9 BEST Things To Do in Ålesund in One Day: Havila Port Guide
If you’ve only got one day in Ålesund on your Havila or Hurtigruten voyage and want to see all of the best things to do in Ålesund (without rushing or missing out), this guide is for you!
On my own Havila voyage in winter, Ålesund was my longest port stop.
I spent the day exploring the town on foot – climbing Mount Aksla, exploring the Art Nouveau streets, dodging the rain, and figuring out what’s actually worth doing when you’ve only got 10 hours in this picturesque port.
In this travel guide, I’ll show you exactly how to structure your one day in Ålesund itinerary, from Mount Aksla to the Art Nouveau district, plus a couple of indoor options too!
And I’ll also share how exactly to get into town from the port, realistic walking times between attractions, and what to prioritise depending on the season.
Ready? Here’s how to spend a perfect one day in Ålesund with Havila!
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Where Is Ålesund in Norway?
Ålesund is located on Norway’s west coast and sits across several islands at the entrance to some seriously dramatic fjords, including the famous Geirangerfjord.
The town is part of the Sunnmøre region in Møre og Romsdal and is well known for its colourful Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque canals and its mountain, Aksla.
The city centre of Ålesund is compact and walkable, and most of the top attractions in Ålesund are within 10–15 minutes of each other on foot. You won’t need public transport unless you’re heading further out, like to the aquarium or the Sunnmøre Museum.
Is Ålesund Worth Visiting?
Ålesund is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re travelling solo (like me!)
There aren’t many towns where you can climb a mountain, wander through beautifully preserved Art Nouveau streets, visit a cosy café, and walk to a lighthouse in just one day!
Plus, Ålesund is so easy to explore independently. You don’t need to join expensive excursions or plan an intense itinerary to feel like you’ve seen the top sights in Ålesund.
How to Visit Ålesund
By Flight
Ålesund Airport sits on Vigra island, around 20 minutes from the city centre.
There are regular direct flights here from popular cities in Europe, including Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Amsterdam.
And then to get from the airport to the town centre is very straightforward, thanks to the regular Flybussen service that takes just 20 minutes.
By Train (+ Bus from Åndalsnes)
There’s no direct train to Ålesund, as the town doesn’t have a train station, but you can take the train to Åndalsnes from cities like Trondheim, and then continue by bus to the town.
By Coastal Express (Havila or Hurtigruten)
This is my favourite way to visit Ålesund, and the one I personally did!
On the northbound Coastal Express itinerary, Ålesund is your longest port stop of the entire 12-day voyage.
But the stops do change depending on the season:
November to March
The ship stays docked in port for around 10 hours, which is perfect for exploring all the highlights of Ålesund in one day.
April to October
Your ship makes a short morning stop in Ålesund (9:45am to 10am) before continuing to the incredible Geirangerfjord. The ship will then return to Ålesund between 7pm and 8pm.
So you have a choice between a day of scenic sailing through the Geirangerfjord or getting off and spending the day exploring Ålesund, before re-joining the ship in the evening.
September to October
Once the Geirangerfjord season ends, the route changes again.
Your ship makes a short morning stop in Ålesund (9:45am to 10am) before continuing to the underrated Hjørundfjord. The ship will then return to Ålesund between 6pm and 8pm.
So again, you have a choice between a day of scenic sailing through the Hjørundfjord or getting off and spending the day in Ålesund, before re-joining the ship in the evening.
Southbound
Ålesund is a short, nighttime stop only, so you won’t be able to get off and explore.
How to Get Around Ålesund
You can see most of the best things to do in Ålesund on foot! The town centre is relatively flat, compact and easy to navigate, and walking is by far the best (and simplest) way to explore the town if you’re only here for a day.
Everything in this guide is easily walkable from the port. And from the dock, it takes just 8 minutes to walk into the centre of town.
If you want to visit attractions outside the centre, like the aquarium or the Sunnmøre Museum, the FRAM public buses are reliable, affordable and easy to use.
Havila and Hurtigruten also both offer excursions, but honestly, you don’t need them unless you’re planning a specific activity like the Geirangerfjord in winter.
Ålesund is one of the best ports on the Coastal Express itinerary to explore by yourself!
The Best Things To Do in Ålesund, Norway in One Day
1. Climb Mount Aksla (The Best Viewpoint in the City!)
If you only do one thing during your one day in Ålesund, make it Mount Aksla.
Aksla is Ålesund’s most iconic viewpoint for a reason, as you’ll see the entire Art Nouveau town, the surrounding fjords, islands and mountains, and your ship below your feet!
Plus, it’s completely free to climb Aksla, making it the perfect budget-friendly activity in this notoriously expensive country.
