Alesund Norway

[ledris2]

Hi,

On Royal Caribb. May 19 Norway cruise. Flam, Geiranger, Bergen, and Alesund. Got everything covered but Alesund.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions other than the ship tour?

 

Thanks

Lynda

[TLCOhio]

Hi, On Royal Caribb. May 19 Norway cruise. Flam, Geiranger, Bergen, and Alesund. Got everything covered but Alesund. Does anyone have any suggestions other than the ship tour? Thanks Lynda

 

Hi, Lynda!! Lots to see and do in Alesund. Below are a few of my picture highlights for this charming city, plus things nearby. Let me know any other questions. Don't be shy. Very much loved Flam, Geiranger and especially Bergen. See many more details and pictures on the Norway blog noted below.

 

Alesund's architecture is characterized by its turrets, spires, medieval-romantic frontages and other whimsical touches that give this town its distinctive style. It is like something from a fairytale. On the night of January 23, 1904, the town, built largely of wood, was totally destroyed at night by gale-aided flames. Only one person died, but more than 10,000 people were left without shelter. Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm vacationed nearby and sent four warships with materials to build temporary shelters. The town was rebuilt in stone, brick and mortar in Jugendstil or Art Nouveau, the architectural style of the time. This design reflects a “romance with the past” and highlights Nordic mythology along its winding streets. To honor Wilhelm, one of the most frequented streets of the city is named after him. The town has an unusually consistent architecture, most of the buildings having been built between 1904 and 1907.

 

About 18 miles to the west is Runde, Norway’s southern most major bird rock with 240 species breeding there. It is a habitat for around one million seabirds, including 100,000 puffins. We had a rental car lined up for the four of us to journey south to this special island. The ship was offering a trip to here, but it got scrubbed as there was not enough signed up for this tour/trip. It was good (and lots cheaper) that we had made our own special arrangements in advance or we would have missed this unique island and coastal experience. It involved a five-mile ferry ride for us and the car, but that was a nice way to sample how that transportation system works. It was very timely and well run, efficient for how the cars and truck got on and off. It took 30 minutes for the trip. This ferry hold 120 cars and 350 passengers. The ferry coast $28 each way for the car and us.

 

It was great seeing more of the wide and beautiful variety of terrains in a way that you cannot appreciate if you are sailing by on a boat at a distance. Some of bridges were unique as we jumped island to island in order to reach Runde. Parts of Runde were so dramatic with the green grasses, rock faces, etc., that it reminded us of Ireland. Great beauty, plus lots of birds there.

 

As we drove back from Runde, did the ferry, etc., we wanted to do the Aksla hilltop that dramatically overlooks Alesund. Some from the ship did the 418 steps up Aksla hill in the center of town. We had our car and that made it much easier, plus you could see some of the housing where residents have great views over the town and area. Whether by walking or car, the view from there is super worth it. You get breath-taking views from this 597’ height overlooking the five islands making up the town. It is called Kniven (the Knife) and has a refreshment place at the top. But, it is all about the views as some of the photos below illustrate.

 

Reactions and questions?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 60,594 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 57,525 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

This is the dramatic overview of Alesund from the Aksla vantage point along the western coast of Norway. This spot allows a nearly 360-degree view of this setting for this island city and the surrounding mountains and islands. It is at a 597’ height overlooking the five islands making up the scenic town.:

 

 

 

At a lower, street-level part of Alesund, here are some of the buildings along the central waterway, plus a nice statue.:

 

 

 

To the south of Alesund is Runde Island, famous for its birds and scenic views. This shows a house on this beautiful island with the mountains on other nearby islands.:

 

 

 

Runde Island has a very small population, except for the thousands of birds. Here is one of the small farm there with a wall of rock behind it.:

 

 

 

From the Aksla viewpoint in Alesund, here is another angle with the spectacular view that shows distance islands, landscapes and mountains.:

 

 

 

Here was a couple of Norway ladies in their special native costumes that were very unique and interesting.

 

[KirkNC]

Beautiful town, very picturesque as TCLOhio has shown. This was the only port where we did do a ships tour. We went up the Hjorundfjord fjord and then stoped at Aksla on the way back.

