Luxury holidays in Ålesund

When to go

Summer’s long, light days are primed for hiking, kayaking and sailing, and visits between April and August are marked by sightings of nesting puffins. Fjord cruises in winter are backdropped by snowy scenery, but many hiking trails are closed.

Getting there

• Planes

  Connections from Norway’s major cities, such as Oslo and Bergen, plus some international flights land at Ålesund Airport, which is on nearby island Vigra, a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

• Trains

  Rail routes from Oslo and Trondheim call at Åndalsnes station, which is a 90-minute drive from Ålesund.

• Automobiles

  Ålesund is dinky, so you won’t need a set of wheels — the town is best explored by foot; taxis and public transport are easily available, too.