Just a few blocks from the center of town, Alesund Church isn’t like Norway’s famous stave churches, but it’s an architectural gem of a different kind. Built in 1909, this stone church is covered in frescoes and stained glass. Gardens bloom outside the church in spring, making it a lovely stop on a sunny afternoon.
Giske Church dates back to the 12th century and is known locally for its simple white facade, 18th-century art, and historic architecture. Although the church is modest and located outside of Alesund’s small urban center, it remains a significant cultural and historical landmark with connections to the Giske family, who were influential in medieval Norway.
Built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, Borgund Church is a minor tourist attraction that showcases the long history of the craftsmanship of medieval Norway. While parts originate from a 12th century church, most of the building was constructed in 1904 after a fire destroyed the original structure.
Dubbed by some as the “miracle house,” the Waldehuset Museum showcases the only home that didn’t go up in flames in the Ålesund fire of 1904 (at least, in the eastern half of town). Showcasing what late 19th-century life was like in Western Norway, the Waldehuset Museum is a tiny slice of time travel just a few blocks from downtown.
To catch Alesund’s art scene and cultural history, look no further than this one-two punch: the Jugendstilsenteret and Kunstmuseet KUBE. Through art nouveau at Jugendstilsenteret and contemporary art at Kunstmuseet KUBE, these two world-class institutions walk visitors through the city’s style, one era at a time. And it’s a literal walk—the museums are just steps from each other.
Alesund’s Storhaugen—“Big hill” in Norwegian—is a little-known town park with a fabulous view over the city and across the fjord. Not far from Alesund Church, this small park makes for a nice evening stroll—or first stop on your Alesund trip to get your bearings. Those who wander here will find plenty of benches, well-maintained paths, and views that rarely disappoint.
