Ålesund Loop

Today’s weather was terrible. It started raining overnight and was expected to continue for most of the day, possibly even the whole day. So, we decided to take a drive to Ålesund. Ålesund is located near the centre of the town of Ålesund, which is on the islands of Hessa, Aspøya, and Nørve, with newer areas of the island of Uksenøya. It’s the ninth-biggest town in Norway.

Over the late 20th century, the city has grown into a significant urban centre, with its metropolitan area expanding into the neighbouring Sula Municipality. The town spans 28.93 square kilometres and is home to 55,684 people, resulting in a population density of 1,925 residents per square kilometre. The city’s architecture is remarkably consistent, with most buildings dating back to between 1904 and 1907.

While in Ålesund, we visited the Ålesund Museum, which is the oldest museum in Norway. Established in 1903 and housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building since 1906, it offers an engaging journey through the city’s history from 1793 to the present, with exhibits that highlight key events, such as the Great Fire of 1904, which led to Ålesund’s reconstruction in the distinctive Art Nouveau style. It also explores the city’s rich maritime heritage, including its fishing and shipping industries, as well as its experiences during World War II.

Though the weather wasn’t the best, we still enjoyed our drive and the wonderful Norwegian countryside.Read more