Even though we were now further south it was still unexpectedly cold and as we descended the gangplank we were hit by what felt like icy gale forces winds and mini hale stones. We had to take cover for a few minutes and as quickly as it came, it went. I’m sure glad I wore my big coat and hat.
Alesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful towns thanks to the towers, spires and other ornamental features of the architecture. In stark contrast to the simple wooden houses of many other Norwegian coastal town. It seems that a fire destroyed the city in 1904 and it was rebuilt in this vibrant Art Nouveau style.
In the heart of Ålesund, the passage of time appears to have halted, enveloping me in a nostalgic reverie that mirrors the enchanting stories of my cherished childhood fairy-tale books. The town's character is an exquisite blend of bygone charm, defined by its quaint architecture and the presence of fishing boats that seem to have gracefully weathered the centuries. Strolling through its cobbled streets, I find myself transported to a world where the echoes of history resonate, each corner unveiling a page from the past.
The architecture, with its ornate details and colorful facades, is a testament to a bygone era when craftsmanship was revered. Gazing upon these whimsical buildings, it's easy to imagine them as the backdrop to age-old tales of knights, maidens, and noble quests. The streets are like the winding pathways of a storybook village, where each turn brings a new adventure waiting to unfold.
So we opted for the Hop on Hop off bus. Which follows a route round the town and the first stop was the Fjellstua viewpoint. The trip took about 15 mins and we were given headphones to listen to audio on the way.
Upon our arrival, we decised to ascend to the viewing platform using the antiquated World War II bunkers. The initial ascent, as it turned out, presented a greater challenge than I had initially anticipated. Nevertheless, with some nimble maneuvering, we successfully scrambled to the summit.
These historic bunkers, remnants of World War II, piqued our curiosity. In my eagerness, I attempted to explore one of them, hoping to get a glimpse into the past. However, upon peering inside, I was met with an unexpected sight – several inches of water had collected within. It quickly became apparent that venturing further inside was not a viable option; the prospect of soaking my feet was a less-than-ideal proposition, and so I opted to maintain my dry and comfortable footwear.
The vistas from the platform proved to be nothing short of spectacular, leaving an indelible mark on our memories. The panoramic scenes that unfolded before us were truly breathtaking. Gazing out, we were treated to a magnificent tableau that included the picturesque town below, the vast expanse of the ocean stretching into the horizon, and the majestic silhouette of distant mountains, their peaks adorned with a dusting of pristine snow.
After we captured as many photos as we could we got back on the bus and headed back to town in the hopes of trying to find a cafe to indulge in a hot chocolate to warm us up. We decided on the hotel Brusendat where we had a chat with one of the ladies about some of the history of the hotel and ordered our drinks.
