Ålesund

Ålesund is a small town on the west coast of Norway, spread across several islands. After a fire destroyed the centre in 1904, it was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style over three years, and the ornate facades of turrets, towers, and decorative stonework give the town a different feel from other Norwegian ports. Ships dock centrally, and most of the town is walkable from the berth. The 418 steps up Mount Aksla lead to the Fjellstua viewpoint, which overlooks the town, the surrounding islands, and the open Atlantic. The Art Nouveau Centre on Apotekergata tells the story of the fire and the reconstruction. The Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken), a few kilometres outside town, has large outdoor tanks with local marine species, including cod, catfish, and seals. Klippfisk (dried and salted cod) is Ålesund's traditional export and local speciality. Norwegian kroner is the currency, and prices are high, but credit cards are accepted everywhere.