Norway. Alesund

 Our time in Ålesund was the perfect finale to our journey through Norway. Nestled between dramatic fjords and surrounded by sea and mountains, this small coastal city welcomed us with its colorful Art Nouveau architecture, sweeping views from Aksla Hill, and cozy corners that made even rainy moments feel special...

  After exploring the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, we caught a ferry back to Hellesylt and hopped on a bus heading to Ålesund. The route itself felt like part of the adventure - at one point, the bus crossed Storfjorden via another ferry, giving us a chance to get out and soak in the mountain views along yet another stunning fjord...

  We arrived in Ålesund in the evening. The bus stopped just a short walk from Volsdalen Camping, our base for the next two nights. We pitched our tent at a quiet spot with peaceful views of the fjord - a perfect little corner to unwind after days of hiking...

  The next morning began with a walk up to Aksla Park, a scenic hill right above the town. The trail to the winds through peaceful forest paths and stone stairs with beautiful views...

  Then we reached the famous Aksla Viewpoint, which offers a spectacular 360° view - the colorful houses of Ålesund below, the surrounding mountains, and the water stretching into the distance in every direction. Even with the clouds and occasional drizzle, the view had a dramatic beauty...

  Back down in the town, we explored the charming streets of Ålesund, known for its unique architecture. After a devastating fire in 1904, the city was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, giving it its distinct look today - whimsical turrets, pastel-colored buildings, and ornamental details around every corner.

  

  

  Ålesund’s harbor cuts deep into the heart of the city, creating a unique layout where colorful buildings rise right from the water’s edge. This inner harbor, with its calm reflections and rows of Jugendstil facades, is one of the most picturesque parts of town - perfect for slow walks and soaking in the charm of Norway’s most architecturally unique city...

 We passed by the Jugendstilsenteret, the Art Nouveau Centre, located in an old pharmacy building with an eye-catching tower...

  We also spotted Waldehuset, a small wooden prayer house with a fascinating story - it was the only house in its area to survive the great fire...

  In 1904, a massive fire swept through Ålesund, destroying nearly the entire town in a single night. Over 800 houses were lost, but remarkably, only one person died - and that tragedy led to a wave of compassion and rebuilding. The city was reconstructed in just a few years in the Art Nouveau style, giving Ålesund its signature look today. One small wooden house, Waldehuset, survived the fire untouched. Locals believe it was protected by divine intervention, and it's now known as "the miracle house" - a quiet landmark with a powerful story.

  Wandering beyond the harbor, Ålesund’s charm continues in its quieter backstreets. These areas are filled with narrow lanes, pastel houses, and steep stairways tucked between hills. The mix of old wooden homes and early 20th-century stone buildings gives the city a layered, lived-in feel. Even far from the tourist spots, every corner feels thoughtfully designed - peaceful, colorful, and full of coastal character...

   We continued toward the sea and reached Molja Lighthouse, a tiny, picturesque beacon at the edge of the harbor.

  From there, we wandered along Molovegen, a peaceful street lined with old fishermen’s houses, some still used, some converted into cozy galleries or cafés...

  Later that evening, we had something special planned — a visit to the SVAI Floating Sauna, right on the harbor. We booked a two-hour session, and it turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate the end of our Norway hiking journey...

   Jumping into the cold fjord waters between sauna sessions, then warming up again while watching boats drift through the scenic harbor… absolutely unforgettable...

  After the sauna, we returned to our camping spot and cooked a relaxed dinner by the shore, the last rays of daylight fading behind the mountains...

  The next morning, we ate our breakfast tucked under the veranda of a nearby house, listening to the soft sound of rain as it came and went...

  Then it was time to pack up and walk to the bus stop, heading toward the airport with our minds full of memories: wild fjords, colorful streets, mountain views, and that last magical dip in the icy water right in the heart of Ålesund...