The first excursion selected for our northbound Hurtigruten Coastal Express was the Art Nouveau Walk in Ålesund, Norway. Ålesund is known for the art nouveau architecture during the town’s reconstruction following a fire in 1904 which destroyed the city and allows the city to be unlike any other in Norway: definitely good for tourism!
The excursion started with a walk through the center of the town, with the guide pointing out specific buildings and their importance. One derelict building was previous a gathering place for sailors currently in port, providing food and lodging. The buildings are colorful, ornate, interesting, and beautiful.
The excursion’s second stop is Jugendstilsenteret, or Art Nouveau Center, located in an old Norwegian Pharmacy. The museum part of the center focuses on Ålesund, particularly the how the fire shaped the city as it is today, as well as the history of the pharmacy, its building, and the pharmacist.
The final stop before returning to the ship was the gallery of a local artist. Meh, even though we were allowed to select a small print.
Final Thoughts
Ålesund’s art nouveau architecture is definitely justified in the attention it receives; however, the guided tour limits you in exploring the town with any depth (or any depth that a two hour stop allows). Though the town’s history is interesting, especially the impact of the fire, I recommend a unguided walk through the town. Jugendstilsenteret may still be worthy of a stop, assuming time permits, but the local artist a complete waste IMO.
However, as my wife’s and my first excursion on our first cruise, it was a learning experience, as we’re not used to group activities. From that perspective, a good experience, but I would have preferred a less organized stop.
Image Credits
All images © 2025 Scott C Sosna, all rights reserved.
