Alesund Cruise Port Guide: DIY Art Nouveau & Aksla Viewpoint

Alesund Cruise Port is the gateway to Norway’s enchanting Art Nouveau city! First things first, I know, it’s actually Ålesund. (But as I’m writing for an English audience, please excuse the use of Alesund for the rest of this blog post!)

If your cruise ship is making a port call here, get ready to be charmed. Many cruisers jump straight onto a coach to see sights further afield but Alesund offers a wealth of attractions within easy reach of the cruise port. So I hope this guide will help you discover the best of “things to do” in Alesund, Norway. Let’s get started!

Update June 2025: Hop-on Hop-Off Bus (HoHo) no longer stops at Aksla Viewpoint, only at Aksla Stadium, 15 minutes walk away one-way. More details below.

Alesund Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy

Alesund Cruise Port scores a perfect 😎😎😎😎😎 for ease of a DIY shore excursion! The city centre, with its charming Art Nouveau architecture, is a mere 5-minute stroll from the Alesund Cruise Port. No need for taxis or shuttles – simply walk off the ship and start exploring! Here’s more details:

• Walkable City Centre: Most of the major attractions, including the Art Nouveau district, are easily accessible on foot.
• Stunning Views Nearby: The breathtaking panorama from Aksla viewpoint is just a 30-minute walk away or a quick ride on the convenient CityTrain.
• Excellent Transportation Options: The CityTrain is right outside the cruise pier and perfect for those with mobility issues. Regular bus services make it a breeze to explore further afield. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus is also a good option if there’s specific attractions you want to see – more details below.

Alesund Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need To Know

• Alesund Cruise Port Address: Rutebilstasjonen, 6003 Ålesund, Norway – see this marked in my map below 👇
• Currency: Norwegian Kroner (NOK). June 2024: US $1 = 10.50 NOK, GBP £1 = 13 NOK, CAD $1 = ~8 NOK, AUD $1 = ~7 NOK
• Cash or Card: Norway is mostly cashless, so you don’t need cash! I’ve travelled extensively in Norway and have never needed cash!
• Alesund Cruise Port Schedule: Alesund Norway cruise port schedule,
• Official Websites: FRAM is the local bus authority
• Recommended Transport App: Use Google Maps for walking directions. If you need the bus, then it will give you accurate bus routes & live departure times as well.
• eSIM Roaming in Norway: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout

Alesund Cruise Port Map

• On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
• On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
• If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps.

Getting from Alesund Cruise Port to City Centre

1. Walk to Alesund City Centre

The easiest way to reach the city centre is to walk. Alesund cruise port is a 10-minute walk from the heart of Alesund.

Tip: Most of the attractions are outdoors in Alesund, so be prepared for sudden changes of weather. As with other Norwegian coastal towns, you’ll need to be ready for 4 seasons in a day.

2. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (HoHo)

Alesund’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (HoHo) can genuinely save you time, if you’re looking to go to Aksla Viewpoint, Sunnmøre Museum or the Alesund Aquarium (aka Atlantic Sea Park). This is because public transport to Sunnmøre and the Aquarium can get a bit tricky and not everyone wants to hike up to the Aksla Viewpoint!

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus has 8 stops and starts right outside the cruise terminal (Stop #1). Stop #2 is Sunnmøre Museum, followed by Aksla Stadium (Stop #3), then it makes a few stops in the city centre before heading out to Alesund Aquarium (Stop #8) and then return to Alesund cruise port. Detailed map of the route here.

Update June 2025: HoHo bus has changed its route for 2025 and will no longer stop at Askla Viewpoint. It now stops at Aksla Stadium, about 15 minutes walk one-way from Askla Viewpoint. Both HoHo companies seem to have made the change at the same time. I have not personally done this walk from Aksla Stadium to Askla Viewpoint, so I can’t give you more details. However, from Google Maps, it appears that this walk is on the road itself. Regardless, you need to budget a return 30-minute walk back to Aksla Stadium to wait for the next HoHo Bus, which is a real pain.

2025 Prices: Buy tickets at NOK 428 for adults, NOK 213 for kids – it’s typically cheaper online than from the in-person ticket seller. You can also avoid queues for tickets on disembarkation, because the HoHo bus is quite popular in Alesund.

Important Note: There are TWO companies running HoHo buses from Alesund cruise port. The tickets are NOT interchangeable, as they are separate companies. One is Hop On AS (a Norwegian company) and the other is City Sightseeing. It’s confusing as both buses are painted red.

Identical Routes: The routes are virtually identical but you’ll find the Hop On AS bus is cheaper and you can distinguish it by “Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing” branding on the front and side of the bus. If you’ve visited other Norwegian ports before, this is the same company running HoHo buses in Oslo, Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen.