The climb itself is also much less intimidating than it looks (and trust me, I hate hills!)
The mountain has 418 steps to reach the top viewpoint from City Park (Byparken), but they’re wide, well-maintained, and broken up with plenty of stunning viewpoints and benches to catch your breath along the way.
From the port, it takes around 10–15 minutes to reach the base of the stairs, and then it took me another 20–25 minutes to climb, with lots of photo stops along the way.
I personally did the hike in winter, which meant the climb was more peaceful than I was expecting (which I loved!) I was a bit worried about ice, though, but found that the steps were all well-maintained and very safe.
At the top, there is a main viewing platform over the city and mountains, as well as a restaurant/café.
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t forget to spend some time exploring leafy Byparken too, at the base of Mount Aksla. Highlights include the Gener statue and the Keiser Wilhelm II Bauta statue.
2. Explore Fjelltunvegen for Hidden Viewpoints
If you’ve already made it to the top of Aksla, you might think you’ve seen every angle of Ålesund, but Fjelltunvegen gives you more spectacular views for your effort!
This little residential lane sits just behind the main viewpoint and café, and has some of the most beautiful, peaceful views of the mountains surrounding Ålesund.
It’s a short, easy detour that may not be as iconic as the famous city view, but is still stunning in its own right. Plus, there was no one there when I visited; I had it to myself!
To get to Fjelltunvegen from the main terrace takes just a minute or two extra.
Simply walk back out of the entrance to the terrace, around the slight bend in the road, and you’ll be looking out over the spectacular mountains and islands.
If you’re someone who prefers quieter spots and hidden gems, this will definitely be one of the best things to do in Ålesund during your visit!
Katie’s Top Tip: Head towards “Veleta (dirección del viento)” on Google Maps. But, to be honest, you can’t get lost – just follow the views behind the main terrace and you’ll be there!
3. Walk Ålesund’s Iconic Art Nouveau Streets
Ålesund is one of Europe’s most distinctive Art Nouveau cities, and simply just wandering its colourful streets is one of the best things to do in Ålesund (especially if you love architecture and photography, like me!)
After a devastating fire left the town in ruins in 1904, the entire town was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau architectural style, giving it that fairytale-esque look you see today.
I recommend you take a slow walk through the centre to truly appreciate these iconic buildings, with their curved turrets, colourful fronts, floral details and intricate carvings.
Oh, and don’t forget to look up too, as you explore. That’s how you’ll spot the best hidden details in this iconic architecture!
The best streets to walk along for Art Nouveau architecture in Ålesund are:
- Kongens gate
- Apotekergata
- Ålesund’s iconic Brosundet canal area
Katie’s Top Tip: For the best photos, head straight for the iconic Brosundet canal. The colourful buildings reflecting in the still water, with boats bobbing in the foreground, is every photographer’s dream!
4. Visit the Jugendstilsenteret & KUBE Museum
If you’ve got rain (which is very common in Ålesund!), or you just want somewhere to escape the cold for a while, then the Jugendstilsenteret & KUBE Museum is the perfect indoor stop.
This fascinating museum is located in the old pharmacy building, in the heart of the town.
It focuses on Ålesund’s Art Nouveau history, from the devastating fire of 1904 to the remarkable rebuild that gave us the iconic Ålesund we see today.
You can easily spend an hour or two here, which makes it perfect for breaking up your Ålesund in one day itinerary with a warm (and dry!) indoor activity.
Both museums (Jugendstilsenteret and KUBE) are visited together under one ticket, and host art exhibitions, architecture, and design from the 19th century until the present day.
If you’re into art and culture, this is a great two-for-one visit!
Katie’s Top Tip: Save your visit to the museum to escape any bad weather or cold, or use it as a fun mid-day stop to break up your outdoor sightseeing.
5. Wander the Peaceful City Canals
If you’re only spending one day in Ålesund, wandering the famous canals is one of the best ways to experience the city and appreciate more of the Art Nouveau architecture.
My favourite viewpoints along the way for photos of Ålesund’s canals were:
- Ålesund Square
- By the Sildekona sculpture
- From the Hellebroa bridge
- Next to the Harald Grytten statue
As you walk along the water, you’ll spot colourful houses, hotels, shops and restaurants, small fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and a buzz of both tourists and locals.
It may only be a small area to explore, but really take your time here!
I loved sitting on a bench in Ålesund Square and relaxing by the water for a while, and also revisiting the Brosundet canal several times during my one day in Ålesund, as the light changed.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you have the time, definitely revisit the canal viewpoints throughout your one day in Ålesund. I loved watching as the winter light changed and made the whole scene look totally different. Plus, it’s very central and close to the port, so you’ll likely revisit several times naturally anyway!
