A cute port city on what was seven (now five) islands, Ålesund sprawls along its abundant waterfront. Art Nouveau in architecture, due to a widespread fire that meant the majority of downtown was built between 1904 and 1907, it is picturesque.
We started the day on a tour, both bus and walking, that showed off the architecture and the unique Norwegian / Viking touches – trolls designed into the facades. While walking the waterfront, a double rainbow added to moment.
Driving through other islands, we learned of Viking burial mounds in the region dating to 400 CE.
Then we arrived at the Atlantic Sea Park, a salt water aquarium right on the coast, filled with local species – plus rescued Humboldt penguins. It was neat, but not as large as we had thought.
Returning to the ship, we went aboard for lunch, then split up for the afternoon to explore on foot the areas we each had moat interest in. Jen found the changed weather – cold, rainy and windy – unpleasant and returned aboard quickly to relax in the Crow’s Nest. Lana also wandered, and ended up chasing birds up to the observatory above the city.
The evening was dressy night, and we enjoyed a lovely meal as the ship pulled away. After dinner snacks were courtesy of the Norwegian buffet in the Lido.
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