This is our second visit to Ålesund this year but we are a little better prepared this time. We’re going to visit Waldehuset, a house with a very unusual history…
On January 23rd 1904, a devastating fire swept through Ålesund, destroying 850 homes and leaving 10,000 people homeless. In the Eastern district of the city, every wooden house burned down except one – Waldehuset.
Anders Nor, the owner of Waldehuset, was visited by an angel on January 22nd, the day before the fire. The celestial visitor advised Nor that his home, and all who were in it, would be spared. And so it was – everything outside the house was burned to the ground. Photos of the area in the days after the fire clearly show Waldehuset standing unharmed in the midst of acres of debris – it’s not even scorched.
It’s all very reminiscent of the Jesus statue in Le Havre.
Sadly, Waldehuset was closed today. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the museum is now only open by appointment. Thankfully it’s only a half-mile walk from the cruise terminal.
Top tip: Make sure you book a viewing before arriving in Ålesund. You can find contact details and pictures on the Waldehuset website.
Afterwards, we travel back downhill and it begins to rain lightly. Then it begins to hail heavily. Which is very exciting. Or not.
Thanks to the scooter, Linda is more mobile than on our previous visit, we take the opportunity to see a little more of Ålesund. Obviously, the climb up the stairs to the Fjellstua Viewpoint is still out of the question, but it’s nice to look at the rebuilt city. Even if it is very cold.
Top tip: Ålesund, like most of Norway, is closed on a Sunday. And when we say closed, we mean CLOSED.
Our route back to the ship takes us past a number of upmarket shops and boutiques, including one selling an extremely well preserved Raleigh Tomahawk bike, much to Linda’s delight. However, window-shopping is as far as it goes. Aside from a two or three tourist-tat shops, everything is closed.
Top tip: The combination of steep inclines and cobblestones makes Alesund particularly punishing on the mobility scooter battery. If you are travelling with a lightweight, folding scooter, be sure to invest in a second battery – and don’t forget to take it with you.
We toy with the idea of hanging around on the dock for the MOLO Brew brewpub to open, but it’s far too cold. Besides, we sampled several of their beers on our last visit, so we head instead for the warmth of the Island Princess.
Alesund is our last port call on this cruise. It’s depressing to realise that the next time the ship docks, it will be to drive home.
Other activities in Alesund
Looking for something to do in Ålesund? Here are the top three rated activities:
1. Via Ferrata Tour
If you think the stairs up to the Alesund lookout are too tame, why not try the rock climbing route instead? This fully-insured via ferrata tour takes you up the rock face, under the watchful eye of a qualified guide.
As well as promising the best view in town, the tour also includes:
- All equipment.
- Equipment and safety brief by guide.
- Climbing with a qualified guide.
2. City tour of Alesund
Enjoy a glimpse into the relaxed life on the Norwegian coast with this fully guided walking tour. Discover stories and places that only locals know about and immerse yourself in the unique Art Nouveau architecture.
3. Guided food walking tour
What could be better than combining a walking tour with food? Led by a local guide you will discover authentic food from local restaurants and cafés and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you walk from place to place. The guide will point out the amazing and unique architecture and Art Nouveau buildings of the city allowing you to experience the best of Ålesund on foot and enjoy the fresh air.
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