Alesund & West Coast Fjords
Ålesund and the West Coast Fjords together make up one of the world's most stunning regions. Ålesund is a charming waterfront city and a gateway to the majestic fjords beyond; explore the fjords by boat, by car or indeed on foot - we would suggest you try all three in order to enjoy the scenery from all angles! And you can expect the food you'll need to keep you going to be utterly fantastic.
![Alesund West Coast Fjords](
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In January of 1904, the town center of the west coast city of Ålesund all but burnt down in a great fire, leaving just one house still standing. As a result of Kaiser Wilhelm’s passion for the western Norwegian fjords, he played an integral part in rebuilding the whole city. Many of the Norwegian architects used to rebuild the city had studied in Germany during the Jugendstil movement so a more Germanic Art Nouveau style was adopted, remodelling the traditional wooden clapboard houses to a collection of three-storey, charming, pastel colored brick and stone buildings crowned with towers and turrets, creating the distinctive look that we know and love today.
Added to Ålesund’s idiosyncratic style are Neoclassical and Gothic façades and decorative faces, flowers and dragons that adorn the porticoes. The complete ensemble is a delight to wander around and there are some fantastic cafes and restaurants to dip in and out of while you do so. Sailing the surrounding archipelago is a lovely way to spend a summer's day, or for something more extreme, suit-up and head out to Runde Island by RIB and catch a glimpse of the local seals and puffins inhabiting the island.
The North Western Fjords surrounding Ålesund are Nordfjord, Storfjord and Geirangerfjord. The mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers that together make up these incredible fjords offer a wealth of activities, from gentle to extreme and everything in between, all of which maximize views of the breath taking scenery. Hiking is the number one attraction and varies from gentle trails to more challenging routes where guides are necessary as you pick your way up rocks and narrow paths leading to the peaks and rewarding yourself with the most impressive panoramas.
![Storfjord Hotel](https://images.scottdunn.com/c_fill,f_auto,q_auto,h_348,w_449/norway/accommodation/storfjord-hotel/735531-view-storfjord-hotel-alesund-west-coast-fjords-norway-northern-europe-europe.jpeg)
Storfjord Hotel
Norwegian Fjords, Norway
Storfjord Hotel, with its panoramic views to the fjord and warm welcome is one of a kind in Norway. Its beautiful décor with sheepskins, tweeds and rough wood, and antiques and knickknacks dotted about give this boutique hotel a charming ambience.
![Flatflesa Lighthouse](https://images.scottdunn.com/c_fill,f_auto,q_auto,h_348,w_449/norway/accommodation/flatflesa-lighthouse/760472-lighthouse-flatflesa-lighthouse.jpeg)
Flatflesa Lighthouse
Flatflesa Private Island, Norway
Located on a private island just a one-hour boat trip from Ålesund, Flatflesa Lighthouse offers a wonderfully remote experience. The lighthouse has a total of 8 rooms across the main lighthouse and annex, making for the perfect family or group getaway.
![Hotel Brosundet](https://images.scottdunn.com/c_fill,f_auto,q_auto,h_348,w_449/norway/accommodation/hotel-brosundet/781159-exterior-hotel-brosundet.jpeg)
Hotel Brosundet
Alesund & West Coast Fjords, Norway
Brosundet is a seriously stylish boutique city hotel and a great base for exploring Ålesund. Located right on the water, this old warehouse has sloping floors and exposed beams that hark back to its life as a warehouse but with modern Scandinavian décor.
![Walaker Hotel](https://images.scottdunn.com/c_fill,f_auto,q_auto,h_348,w_449/norway/accommodation/walaker-hotel/735325-walaker-main-entrance-walaker-hotel-alesund-west-coast-fjords-norway-northern-europe-europe.jpeg)
Walaker Hotel
Norwegian Fjords, Alesund & West Coast Fjords, Norway
Walaker Hotel is a charming, family-run hotel dating back to 1630. The hotel is set on the water’s edge in Solvorn, in the middle of the vast Sognefjord. Comprised of three parts, two historic buildings and a new wing, the hotel has 22 rooms in total.