautiful Brosundet Canal
The majestic Sunnmøre Alps
Your ship docked in port (if you travelled with Havila or Hurtigruten!)

What I love most is that the view changes as you move around the terrace and even behind it, walking along Fjelltunvegen road for a little way.

The most iconic angle is at the front of the terrace and gives you the colourful buildings, distant islands and the entire town centre set out below your feet.

But on the other side, you’ll admire fjords and mountains that stretch far beyond Ålesund!

The iconic view over Ålesund from Fjellstua Viewpoint, on the Mount Aksla hike!

The Fjellstua Café

At the top, you’ll also find the Fjellstua café and restaurant, which is a cosy little spot with big windows facing the views, and also an outdoor terrace.

This is the perfect spot to pause for a while and grab a drink or snack after your climb!

But keep in mind that the café has seasonal opening hours, so if you climb Mount Aksla in winter, nothing will be open, and you’ll have to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Seasonal Considerations: Aksla Steps in Winter

Winter in Ålesund has its own kind of magic, but it does come with a few practical things to keep in mind.

First, the Aksla steps were nowhere near as slippery as I feared. They’re well-maintained, wide, and you have a sturdy handrail for most of the climb, which makes a huge difference.

The trickier part is actually the surrounding paths in Byparken. In winter, they can get compacted with snow and ice, especially early in the morning or after snowfall.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re confident walking in snow and ice and have good winter boots (and maybe slip-on crampons), it’s manageable. But if the paths are really icy or you’re unsure, skip the climb and take a taxi to Fjellstua instead.

How Difficult Is the Mount Aksla Hike?

The Mount Aksla hike honestly wasn’t as difficult as I was expecting.

Yes, the 418 steps are challenging and steep, but the climb is short, the steps are wide and well-maintained, there is a railing for support, and there are places to stop on the way.

Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can complete the Mount Aksla hike.

How Long Does the Mount Aksla Climb Take?

Most people take about 15-25 minutes to walk from Byparken to the top of Mount Aksla, depending on fitness, how busy the trail is, and how often you stop for photos.

When I completed the 418 steps, I got it done in about 20 minutes (mostly because I’m a huge photography lover and the views heading up get more and more stunning!)

Regardless of abilities, I recommend taking the walk at a leisurely pace and stopping regularly to enjoy your surroundings.

And also, of course, I recommend spending plenty of time at the top viewpoint.

I spent just over an hour total visiting Mount Askla.

Looking down on Ålesund's Art Nouveau town and canal! — Looking down on Ålesund’s Art Nouveau town and canal!

Mount Aksla Safety

Mount Aksla is one of the safest and solo traveller-friendly viewpoints I’ve visited in Norway, thanks to its central location, wide and well-maintained steps, handrails and resting spots.

The path is busy enough that you’ll never feel isolated (even in winter), but not so busy that you’re constantly stuck behind a crowd or feeling pressured or rushed.

The main risk to safety is the weather, which can turn from calm sunshine to wind, rain (or snow in winter) very quickly.

Always check the forecast and dress properly with sturdy footwear and layers.

If there is snow or ice in winter, either take it slow and wear slip-on crampons or consider getting a taxi up to the viewpoint instead.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re hiking Mount Aksla alone (especially in winter), make sure you head up in the middle of the day when there is the most light.

A beautiful resting point partway up the Mount Aksla steps

Alternative, Easy Ways to Reach The Fjellstua Viewpoint in Ålesund

If climbing the 418 Aksla steps doesn’t appeal, there are a couple of easy ways to still reach the Fjellstua viewpoint – without turning it into a workout!

Tourist Train

This is the most fun option, but it only runs in spring and summer.

The little tourist train, Bytoget, starts from the cruise terminal and winds through the town centre to the Fjellstua viewpoint, where you’ll have a 15-minute stop for photos.

The full journey takes around 70 minutes and is a slow, cute, and very scenic way to see the best of Ålesund and Aksla!

Taxi

If you’re short on time, a taxi is the quickest and most direct way to reach the Mount Aksla viewpoint. It will drop you right by the top terrace and also pick you up again once you’re finished (or you can walk down). But this is the most pricey option.

Beautiful mountain views from further along the Fjellstua Viewpoint

So, Is the Mount Aksla Hike Worth It?

Yes, the Mount Aksla hike is absolutely worth it, even if you don’t usually enjoy hiking!

What surprised me most was how doable the climb felt, even in winter.

The 418 Aksla steps sound so daunting in theory, but in reality, they are broken up with loads of small viewpoints and benches, so you never feel like you’re slogging up one endless staircase!

And as you climb, the spectacular Mount Aksla views reveal themselves gradually (getting better and better along the way!), which honestly makes the climb feel so rewarding!

But regardless of whether you take on the famous steps or choose one of the alternative routes to the top, the views from the Fjellstua viewing platform are worth a spot on your Ålesund itinerary!

Mount Askla FAQs

How long is the Mount Aksla hike?

Most people can realistically complete the Aksla steps to reach the top viewpoint in around 15-25 minutes from Byparken. The trail is fine for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and can be broken up with plenty of breaks at viewpoints along the way.

Are there toilets at Mount Aksla?

The Fjellstua Café at the top has paid toilets, and they’re open during its operating hours. But this café and its facilities are closed in the winter months, so keep this in mind before you visit.

Down in town, you’ll also find public toilets near the harbour (Toalett korsatunnelen) and in the centre (Sentrumstoalett).

Are there water refill points at Mount Aksla?

There aren’t water refill taps at Mount Aksla, but the hike is short enough that one bottle of water is plenty.

Fjellstua Café also sells water and other drinks and snacks at the top of Mount Aksla, but it is only open seasonally.

Is the Mount Aksla hike suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Mount Aksla hike is beginner-friendly.

The 418 steps are challenging, but the climb to the top doesn’t take long and is doable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The steps are also well-maintained year-round, with plenty of places to stop and catch your breath.

Even as someone who actively avoids steep hikes, I found the steps totally manageable when I visited in March.

What’s the best time of day to see the Aksla viewpoint in Ålesund?

If you’re visiting in summer, spring or autumn, the best time to visit Mount Aksla is golden hour, when Ålesund’s Art Nouveau rooftops and surrounding mountains glow under the warm light.

If you’re visiting Mount Aksla in winter, daylight hours are limited, so timing the viewpoint around the middle of the day gives you the best visibility (and safest conditions to climb).

How many steps are there to reach Mount Aksla?

There are 418 steps leading up to the Aksla viewpoint.

But don’t let the number intimidate you, as they’re well-maintained, fairly evenly spaced, and broken up with plenty of spots to pause and catch your breath with a great view!

Can you visit Mount Aksla in winter?

Absolutely. I climbed Mount Aksla in March, and it was still completely manageable. The city keeps the area accessible year-round, and the railings along the steps make a huge difference.

But you will need to be a lot more mindful of what you pack and also weather changes.

I recommend you assess the conditions on the day, but be cautious (and maybe reconsider) if the steps are icy or if there’s bad weather.