Ålesund’s Best Photo Spots: Capture the City’s Stunning Views

The best photo spots in Ålesund are more than just popular sightseeing locations — they are dream settings for anyone with an eye for light, composition, or simply stunning urban scenery. Compact, walkable, and visually striking, Ålesund is ideal for cruise guests who want to experience a lot in a short time. This guide introduces some of the city’s most scenic locations, from famous viewpoints to quieter waterfront corners, and shows why Ålesund is such a rewarding place to explore — whether you’re carrying a camera or simply enjoying the view.

Fjellstua and Mount Aksla – panoramic views of city and sea

Fjellstua on Mount Aksla is Ålesund’s most iconic viewpoint. From the top, you are rewarded with a classic postcard view of the town, surrounding islands, narrow sounds, and the Sunnmøre Alps rising in the distance. The perspective makes it easy to understand Ålesund’s unique location between sea and mountains.

The view is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light falls low over the Art Nouveau buildings and reflects in the water below. Even without a camera, this is a moment to pause, take in the silence, and appreciate how closely nature and city life are connected here. Aksla is also worth visiting in different weather conditions: clear days offer sharp views far out to sea, while mist, low clouds, or dramatic skies give the landscape a completely different mood — often becoming a highlight rather than a drawback.

Brosundet, Molja and hidden gems by the water

Brosundet canal is the heart of Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district and a must-see stop for visitors. Historic brick buildings line the narrow waterway, their warm colours mirrored in the calm surface below. Early mornings and evenings are particularly atmospheric, when the water is still and the town feels calm and unhurried.

Walking slowly along the quay allows you to notice details that are easy to miss: architectural ornaments, reflections, fishing boats passing through, and everyday life unfolding along the waterfront. Just a short walk away, Molja lighthouse marks the point where the town meets the open sea — a perfect place to feel the coastal character of Ålesund and watch changing weather roll in from the Atlantic.

Kongens gate, Storhaugen, Byparken and Skansekaia

For a closer look at Ålesund’s urban charm, Kongens gate is the city’s main street and perfect for a leisurely stroll among Art Nouveau façades, shops, and cafés. A short detour leads to Storhaugen, a quiet hill with open spaces offering sweeping views of rooftops and the harbor. Byparken, the city park, provides a peaceful green retreat where locals relax and children play, giving a sense of everyday life in Ålesund. Finally, Skansekaia, the lively waterfront quay, is ideal for taking in the maritime atmosphere — boats, seagulls, and the ever-changing light on the water create a quintessential coastal experience.

These locations are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing cruise guests to absorb the city’s beauty and coastal charm — with or without a camera in hand.

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