My Take: If you’ve read my other DIY cruise port guides, you’ll know that I’m typically not the biggest fan of HoHo buses. I used to think that the Alesund route is fantastic, making it access to Askla Viewpoint easy for those who don’t want or can’t hike up to Askla. But I think the change of stops to Askla Stadium makes it an awkward walk and negates the value of this expensive HoHo bus ticket! Don’t want to do the walk? see details on the miniature train below.

Note: Found my guide accidentally and not on a cruise? The HoHo buses only operates when a cruise ship is at port.

Top Things To Do in Alesund, Norway

1. Stroll Through Art Nouveau Charm

Alesund’s unique architectural heritage means the houses you’ll see are adorned with vibrant colours, with whimsical turrets and intricate orientation. Here are the main buildings and streets to walk through:

• Apotekergata:  Less than 5 minutes walk from the cruise pier is the epicentre of Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district. Take note of the facades of the former Swan Pharmacy (now the Art Nouveau Centre) and the other buildings, each with its own distinct character. You’ll see stylised flowers, flowing lines, and even faces hidden in the ornamentation.
• Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre): Housed in the old Swan Pharmacy building, this museum delves deeper into the city’s architectural history. You’ll learn about the devastating fire of 1904 that led to the city’s Art Nouveau rebirth.
  • Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm.
  • Tickets: NOK 120 for adults, free for kids under 18.
• Brosundet Gjestebrygge: This waterfront area is lined with colourful Art Nouveau buildings and has lovely views of the harbour. Take a stroll along the promenade.

2. Take in the Views from Aksla

If you’re looking for the ultimate photo op, head straight to Aksla viewpoint! Although it’s only 187 meters (~615 feet) above sea level, this vantage point offers a sweeping panorama of Alesund’s colourful cityscape, surrounding islands, and the sparkling waters of the fjord. Unfortunately, there’s no funicular like Bergen’s Mount Fløyen but there is a miniature train if you don’t feel like climbing stairs!

How to Get to Aksla Viewpoint from Alesund Cruise Port

• Walk: For the active explorers, the climb up to Aksla is worth the 418 steps! The path winds through lush greenery, offering glimpses of the view along the way. There are benches placed strategically for resting and there’s a cafe at the top for snacks, ice cream and coffee. If you’d like to walk, there’s two possible trails both within a 10-minute walk of the cruise pier. I’ve marked both on my Alesund Cruise Port map above 🗺️📍👆
  • Water & Snacks: Drop by the Eurospar convenience store for snacks & drinks before you start, if you didn’t bring your water bottle from the ship.

• “CityTrain” (Miniature Tourist Train): For those with limited mobility, take the guided tour on the CityTrain – it’s a loop around Alesund with a photo-stop at the top of Aksla for 15 minutes. Take this directly from outside the cruise terminal and it will bring you back to the cruise terminal.
  • 2025 Ticket Prices: Purchase on the spot with a credit / debit card – note cash prices are higher, so don’t bother with cash in Norway! 350 NOK adults, 170 NOK kids under 15, 750 NOK for 2 adults and 2 kids.

• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Stop #3 on the route for both HoHo bus companies stop at Aksla Stadium, a 15-minute walk to Aksla Viewpoint one-way. The CityTrain is cheaper if you just want to visit Aksla. The HoHo bus route is a much bigger loop around Alesund and its surrounding areas.

• Via Ferrata: For those truly adventurous (and fit), how about ascending up to Aksla on a via ferrata (protected climbing route)? The route starts a few minutes into the trail. Pre-book your hike here. You’ll be accompanied and all safety equipment will be provided on the day. The entire route is on solid rock and there are steps and hand-holds along the route. Note that you’ll have to walk back down. There’s no abseiling down.

3. Discover Local Culture at the Sunnmøre Museum

Sunnmøre Museum is an open-air museum about 15 minutes bus ride away from Alesund cruise port. I spent about two hours here before returning to the city centre. Here’s what there is to see:

• Traditional Houses: There’s 50 historic buildings which had been relocated to the museum from nearby regions. You’ll see anything from humble farmhouses to grand manor houses, all furnished and decorated to reflect their original purpose.
• Boat Collection: There’s also a traditional boat collection too!

• Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm from May to September. Winter hours: 11am – 5pm Tuesday to Friday, 12 noon to 4pm weekends
• Tickets: 120 NOK for adults, free for kids under 18

How to Get to Sunnmøre Museum from Alesund Cruise Port

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (HoHo)

Sunnmøre Museum is stop #2 on the HoHo bus route. It’s the first stop after it leaves outside the Alesund Cruise Terminal. More details on HoHo bus above.

2. Public Bus

From the cruise terminal, the central bus station is next door. (See this marked on my Alesund Cruise Port map above 👆). Use Bus routes #1 or #12. Get off at “Sunnmøre Museum” stop and the museum entrance is a 2-minute walk away. Use Google Maps for live bus departure times. Otherwise you’ll find bus timetables here.

