Today we visited the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund, Norway. It’s on the coast at the mouth of Geiranger Fjord so we passed by here a few days ago on our way to the town of Geiranger. This time we opted for the Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus although we didn’t even ride the entire route nor did we climb the 418 steps to the top of Askla Hill for a panoramic view of Ålesund, but we did our own self-guided walking tour and learned a lot about this delightful community. Ålesund has a history dating back at least to the 11th Century. Its mention in the Viking Sagas indicates it’s long been a rich trading port. It’s one of Norway’s most productive fishing ports. One of the most significant features of the city today is its delightful Art Noveau architecture, a result of rebuilding after a devastating Town Fire in 1904. The city consists of several islands connected by bridges so waterfront is a major feature and water is important to not only the economy but the recreational opportunities here. Our independent adventures began at Ålesund Church the rebuilding of which was completed in 1806 then meandering through the streets and along the waterfront. We stopped for beer, barbecue, and burgers at Anno and lingered a little longer there to hobnob with some fellow passengers from Jewel of the Seas. Before our return to ship we popped into the gift shop of the Art Nouveau Center located in what was a pharmacy for many years.
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