Why Ålesund Deserves More Than a Cruise Stop
Published on: 10/10/2026
Most visitors see Ålesund on a cruise stop. Stay two nights for the City Train up Aksla, endless evening light and the town after the ships leave.
NorwayEuropetravel

Most visitors see Ålesund on a cruise stop. Stay two nights for the City Train up Aksla, endless evening light and the town after the ships leave.

Norway is pricey, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Kitchens, packed lunches, duty-free wine and bakery buns kept our fjord trip affordable.

We did nine days in Norway’s fjords without a car - which was perfect to take in the nonstop beautiful views. Here’s how ferries, buses, boats and trains got us everywhere.

Find affordable Dutch souvenirs like a local: tea towels, stroopwafels, Delft Blue and more from HEMA, Action, Albert Heijn and antique markets.