Møre og Romsdal
Møre og Romsdal, a coastal region in Norway, is known for its fjords, mountains and towns such as Ålesund and Molde. It has a rich maritime history and offers access to some of the country's most famous natural landmarks.
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About Møre og Romsdal
Ålesund is the largest city in Møre og Romsdal county and one of Norway's most distinctive coastal towns. Built across a chain of islands where fjords meet the sea, it is best known for its Art Nouveau architecture, active harbour and access to the Sunnmøre Alps and nearby fjords.
The modern city centre emerged after a fire in 1904 destroyed much of Ålesund, and it was rebuilt in the flowing Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau, style. Today the Art Nouveau Centre documents that reconstruction, while the surrounding waterways, lighthouses and island villages reflect the region's long fishing and maritime history.
Visitors can climb the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint for panoramic views over the islands, explore the Atlantic Sea Park aquarium and the open-air Sunnmøre Museum, or walk the historic streets around Brosundet canal. Day trips lead to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, Hjørundfjord and the dramatic Sunnmøre Alps.
Ålesund remains a working maritime centre with strong fishing, shipbuilding, furniture and offshore energy industries, along with an NTNU university campus. Events such as the Norwegian Food Festival and the annual boat festival bring local seafood, music and coastal culture into the city centre.
For both leisure and business travellers, Ålesund combines a compact, walkable centre with fjord scenery, seafood dining and practical connections, including a regional airport and the Hurtigruten coastal route.
Møre og Romsdal Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and summer (May to August) offer long daylight hours and the best weather for fjord trips, hiking and boat excursions. Winter is quieter, with fewer services, while autumn brings changing colours and a calmer atmosphere.
How to Get Around
Ålesund's compact centre is easy to explore on foot, while local buses, ferries and undersea tunnels connect the islands and surrounding Sunnmøre region. Taxis, rental cars and private transfers are useful for reaching the airport, viewpoints and nearby fjords.
Where to Stay
Stay in the central harbour area around Brosundet for easy access to Art Nouveau streets, restaurants and viewpoints. The Moa district on the mainland offers larger shopping and practical services, while quieter hotels and guesthouses are found across nearby islands.
Food & Drink
Ålesund is known for fresh seafood, especially klipfish and bacalao, served in harbourside restaurants and cafés. The Norwegian Food Festival in August highlights local producers, fish dishes and regional ingredients.
Ground Transportation Services in Møre og Romsdal
Airport Transfers
Travel between Ålesund Airport, Vigra and hotels, the city centre, cruise terminals and destinations across Sunnmøre.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private driver by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing, fjord excursions and flexible travel around Ålesund.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Ålesund for independent travel along the coast, through the Sunnmøre Alps and to fjords such as Geirangerfjord.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, cruise shore excursions and airport transfers in Ålesund.
Frequently Asked Questions
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