ÅLESUND
A Phoenix from the Flames

Just over one hundred years ago on a wild and windy night in the dead of a January winter, a fired raged in Ålesund. The city was destroyed that night, but out of the ashes arose an Art Nouveau building style known as a unique European architecture marvels. Combined with Ålesund’s status as a major fishing center as well as home of the NCE Maritime network, the city is a place to visit, do business - and stay.

Ålesund is often call one of Europe’s most modern fishing centers where the sea and land meet, a natural wonderland and a unique setting for this city of nearly 50,000 that offers visitors and residents the best in charming restaurants, galleries and shops.

Enthusiasm & Vision
Adapting to change with enthusiasm and vision, the 1970´s represented the start of a new era.
It was a time when the Norwegian oil and gas adventure was just beginning, and Alesund’s boat owners quickly realized the potential and converted many fishing vessels to support the growth of an oil & gas industry, which is now one of the worlds largest.

An Architectural Wonderland
As you explore the city, you will see why Ålesund has been called one of Europe’s unique architectural wonders - and marvel at buildings decorated with towers, turrets and all sorts of imaginative ornaments. It is easy to understand why the city is part of the Reseau Art Nouveau Network together with such cities as Barcelona and Vienna.

 

World Class Vision
The harbor of Brosundet is close by and reminds visitor and residents alike why Ålesund is one of the main shipping centers in a country that has the second largest offshore fleet in the world. It is understandable that the city is home to NCE (Norwegian Centers of Expertise) Maritime, a maritime cluster on the west coast of Norway consists of 12 design companies, 17 ship owning companies, 13 shipyards and 161 equipment suppliers, all within a small geographical area. 

International Feel
Craftsmanship and quality are the mark of the region, a creativity and attention to detail that has made this area the center of the Norwegian furniture industry, with many styles and brands a notable part of the country’s export market. This international connection is visible in other ways as well as the world famous Hurtigruten comes and goes from Ålesund harbor no less than two time a day - every day of the year.

A Place to Visit – and Stay
What it all comes down to is the fact that the friendly and inviting city of Ålesund is a great place to visit - and live. Within reach is a vast array of refreshing and spectacular natural experiences - some describing it as the richest variety of natural contrasts in the world.

Take the time to learn more about Ålesund! You will be glad you did.