[alexandra cruiser]

as Terrys pics show,,very scenic,,,then tram takes up to top,,shown in pics,,for more views and photos...

 

Ship docks right in town and can walk on and off as desired,,tram is at tourist center 10 mins away.

 

Easy and wonderful town to wander in,,cute shops,great wharf area,,loved it,,even in a cool rain.We ended up seeing all they did on ships tour,,and much cheaper and less crowds.;)

[TLCOhio]

as Terrys pics show,,very scenic,,,then tram takes up to top,,shown in pics,,for more views and photos... Ship docks right in town and can walk on and off as desired,,tram is at tourist center 10 mins away. Easy and wonderful town to wander in,,cute shops,great wharf area,,loved it,,even in a cool rain.We ended up seeing all they did on ships tour,,and much cheaper and less crowds.

 

Appreciate the mentions by Kirk and Alexandra. YES, as shown, this is a cute and very scenic town and area. Excellent point for how handy with the great location where most ships docks. Just walk right off of the ship and you are "there!!". My first, earlier picture shows our cruise ship being "parked" almost right next door to the heart of the town. Unlike Bergen and some of the fjord small towns, this port does not get hit with as many cruise ships. The odds are very good that only one or two cruise ships will be there at any one time. That makes things more manageable and enjoyable not having four, five or six ships there at one time. .

 

Below are a few more pictures from this interesting town and this scenic area.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 61,004 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 57,553 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

From Aksla, here is some of the charming architecture in Alesund. This includes a canal or waterway. :

 

 

 

Here’s a closer view from Runde Island, showing the unique “S” bridge design allowing access to this island. It is a one-land bridge with a wide spot at its top to allow for passing cars.:

 

 

 

On the way back from Runde Island, here are two other views. First, a coastal village with dramatic mountains in the background. Second, as we crossed the water on the ferry with snow-capped mountains in July in Norway.:

 

 

 

Edited February 2, 2012 by TLCOhio

[iowasue]

Terry, there are four of us that will be on HAL Rotterdam in July. One of our stops is also Alesund. You mentioned you rented a car. How did you do that and how much did it cost? Did you have to do your own driving?

[ledris2]

Thanks so much Terry. Your pictures are beautiful. I think we will just wander around the town and see what we can see. We have 1 private "rib boat tour" and the train ride planned for Flam and a 4 hour cruise on White Lady in Gairenger. The rest we will just wait and see. Can always book on the ship although I don't want to. However I have found that since we are there in the middle of May many private tours don't start until June. We will do fine. All I know is that I am giong to bundle up as it is probalby going to be cold.

 

Thanks again Terry.

Lynda

[TLCOhio]

Terry, there are four of us that will be on HAL Rotterdam in July. One of our stops is also Alesund. You mentioned you rented a car. How did you do that and how much did it cost? Did you have to do your own driving?

 

ledris2: Thanks so much Terry. Your pictures are beautiful. I think we will just wander around the town and see what we can see. We have 1 private "rib boat tour" and the train ride planned for Flam and a 4 hour cruise on White Lady in Gairenger. The rest we will just wait and see. Can always book on the ship although I don't want to. However I have found that since we are there in the middle of May many private tours don't start until June. We will do fine. All I know is that I am giong to bundle up as it is probalby going to be cold. Thanks again Terry. Lynda

 

Hi' date=' Sue!! For our rental car in Alesund, we used the website of http://www.tigercarrental.com

Or, you can call them at 800-472-3325. Tiger is a wholesaler based in Ireland.

The car was actually done through a Budget franchise and we picked it up at a 7-11 location a few blocks from the ship docking place. Yes, we did our own driving. We were two couples. My friend drove and I navigated. [b']Things were easy, good highways, wonderful sights and views, etc.[/b] We did three different rental car, adventures in Norway during our trip.

For our car in Alesund, we had a Astra, four door, five seat. NOK 725 was the cost. At that time, it was around $125. Their e-mail is reservations@tigercarrental.com
.

Also you can check various website such as: http://www.myrentalcar.com

 

Appreciate Lynda's nice comments on my pictures. Good luck on your mid May cruise. Prepare to layer. Who knows for sure on the weather, right?? Tough, hard winter in Europe. It will be a high of 52F and sunny today in Central Ohio. Overall, we've had a fairly mild winter in the midwest. For Bergen, as an example for May 16, last year's high on that date was 54 °F with a low of 46 °F. The average high is 55 °F with a recent record high of 68 °F (2000)

The average low on that date in Bergen is 44 °F with a recent record low of 35 °F (2006).