6. See Ålesund Church
Ålesund Church is a must-see in Ålesund, but not because it’s particularly flashy or grand to look at. From the exterior, it just looks like an ordinary town church.
But it’s also deeply connected to the city’s fascinating history and identity.
Built in 1909 after the devastating city fire, the church was one of the first buildings completed during Ålesund’s Art Nouveau restoration.
The church’s exterior was designed to be mainly neo-Romanesque, but was also subtly influenced by the Art Nouveau architectural style developing in the surrounding town.
Inside, however, the Art Nouveau style is much more apparent, with paintings, stained glass windows, a grand altar, and opulent golden décor.
Ålesund Church is an easy walk from the port, taking just 15 minutes. Or, if you’re walking from the canal, the walk takes just 5 minutes along the picturesque Kirkegata street.
Katie’s Top Tip: Entry times can vary depending on the season and events, so make sure you check online in advance to confirm timings.
7. Walk to Molja Fyr (Ålesund Lighthouse)
If you want something slightly more unique, but also incredibly scenic, I recommend the walk to Molja Fyr – a little red lighthouse at the end of the breakwater.
It’s a short, easy walk from the main canal, taking just 10 minutes through central Ålesund.
When you reach the lighthouse, you’ll have a great view of the mouth of the canal and the harbour area you were exploring earlier to your left. And also a spectacular view out to sea and the surrounding islands to your right.
And, fun fact: the tiny red lighthouse is actually a hotel room you can stay in through Hotel Brosundet!
Alternatively, you can still visit the lighthouse and breakwater from the outside, totally for free, even if you’re not staying there.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you have good weather, this is the perfect, quiet spot to bring a takeaway drink (and maybe a cinnamon bun!) to enjoy the view. I recommend Valaker bakeri in central Ålesund.
8. Join a Local Walking Tour
A local walking tour is such a great way to get to know a new city, both from a historical and a more current, local perspective! (And with Ålesund’s fascinating past, I would definitely recommend joining one here.)
You can book a walking tour through Havila or Hurtigruten if you’re travelling on the Coastal Express, for the ultimate convenience.
But, if you’re watching your budget or staying in Ålesund independently, booking a walking tour with a local guide is my preferred choice.
This two-hour Ålesund walking tour with a local covers the main highlights and hidden gems, plus you’ll hear fascinating stories and insights along the way, to really bring the town to life!
Your local guide will tell you everything from the dramatic 1904 fire, the Art Nouveau rebuild, and even daily life in modern Ålesund today.
Katie’s Top Tip: Walking tours are also a great way to meet people without committing to a whole-day group activity, especially if you’re a solo traveller! I would recommend booking a small group tour for a more personal experience.
9. Alternative: Day Trip to Geirangerfjord
Ålesund is amazing, but if you have the chance to see the Geirangerfjord, definitely take it!
It’s one of the most dramatic fjords in Norway and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, with towering cliffs, powerful waterfalls and the most incredible scenery.
But how you get there depends entirely on the season and how you are visiting Ålesund.
If you’re on the Havila or Hurtigruten Coastal Express, you can book it as an excursion in winter. Whereas, in summer, the ship sails into the fjord anyway, so you don’t have to pay extra for an excursion.
Or, if you’re staying independently in Ålesund, you can book your own Geirangerfjord cruise.
This round-trip Geirangerfjord cruise from Ålesund runs daily in spring, summer and autumn. It includes a fascinating audio commentary and 1-3 hours of free time to explore Geiranger, where you can do a waterfall walk, enjoy lunch, or visit the on-site world heritage centre.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re booking the Geirangerfjord excursion with Havila in winter, make sure you have a backup plan (for example, bookmark this guide just in case!) I had originally planned to visit Geirangerfjord on my voyage, but it was cancelled last minute due to bad weather, leaving me scrambling to put together this Ålesund itinerary. Moral of the story? Always have a backup port plan ready to go!
Final Thoughts
Ålesund is one of those places that I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I did – but it surprised me in all the best ways!
Whether you’re arriving on Havila, Hurtigruten, or visiting independently, the city is compact enough that you can fit a lot of the highlights into one day without feeling rushed.
And even if your time here is short, you can still experience the best things to do in Ålesund, from Mount Aksla and the Art Nouveau streets, to the beautiful canals and Ålesund’s underrated lighthouse!
If you love good viewpoints, easy hikes, colourful architecture and calm canals, Ålesund is absolutely worth visiting on your next trip to Norway!
Ålesund Travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ålesund?
The best time to visit Ålesund really depends on the kind of experience you want.
Summer gives you long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, better weather, and the easiest access to the Geirangerfjord (either with an independent tour or sailing with the Coastal Express at no extra cost). But the town is busier at this time.
