
Wooden buildings, fire and oxygen are a recipe for destruction, and the night of 23 January 1904 would be no exception. A great fire blazed through Alesund and within the space of 16 hours, the whole town burnt to the ground. During the tragic event, one person died and ten thousand people were left homeless.
This event changed Alesund forever.
From Turmoil to Triumph
The reconstruction of the town started immediately. It is a story of inspiration and innovation.
Up until this point, almost all houses in Noway were built of wood. However, following the fire, something stronger, more resistance was needed. They selected stone and brick for the new building material. Stong, robust, and built to last against the elements.
Starting from scratch, the townspeople realised they had a blank canvas and could do something completely different.
They wanted the town to stand out. At the time Art Nouveau architecture was sweeping through Europe. It was the fashion of the time, and they decided to bring the style to Alesund.
Uniquely, from the team of architects that began work, all of them were under the age of 35. By 1907 the town was entirely rebuilt. Yep, you read correctly, it only took three years. An astonishing feat by any standards, particularly when you see the quality.
After completion, Alesund was considered the most modern town in the world, and with this new label and appearance, it attracted more visitors than ever before.

Alesund Harbour

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Art Nouveau architecture in Alesund
A stroll through the town highlights the distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. No two houses are the same. Each building is painted in vivid shades of pink, green and yellow. The shape of the building has a distinct organic outline. There’s a certain fluidity in the form, and expressive motifs of flowers and leaves decorate a selection of buildings.
Art Nouveau style is characterised by colourful facades, intricate ornamentation, and whimsical details. Take a leisurely stroll through the city center to admire iconic buildings such as the Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre) and explore the charming streets lined with boutique shops and cosy cafes.
Mount Aksla View Point
No visit to Alesund is complete without a trip up to the summit of Mount Aksla View Point. It doesn’t take long, though I still recommend wearing suitable footwear.
Panoramic views of the colourful town greet all of those who venture to the top, with the surrounding mountain range and beautiful fjords stretching for as far as the eye can see. On a clear and still day, it looks like a stain-glass window.
When standing inside this picturesque setting, it is difficult to believe that such a place once rose from the ashes.
View of Alesund from the Viewing Point.
Explore Alesund by water

Exploring Alesund by water is one of the best ways to get up close to the local wildlife and see the city from a different perspective.
I recommend either hiring a kayak or joining a RIB Safari.
Visit Historical Museums and Landmarks
Dive into Alesund’s rich maritime history and cultural heritage by visiting its museums and historical landmarks.
Explore the Ålesunds Museum to learn about the city’s reconstruction after the 1904 fire, or visit the Sunnmøre Museum to discover traditional Norwegian architecture, artifacts, and folklore.
Finally, I recommend a guided tour of the Jugendstilsenteret to delve deeper into the Art Nouveau movement and its influence on Alesund’s architecture and design.
Where to stay in Alesund
I stayed at Hotel Brosundet and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
This centrally located boutique hotels sits right on the waterfront in one of the town’s converted warehouses. It seemlessly blends modern comfort with the town’s historic character.
2 responses
Thanks for showing me these things so interesting. I love what I see in this blog. I’m Spanish and I need google translator has been a success but I found this blog in English.
Congratulations on the blog.
Greetings.
Amazing – google translator bridges the world’s languages together! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