 

Local Tourism Office: http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com

Their e-mail: info@visitalesund.com

 

Other questions, reactions?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 59,795 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[kccrzr]

Another option for do-it-yourselfers is to take a local bus to the Sunnmore museum which has viking boat replicas (amazingly small boats for the distances/conditions) and reproduction houses. It was quite interesting. Here is a link for anyone who is interested:

 

http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en/Product/?TLp=33335

[ledris2]

Thanks Kccrzr. This is a great option. I will definitely check it out.

Lynda

[TLCOhio]

Below are a few more examples for the style and views in and around Alesund. Charming, interesting town!! Haven't posted these picture previously.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 67,991 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 61,159 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

In Alesund, here is one of the interesting stone buildings in this area with a scenic canal running through the middle of the business area. Second is another building with a Norway banner/flag.:

 

 

 

 

 

From the Aksla viewpoint in Alesund, here is another angle with the spectacular view that shows distance islands, landscapes and mountains. Second is a picture from the downtown waterfront area looking up to this large structure at the top of the Aksla viewpoint.:

 

 

 

[iowasue]

Kccrzr - I was already thinking the Sunnmore Museum was something I wanted to see. Is it hard to find the right bus to take? Is it something we could walk to?

[NancyIL]

Alesund looks like a very cute town. However, it is also the port from which Royal Caribbean offers The Path of the Trolls excursion, and that is the winner for me:

 

Leaving from the pier in Alesund, your coach will take you first to Mount Aksla Viewpoint for a amazing view over Alesund City and surroundings. The tour continues through green scenery along Storfjorden. Your next stop will be the medieval Stordal Church, known for its interior rose paintings and fresco decorations.

 

The tour continues along the fjord to the village of Valldal, famous for its strawberry production. Here lunch will be served. You continue towards Trollstigheimen and on the way you stop at the Gudbrand’s Gorge, 16 feet wide and 80 feet deep with a foaming river at the bottom.

 

You continue your journey and at 2.500 feet above sea level, surrounded by dramatically shaped mountain peaks, you can enjoy a stunning view. You will proceed by bus down the fantastic Trollstigroad - Path of the Trolls - which winds its way in 11 giant hairpin bends blasted out of the mountainside. You will cross the Stigfoss Waterfall with a drop of 585 feet. Needle-sharp peaks thrust their way 600 feet skywards.

 

Soon you reach the bottom of the valley, surrounded by wonderful mountains with majestic names, such as The King, The Queen and The Bishop. You stop at the Trollwall, approx. 6000 feet from bottom to top, providing some of the most challenging climbing routes of the world. The drive then takes you through lush vegetation to Andalsnes, a charming village, and further along the Romsdalsfjord back towards Alesund, passing farms and villages along the way as well as shipbuilding yards and furniture works back to Alesund.

[kccrzr]

Iowasue: The bus station was an easy walk from where we docked - perhaps 10 to 15 minutes, with kids. Since we speak no Norwegian and the clerk at the station spoke little to no English, it took us a few minutes to make it clear where we wanted to go but she was incredibly patient and things soon got sorted out - all part of the experience. The bus stops right in front of the museum. The driver going out was very helpful in telling us which stop we needed.

 

Unfortunately, I do not have my detailed instructions on how to get to the bus terminal anymore. I think I printed a map from Michelin but here is a link to a Frommers review of the museum with information regarding which buses go to Sunnmore. There is also a link for an interactive map but it would not open for me.

 

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/alesund/A32521.html

[DubbC]

Hi TLCOhio,

could you please tell me if its easy to find the steps up to the viewing point please, im interested in walking up them

[TLCOhio]

Hi TLCOhio, could you please tell me if its easy to find the steps up to the viewing point please, im interested in walking up them

 

We didn't walk up. We had a car after going out to Runde Island and then stopping up there on the drive back to the ship. In checking the maps and books, you go up to the top from the Town Park that was built in Alesund at the west side of Mount Aksla. It looks like around the street intersection of Parkvegen and Radstugata is where there are signs showing the way to the famous 418 steps long staircase leading up to Mount Aksla.