Spring and autumn are quieter but still beautiful, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Plus, the boat tours to Geirangerfjord still run in these shoulder seasons.
Winter brings a totally different atmosphere, with less predictable weather, moody skies and the fewest tourists. You also can’t book an independent Geirangerfjord cruise at this time, but you can book a winter excursion with Havila.
Where to stay in Ålesund?
If you’re not visiting Ålesund on the Coastal Express and want to stay longer than a day, I’d recommend basing yourself right in the city centre, within easy walking distance of top attractions, restaurants, shops and the waterfront.
I recommend Hotel Brosundet, with its picturesque location right by the water. And if you’re up for a totally unique stay, you can even book into the Molja Fyr lighthouse!
How long do you need in Ålesund?
If you’re short on time or visiting on the Coastal Express, one day in Ålesund is enough to see the highlights. You can walk the Art Nouveau centre, climb Mount Aksla, explore the canals, visit Ålesund Church, and even walk to Molja Fyr without feeling rushed.
If you want a slower pace or to add in a day trip, two or three days is ideal. This gives you time to join a local walking tour, explore nearby museums, and add in a day trip to Geirangerfjord or Alnes Lighthouse.
Can you walk into Ålesund from the port?
Yes! Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship or on the Havila/Hurtigruten Coastal Express, the port is right next to the city centre. From the dock, you can reach most of the best things to do in Ålesund within a 5–10 minute walk.
Is Ålesund safe for solo female travellers?
Yes! Ålesund felt very safe for me as a solo female traveller. The town is calm, easy to navigate, and compact. And, even in winter, it was busy enough that I never felt isolated, but not too busy that it felt chaotic.
But of course, the same basic solo travel safety habits you’d use anywhere still apply. Stick to central well-lit streets if you’re out at night, trust your gut, and always keep your bag zipped up and close to you.
For more advice about safety for tourists across Norway, including scams, cultural tips and emergency info, read my full guide: Is Norway Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Is Ålesund walkable?
Ålesund is one of the most walkable towns in Norway, and this is a huge part of why I loved it! The city centre (including the canals, viewpoints, church, and all the best things to do in Ålesund) is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Even the climb up Mount Aksla (which definitely looks intimidating from below!) is totally manageable with regular photo stops.
You don’t need a car, taxis, or public transport to explore the main sights in central Ålesund.
What are the top attractions in Ålesund, Norway?
The most popular tourist attractions in Ålesund include Mount Aksla and its stunning viewpoints, the Art Nouveau town centre, Brosundet Canal, Ålesund Church, Molja Fyr lighthouse, and the city’s beautiful harbour area.
Outside the city centre, day trips to Hjørundfjord, Alnes Lighthouse, and Geirangerfjord are all very popular with visitors, as well as the nearby aquarium and Sunnmøre Museum.
Can you visit Geirangerfjord from Ålesund?
Absolutely! Ålesund is one of the best bases for visiting Geirangerfjord.
If you’re travelling on the Hurtigruten or Havila Coastal Express, you can book it as an excursion in winter. Whereas, in spring and summer, your ship sails directly into the fjord as part of its route, so you can enjoy the experience without paying anything extra.
If you’re staying in Ålesund independently, daily Geirangerfjord cruises run from the city throughout the spring, summer and autumn. The tour includes audio commentary and free time in Geiranger, where you can do a waterfall walk, visit the visitor centre or enjoy lunch with a view.
Read More About Travel in Norway:
- Northbound vs Southbound Norway Coastal Express: Compared
- What to Wear in Norway in Winter? (+ Norway Packing List)
- How to Plan a Trip to Norway in Winter (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Norway vs Iceland in Winter: Ultimate Solo Travel Comparison
- Where to Stay in Bergen (+ Best Areas For Solo Travellers)
- Where to Stay in Tromsø (+ Best Areas For Solo Travellers)
- Hurtigruten vs Havila: Which is Best For Solo Travellers?
- Is Saltstraumen Worth Visiting from Bodø? (+ What to Expect)
- How to Get Around Norway in Winter (Without a Car!)
- How to Visit Trollfjord: Northern Norway’s Most Iconic Fjord
- How to Visit Mostraumen Fjord (Bergen’s Best Day Trip!)
- 7 Things To Do in Hammerfest (Hammerfest Travel Guide)
- Mount Aksla Hike: How to Find the Best Ålesund Viewpoint
- 8 BEST Things To Do in Brønnøysund, Norway: Havila Port Stop
- 21 Most Beautiful Places in Norway You Have To Visit
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I love Art Nouveau cities, the colours and the mix of shapes. And absolutely love walkable cities. Ålesund seems lovely. Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