Bus Tickets: Either purchase at the ticket office before boarding the bus (cards are accepted), or download the FRAM app and buy online. Tickets are 46 NOK for adults one way, 23 NOK for kids. If you buy onboard the bus, there’s a 20 NOK surcharge for adults and 10 NOK for kids. You can buy your return ticket at the same time as the tickets need to be validated onboard the bus.

4. Explore the Atlantic Sea Park

If an open-air museum doesn’t interest you, then spend time in the underwater world at the Atlantic Sea Park (aka the Alesund Aquarium)! It’s about 30 minutes away and is another kids-friendly activity. There’s penguins, seal feeding sessions and gigantic tanks of local fish to marvel at.

• Opening Hours: Daily, usually 10am to 4pm but double-check opening hours here before you set off from Alesund.
• Tickets (2025 Prices): 250 NOK for adults, 120 NOK for kids under 15.

How to Get to Atlantic Sea Park from Alesund Cruise Port

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (HoHo)

Atlantic Sea Park is stop #8 on the HoHo bus route. It’s the last stop before returning to Alesund cruise port.

2. Public Bus

As above, walk to the central bus station next door from the cruise terminal. Bus #1 (towards Dronning Sonjas) will take you to Tuenesvegen (15 minutes bus ride) and from there, it’s a 15 minutes walk away. See above for info on bus tickets.

5. Sail to Hjørundfjord: Jewel of the Sunnmøre Alps

Hjørundfjord is often described as one of the most beautiful and dramatic fjords in Norway, and for good reason!

Unlike the gentler slopes and more spread-out islands of the Ålesund archipelago, Hjørundfjord is flanked by incredibly steep mountains that rise almost vertically from the water’s edge. These peaks belonging to the Sunnmøre Alps often have jagged, snow-capped tops, even in summer.

If your Norwegian fjords cruise is not stopping at Hellesylt or Geiranger (for Geirangerfjord), then Hjørundfjord would be a great “substitute excursion” to see a narrow and deep fjord, surrounded by towering mountains.

• Duration: 6 hours return trip – full day excursion typically departing at 9am. Most cruise ships during summer months will dock at Alesund by 7am-8am.
• Departure Point: Marina pier next to Alesund cruise port.
• What to Wear: If you’d like to spend the majority of your time on the upper deck, then dress in layers, with an outdoor jacket. It can be windy!

6. Visit Trollstigen: The “Land of the Trolls”

Trollstigen translates to “The Troll’s Path” or “The Troll Ladder. It’s so named, because the rugged, dramatic landscape evoke the folklore of trolls, mythical creatures said to inhabit the wild mountains of Norway.

The heart of Trollstigen is its incredibly winding road that snakes its way up a steep mountainside. There’s 11 hairpin bends and the road climbs at a steep incline. The road is surrounded by towering mountains, deep valleys and the impressive Stigfossen waterfall, which plunges down the mountainside alongside the road. 

A typical excursion will incorporate a stop at both the Stigfossen Waterfall and the Trollstigen Viewpoint – a viewing platform that extend out over the mountainside, giving you the feeling that you’re dangling over Trollstigen’s hairpin roads. You’ll also see a few trolls along the way. (Man-made ones, of course!)

• Duration: Return 6 hour trip – full day excursion. This is a tour tailored for cruisers so the tour’s start time varies depending on your ship’s arrival time at Alesund. Be sure to mention your ship’s name when you book!
• Departure Point: Just outside the Alesund cruise port gates. You’ll be returned to Alesund cruise port.

Update 2025: Trollstigen is closed until July 14, 2025.

Day Trip to Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord is considered the jewel in the crown of Norwegian fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Characterized by its impossibly steep mountainsides plunging into the emerald green waters, cascading waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters and the Suitor, and charming fjord farms clinging precariously to the slopes, Geirangerfjord offers a truly breathtaking spectacle of nature’s grandeur. 

If your ship is calling at Hellesylt or Geiranger, then read my DIY Guides for Hellesylt and Geiranger. Otherwise, cruise lines will operate full day tours from Alesund.

To join a third party tour to Geirangerfjord, you’ll need at least 9-10 hours at port. It’s a long day trip. Tours operate as a cruise to Geiranger, where you’ll have free time, and then it’s a cruise back to Alesund. My Geiranger guide will give you more details on what to do with your free time there – there’s plenty of time to visit the Fjord centre or just enjoy the spectacular views!

Featured Photo by Ela Yudhanira

Wishing you a fantastic day exploring Ålesund! If you found this guide helpful in planning your DIY excursion, I’d be so grateful if you can share it with your fellow cruisers in your roll call groups. Safe travels and happy exploring!

Anchors aweigh! 👇 Find your next port of call here!

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