 

Fortunately Alesund is not that large and you should find as you walk towards to the base below this vantage point. When we were there, we saw lots of people coming up and going down. Should not be hard to find and many folks, especially those younger, speak English.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 70,795 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 64,215 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Northbay]

Beautiful town, very picturesque as TCLOhio has shown. This was the only port where we did do a ships tour. We went up the Hjorundfjord fjord and then stoped at Aksla on the way back.

 

Kirk, did you use any private guides for tour excursions on your Norway cruise? And, if so, can you recommend one?

 

Thanks so much.

Liz

[DubbC]

Thank you,

[brazilgirl]

TLCOhio....

 

Your day in Alesund sounds perfect for our family. We enjoy renting cars while in port...offers our family more flexibilty.

 

Did your day leave yoy with time to wander around Alesund? Do you have any photos of the bird rock? How much time should we allow for the island visit?

 

We will be visiting in July 2013 on the Eurodam

 

thanks!

[TLCOhio]

TLCOhio.... Your day in Alesund sounds perfect for our family. We enjoy renting cars while in port...offers our family more flexibilty. Did your day leave yoy with time to wander around Alesund? Do you have any photos of the bird rock? How much time should we allow for the island visit? We will be visiting in July 2013 on the Eurodam. thanks!

 

Appreciate the added follow-up and comments from brazilgirl.

 

Yes, we had a great day going south on our own, enjoying many sites away from just the city and the usual tourist stuff. On Runde, if you want to see more of the birds, you have to get their early enough to use a boat and/or charter that would take you around the island to the locations to see more of that wildlife and bird "action". Where we drove and stopped on this portion of the island, there was not that much in the way of unique birds here that day. Interesting, pretty sights, etc. But, no puffins here on this part of the island. Saw lots of those up farther north near the North Cape at the top of Norway.

 

We still had time before (in walking to get our car) and after to explore a little in the town, plus what we saw in stopping on the way back to experience the scenic overview site above the town. Much depends on the length of your port stop in Alesund and if you want to do a boat to see more of the bird areas.

 

Below are a few more pictures from Runde Island for you that I have not previously posted on this thread.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 64,386 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 71,160 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Here are a few more views from Runde Island and nearby. First is showing a view near the water with all of coastal rocks and looking up to the nearby and towering peaks. Second is looking across the water to a nearby area with a lighthouse. Third is a nearby village with docked fishing boats. Fourth is another island view with three local house and the green mountains rising in the background and flowers in the foreground. Lots of color, drama and beauty here in Norway!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a closer view from Runde Island, showing the unique “S” bridge design allowing access to this island. It is a one-land bridge with a wide spot at its top to allow for passing cars.:

 

Edited April 1, 2012 by TLCOhio

[brazilgirl]

Just beautiful!! Looks like our cup of tea!

 

Thanks so much , your photos really are fantastic and help a lot in the decision making process!

 

Kim

[TLCOhio]

Just beautiful!! Looks like our cup of tea! Thanks so much , your photos really are fantastic and help a lot in the decision making process! Kim

 

Appreciate, Kim, your kind comments. Glad to know you're a person of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make such nice comments.

 

Keep planning and don't afraid to ask any added questions. I know you're not shy and will keep working ahead.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 64,462 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[brazilgirl]

I will ! I love the planning! It really makes our trip more enjoyable! Thanks!

[marcigars]

We are in port from 8 to 5. Do you think we have time to rent a car and make it to the bird island and back? Do we need to arrange a tour on the island or were you able to find your way around? If so cvan you help us figure out where to go to see the birds?

 

Thanks!

[Iluvcruising2]

We are in port from 8 to 5. Do you think we have time to rent a car and make it to the bird island and back? Do we need to arrange a tour on the island or were you able to find your way around? If so cvan you help us figure out where to go to see the birds?

 

Thanks!

 

How far is the bird island?

 

We drove to Trollstigen and back, when we were Alesund port in early June 2014.

 

Here is what we did -

http://guitar123foodandtravel.blogspot.sg/2014/07/adventure-of-seas-day-9-alesund-part-1.html