Travel Guide Europe Norway Ålesund
Ålesund occupies a splendid position on the Norwegian coast, being situated at the mouth of a fjord that, after a great distance on the water can take you to Geiranger. The coastal voyage gives most of a day to this, its only departure from the sea. However at the beginning of the 20th century there was a terrible fire and most of the older wooden buildings were destroyed. Among much international aid, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who spend a considerable time on holiday in the area, gave a large amount. Rebuilding took place to the latest style. Hence now you'll find a largely art nouveau town on the Norwegian coast.
Åndalsnes is the nearest station and there are then buses - the branch line to Åndalsnes is one of Norway's finest pieces of rail scenery. For timetables see Norway State Railways Website, entering Dombås and Ålesund.
Click Norway.com for information on buses from most main cities.
Hurtigruten stops here.
One way or another, do get to Geiranger!
There are buses direct to Geiranger but it's worth going via Åndalsnes one way for the ride over the Trollstigen Pass.
The car ferries from Geiranger to Hellesylt are comfortable with good cafes and with a commentary in English. There is no point in paying more for a tourist boat.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ålesund Hostel | Parkgata Møre og romsdal | Hostel | 64 |
Brosundet Hotel - highly recommended.
See also International Telephone Calls
Red mailboxes are found easily and post offices are plentiful, with opening hours on most being 9:00am to 5:00pm, with usually shorter hours on Saturday. Stamps can usually only be found at post offices although some popular tourist venues might carry them. Norway's postal system, "Posten", has a good website with a lot of English information including up to date prices and also details about the opening hours of the nearest post office. The most commonly sent format for travellers, letters and cards up to 20 grams, currently require the following stamps:
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