ÅLESUND TRIP

Hurtigruten trip ended up in Ålesund. It is a coastal town, placed on three islands. The town is among the world's most important fish exporters.

Blazon of Ålesund - Fish are important

In 1904 there was a big fire (triggered by a storm) that destroyed the whole city center. The "new city" was then designed by young architects that were admirers of "Art Nouveau". My most favourite style :-). With its nice houses, Ålesund is therefore a unique place, a member of the "Art Nouveau" network (together with such cities as Barcelona, Wien, ...)

It is worth to take a tour to the top of the Aksla hill. After climbing 418 stairs there suddenly appears a fantastic panorama of the town. In Fjellstua, which is a house built on Aksla, you can get a coffee or some snack.

Ålesund - View from Aksla

Fjellstua

Ålesund - View from Aksla

Ålesund center - View from Aksla

On the top of Aksla, there is a statue of Kristofer Randers - a Norwegian writer.

Kristofer Randers

I just loved the contrasting red house :-)

In one of the main streets called Storgata there are many cute houses... It reminded me of Vinohrady in Prague 

Storgata in Ålesund

Storgata in Ålesund

In the city center there is a port, place of a public boat transport. The boats transport passengers to different islands surrounding Ålesund. There is also a Fisheries museum at the port. 

Older people fishing in the Ålesund city center :-)... "like"

There are new buildings being built at the port of Ålesund

Port in Ålesund

Port in Ålesund

After crossing a bridge (i think it is the only bridge connecting the two main islands of Ålesund), you will get to another Art Nouveau area... With the Art Nouveau Center (a museum - Jugendstilsenteret)

Between the two islands in Ålesund

Art Nouveau Center - Jugendstilsenteret in Ålesund

A "kids' corner" in Jugendstilsenteret in Ålesund

Probably masks that kids created in the "kids' corner"

The Ålesund Church was built quite soon after the big fire (finished in 1909). The new interior was again made in Art Nouveau style. There was a mass in the church when I got in. Surprisingly the church was quite empty.

Ålesund Kirke - Ålesund Church

Ålesund Kirke - Ålesund Church interior

I couldn't help taking a picture of this house with blue and white stripes... and the hairdresser's studio on the other side of the pavement...

Blue and white...

Beheaded in Ålesund

And some more nice houses I had to take a picture of... the balcony is cute, isn't it?!! :-)

Ålesund Cute Balcony

Ålesund  Cute Houses

And the last one...

Art Nouveau in Ålesund... house for sale

I was very lucky with weather but anyway I can honestly say that Ålesund is one of the cities I could imagin living in for a while... and I am really picky :-P. Recommend to visit!!!