Summary
A trip to Norway is invariably exhilarating; occasionally, I find myself too enthusiastic to obtain a sufficient night’s rest. While planning our itinerary for the coming week during our recent return to this captivating country, I managed to get minimal sleep.
Thus, I arrived in Alesund (our starting point) completely fatigued, but a robust cup of coffee and the invigorating Norwegian air were more than adequate to revive my spirits!
Initially, we traveled to Godoy Island, where we indulged in traditional pancakes (Svele) along with a much-needed coffee before embarking on a stroll to explore the lighthouse and the picturesque waterfront.
After our time in Godoy, we proceeded to Alesund, where we would be staying for the next few days.
Due to an error, we switched hotels, which unexpectedly turned out to be fortuitous; the new accommodation was substantially more spacious, resembling a mini apartment.
The accommodation also featured floor-to-ceiling windows, which provided the ideal opportunity to bask in the almost perpetual Norwegian daylight. Although technically not ‘the midnight sun’, witnessing the sunset at midnight certainly gave that impression—a stark contrast to the experience in London.
The following morning, we visited Fjellstua, an exceptional vantage point offering sweeping views over Alesund.
Alesund has never appeared more picturesque, resembling a scene from a fairy tale, particularly from this vantage point. The dramatic fjords and mountainous landscapes in the background elicited a thrilling sense of anticipation!
To reach the viewpoint, we opted for a slight luxury and took a ride to the top, although we did walk back down, which surely must account for some exercise, right? 😉
Upon returning to town, we made a quick stop to drop off our belongings at the hotel we had initially intended to stay at – The Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen (currently ranked number 1 on TripAdvisor), which provided a lovely room overlooking the harbour, complete with access to fishing rods available for complimentary rental from reception.
Breakfast, afternoon waffles, and dinner were all included in our hotel stay, which was quite unique for me! It allowed for a delightful experience while simultaneously conserving some finances during our visit.
Alesund is deeply rooted in its fishing heritage, and this connection is manifested in the local culture. Therefore, visiting the Atlanterhavsparken was a logical choice for exploring the remaining morning while we awaited our postponed Rib Boat tour to observe puffins later that evening.
While at Atlanterhavsparken, we observed various species of fish and local aquatic life. The most engaging moment was during feeding time, when a diver entered the water to feed the fish, which are directly sourced from the Fjord.
The excitement among the children during the feeding spectacle was palpable, capturing the attention of every viewer.
*The water depicted originates directly from the fjords nearby.
The experience left an indelible impression regarding the connection between the local community and the sea. Subsequently, we meandered around the harbor, concluding a delightful day of exploration.
By the afternoon, we stumbled upon a boat that was being utilized to honor the town’s fishing legacy. The vessel was crafted in traditional fashion, reminiscent of how such boats were constructed historically.
Overall, our time spent in Alesund was a leisurely exploration that fostered connections with the local community and offered a unique look into a relaxed Norwegian lifestyle.
