Ålesund
Norway

Ålesund, as we know it today, was born under very dramatic circumstances. At the beginning of the 20th century, a fire swept through the originally wooden fishing town, destroying almost all the houses and leaving thousands of people homeless. With a significant contribution from the German Emperor Wilhelm II, who used to come here for holidays, the town was built in the Art Nouveau style a few years later and became a world architectural unique.

Due to its location on the west coast of Norway, it is a key tourist destination and its beautiful nature, unique Art Nouveau architecture and proximity to the famous fjords are attracting increasing numbers of tourists. Moreover, its deep harbour allows it to accommodate even the largest cruise ships, making it an important tourist centre in the region.

History

The history of the Norwegian port of Alesund dates back to the Viking era. Its proximity to the sea and fertile fishing grounds made it an important fishing port. The port's importance grew further in the Middle Ages, when it became the centre of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defence alliance of merchant guilds and their market towns in Northern Europe.

In 1904 a devastating fire destroyed most of the town, but Alesund was quickly rebuilt and the new buildings were characterised by a distinctive secessionist style. Today, the port of Alesund is still an important centre for Norway's fishing industry and is also a popular stop for cruise ships exploring Norway's beautiful fjords. In addition, the port serves as a base for oil and gas operations in the North Sea.