Ålesund, Norway
When I started planning a trip to the iconic Juvet Landscape Hotel, a luxury hotel hideaway featured in Ex Machina and Succession, I discovered the closest airport was in Ålesund, Norway. As it turns out, my long-ago Norwegian ancestors were from there, so it felt like the universe was giving me a personal green light to explore this beautiful fjord town.
Though I spent less than 24 hours in Ålesund (on Halloween of all days!), I was completely charmed. It's a scenic and quiet base for exploring western Norway and absolutely worth a stop en route to Juvet.
What to Do in Ålesund
aksla Viewpoint Hike
Every guide to Ålesund recommends Aksla Viewpoint (aka Fjellstua Viewpoint), and for good reason. At the top of the mountain, you’ll get a panoramic view of Ålesund, the Alps, and the nearby islands.
I parked near the Aksla Stadium (Aksla Stadion) and followed the well-marked forest trail for about 15 minutes to reach the mountain viewpoint. It wasn’t crowded at all and made for a peaceful morning in nature.
You can also take the 400+ stairs from the base of the mountain, but I wasn’t trying to work up a sweat before heading to Juvet.
Where to Stay in Ålesund
Hotel 1904
I stayed at Hotel 1904, a stylish boutique hotel in the city center. Its cozy communal spaces, Scandinavian design, and excellent breakfast (included!) made it the perfect spot for a one-night stay.
The location is also excellent — just a short walk away from restaurants, the waterfront, and the Avis car rental office :)
I briefly considered Hotel Brosundet, which is right on the water and also gorgeous, but opted for Hotel 1904 due to its cheaper price!
Where to Eat in Ålesund
Apotekergata No. 5
Apotekergata No. 5 at Hotel Brosundet is an incredible waterfront restaurant in the city center. I didn’t take photos (this was before I started blogging!) but the food here was so delicious. I got two different fish starters, fresh bread, and a mocktail from their Sober October menu.
Pro tip: Definitely make a reservation! Every table was full, even on a weekday evening.
Worth a Detour
Storfjord Hotel
Located just 30 minutes away from Ålesund is the incredible Storfjord Hotel, another boutique hotel in Norway. While I didn’t stay overnight, I did stop here for lunch… and it was SO GOOD.
I had fresh bread and butter and some of the best fish soup I’ve ever had. The staff was so warm and friendly and the ambiance was 10/10 with jazz music playing and a cozy fireplace going.
If (when!) I return to this part of Norway, I will most certainly be spending a night or two here.
Transportation Tips
From the airport to city center: I took the FB65 bus from Ålesund Airport (AES) to Skateflukaia, right in the city center. The bus runs according to the flight schedules. It cost around NOK 50–60 (approx. $5–6 USD) and took under 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the Vy app or onboard.
Car Rental: I picked up a rental car from Avis Ålesund, which is walking distance from Hotel 1904. I returned the car to the airport before flying to Oslo. Super convenient!
Final Thoughts
Ålesund may be small, but it’s full of character with its beautiful architecture, peaceful nature areas, and solid food. Whether you’re heading to Juvet Landscape Hotel or just passing through the fjords of western Norway, don’t skip this charming port city!
