Ålesund is a port that we found to be defined by one thing: its dramatic history. The town was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1904, and what rose from the ashes was a truly unique example of Art Nouveau architecture. We’ve seen a lot of places on our travels, but the uniformity and detail of the Jugendstil buildings here are unlike anything else. This is precisely why Ålesund is a major cruise stop now; it’s a visual spectacle and a testament to resilience. When we arrived, we were immediately struck by the facades. What we recommend is simply walking through the streets and admiring the buildings. The intricate carvings, the turrets, the stained glass—it’s a feast for the eyes. However, as we explored, we realized that the town itself isn’t what we would call a charming, pedestrian-friendly city. There’s not much of an open-air, public space feel to it. What we didn’t like was the lack of a proper waterfront promenade. You can’t really just sit by the canal and watch the ships come and go, except for the small area right around the museum. The streets are a bit modern and built for traffic, which made us feel a bit disconnected from the water that surrounds the town. In terms of things to do, beyond the architecture and the museum, there’s a surprising lack of options for a quick visit. It’s not a place with a lot of hidden gems for a casual stroll. We heard that climbing the 418 steps to Mount Aksla is a must for the panoramic views, but frankly, unless you’re up for the hike, there’s not much to do. So, for us, Ålesund was a port of call that we’re glad we saw for its unique style, but we wouldn’t say there’s much to do beyond a very focused look at its remarkable buildings.