Alesund (Norway)

Alesund is a major cruise port and one of Norway's most picturesque fishing towns. It is located at the mouth of Stor Fjord and is actually on two islands connected by bridges. Cruise ships dock close to downtown, so shopping and city touring can be done on foot.

Alesund is one of the "Express Route" ferry ports visited regularly as part of the government-subsidized passenger and cargo shipping service in Norway. The cruiseferry itinerary is between two homeports - Bergen (southmost) and Kirkenes (northmost) and connects a total of 34 ports, which are Norwegian communities without any road or air access. Independant tour operators offer from Alesund guided tours to Hjorundfjorden.

In June 2022, Enova SF (Norwegian state-owned enterprise) provided grants for installing shore power connectivity at several Norwegian cruise ports (including Alesund), scheduled for completion and inauguration in 2023. Between 2016-2022, Enova granted a total of NOK 842 million for 119 such projects. The technology allows the berthed cruise ship to shut down its diesel engines and instead use the city-grid electricity for the onboard hotel operations and services, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions. Enova SF (2001-founded government enterprise) is owned by Norway's Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and managed by the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

From Alesund, cruise tourists can take the 400 steps up to Kniven Overlook (Mt Aksla) for a spectacular panoramic view of the bay surrounded by offshore islands and mountains. The town was rebuilt with stone (instead of wood) following a devastating fire in 1904. The modern city is rich in art nouveau architecture (turrets, towers, medieval facades).

Further out is the outdoor Sunnmore Museum where guests can see a collection of boats and traditional farmhouses and the Medieval Museum which features a recreation of a 10th-century village. The Atlantic Ocean Marine Park is also on the outskirts with massive seascape tanks created into the coastline. Cruisers can also visit the Giske islands (burial mounds) and Godoy (lighthouse).

Alesund is a starting point for touring the hills of the Sunnmore region, Norang Valley, Oye Glaciers, Runde Island. As a settlement, Alesund was established in the 9th century when the Viking Rollo/Rolf (850-930/Normandy's first ruler between 911-928) built a castle nearby. The village received town status in 1848.

Alesund cruise terminal