Scandinavia, The Baltic & Iceland
Alesund, Norway
You'll have Kaiser Wilhem II to thank for this city. After all, when it was destroyed by fire in 1904, he decided to rebuild his beloved gateway in Art Nouveau style. Now its buildings dazzle with dreamy turrets and ornate carvings of dragons and mythical figures. Nature has played its part too, as calm waters and distant snow-capped peaks add to the charm.
Highlights
ATLANTIC OCEAN MARINE PARK
Dedicated to the marine life of the North Atlantic, the park features massive seascape-style tanks set into the coastline.
GISKE
Known as the Saga Island, Giske has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. The 12th century marble church was founded by the island’s ruling Giske clan. The offshore island of Giske is the reputed birthplace of the great Viking Rollon, who laid siege to Paris and founded what was to become the Duchy of Normandy. William the Conqueror was his grandson.
GODOY
A steep ridge neatly divides the island. Its northern coast is home to a lighthouse offering stunning views of the coastal fjords and Ålesund.
MT AKSLA
From the Kniven Overlook one has panoramic views of Ålesund, its bay, surrounding mountains, and offshore islands.
NORANGSDALEN VALLEY
In 1908 a massive rockslide dammed its river and transformed the valley into a lake.
SUNNOIRE MUSEUM
This open-air museum features a collection of traditional farmhouses and a replica of the "Kvalsund" ship from the Viking era.
TROLLVEGGEN
The Troll’s Wall is Europe’s highest rock wall, rising some 3,600 feet into the clouds.
VALLDAL
This town on the Valldølla river is noted for its annual Strawberry Festival in July.
Shore Excursions