It is said that the Viking Rollo, first duke of Normandy, was born in the Alesund area in the middle of the 9th century. A statue in town commemorates this link.

 

In 1904 a large fire struck the thriving shipping town. Since most houses were made of wood, the place was completely laid to ashes.

 

With financial help of the German Kaiser Wilhelm the whole town was rebuild, (this time with stone bricks) in the Jugendstil style of that period. This gives Alesund a unique appearance.

 

For a very awarding panoramic view you have to climb the 418 steps up to Fjellstua at Mount Aksla.

 

Atlanterhavsparken is a large aquarium with local sealife. It certainly is worth a visit, but the bus does not always stop at the front gate, so be prepared for a bit of uphill walking.

 

We visited Alesund on a sunny day in July 2014.