Whenever I plan a trip to Norway, I find myself bursting with excitement, often too thrilled to get a good night’s sleep. On our recent trip back to this incredible country, I could hardly rest while thinking about what adventures the week ahead might hold. By the time we reached Alesund, our starting point, I was utterly exhausted. However, a strong cup of coffee and the fresh Norwegian air quickly revived me!
We kicked off our visit by heading to the island of Godoy. There, we indulged in traditional pancakes, known as Svele, and enjoyed a much-needed coffee. After that, we explored the lighthouse and the scenic seashore around it.
Leaving Godoy behind, we continued to Alesund, where we would be staying for a few days. A hotel mix-up ended up being a pleasant surprise—our room was more like a suite, almost a miniature apartment. The room had floor-to-ceiling windows, offering perfect views of the Norwegian sun that seemed to linger forever. Although it wasn’t technically the ‘midnight sun’, seeing the sun set around midnight felt extraordinary, a sight far different from what we’re used to in London.
The following morning, we made our way to Fjellstua, an ideal spot to enjoy panoramic views of Alesund. From there, the town looked like a picture-perfect postcard, with dramatic fjords and towering mountains visible in the distance. The picturesque view was enough to make anyone feel a flutter of excitement and anticipation!
We did take a bit of a shortcut by riding up to the viewpoint, although we did walk down, which must count for something, right?
Back in town, we took a quick break to drop our bags at our initially planned hotel, the Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen. The room overlooked the harbor and even offered the unique opportunity to fish right from the balcony, with fishing rods available for free downstairs. The hotel also provided breakfast, afternoon waffles, and dinner, which is a fantastic way to stay comfortably while saving a bit of money.
Alesund is a genuine fishing town, deeply connected to its community and history. Our harbor-view room seemed perfect for this setting, and with our Rib Boat tour to see puffins postponed until later, we decided to visit Atlanterhavsparken. This aquarium is home to various fish and local marine life. The highlight is feeding time, where a diver feeds the fish right from the fjord outside, creating a spectacle that captivates both kids and adults.
We strolled leisurely before heading to town for lunch. Afterward, we walked along the harbor, stumbling upon a boat commemorating the town’s fishing heritage, built just like the boats from years past. Although I’m not well-versed in boats, I couldn’t resist exploring it.
Eventually, we went on with our relaxed exploration, meeting locals and experiencing the laid-back, tranquil pace of life in Alesund, a wonderful glimpse into Norwegian life.