When Ålesund was destroyed by fire in the early years of the 20th century did anybody realise that an art nouveau town near the fjords would have such a draw a hundred years later? Possibly they guessed because of course the rebuilding was done in the latest style, largely financed by international aid, including a major contribution from Kaiser William II, the German emperor who used to enjoy holidays there. The north bound Hurtigrute [Coastal Voyage] spends most of a day going up fjords from Ålesund to Geiranger and back - or the return can be by bus. Otherwise a triangular bus trip or drive in either direction to Geiranger and Åndalsnes, taking in the eagles Highway and the Trollsnigge Pass provides a terrific day.
Molde can be reached by car ferry or a bus trip can be taken to the most southerly bird rock at Runde.
Ålesund makes a terrific centre for exploration. [edit text][editors]
