Ålesund, Bergen and Stavanger: city trips between the fjords
Christian Clerx, initiator of CityZapper.com, travels all over the world for his work. In this section he tips about the best places in world cities. For this edition he traveled to the fjord region in Norway. There are no fewer than three cities in this region that are worth visiting. Ålesund, Bergen and Stavanger all have a unique character and a visit to these cities can be perfectly combined with a boat trip through the breathtaking fjords. Norway is the destination to combine your city trip with unforgettable experiences in nature!
Christian Clerx, initiator of CityZapper.com, travels all over the world for his work. In this section he tips about the best places in world cities. For this edition he traveled to the fjord region in Norway. There are no fewer than three cities in this region that are worth visiting. Ålesund, Bergen and Stavanger all have a unique character and a visit to these cities can be perfectly combined with a boat trip through the breathtaking fjords. Norway is the destination to combine your city trip with unforgettable experiences in nature!
ÅLESUND
Of the three cities, Ålesund is the northernmost. This fishing town spread over three islands is less known than Bergen and Stavanger. Ålesund's nickname is 'Adventure Capital of the Fjords', but there is also plenty to do for culture lovers. One of the special features of the city is that many of the buildings are built in the characteristic Art Nouveau architecture. If you want to visit an idyllic lesser-known city with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding nature, Ålesund is highly recommended.
HOTELS
Hotel Brosundet
Stimulating the senses is central in this intimate family hotel. You will be amazed by the interior, where the original character of the warehouse is still clearly visible. You will taste the most delicious fresh seafood and immediately feel welcome. The residents of Ålesund also like this hotel. Hotel Brosundet is directly adjacent to the water and is located in the center.
Juvet Landscape Hotel is located on the northwest coast of Norway, just outside the village of Valldal, about a 90-minute drive from Ålesund. The hotel rooms consist of seven detached cottages with one or two glass walls. This means you always have a stunning view of the surrounding forests or the valley. There are also two special 'Bird Houses'. These rooms are built in the same way as traditional Norwegian log cabins and are higher than the other hotel rooms. The ultimate accommodation if you want 'back-to-basics'.
This secluded luxury boutique hotel offers views of the Storfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps. Space and tranquility are central here. The wooden hotel is built by hand and its location in the woods provides a wood scent that immediately relaxes you. The view is breathtaking and the rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished. Norwegian traditions and modern design come together effortlessly in the interior.
You will find XL Diner right in the center. Here you can enjoy delicious food and drinks with a view of the Ålesundet Canal, the Molja lighthouse and the sea. Since its founding in 1999, they have deliberately developed into what is today recognized as one of Europe's best sea salt restaurants. XL Diner is and remains a fish restaurant, but also offers tasty dishes that do not come from the sea.
This unique seafood restaurant is popular not only among tourists, but also among locals. The menu depends on the catch of the day and the season, so if you like to be surprised, Sjøbia is the perfect restaurant. The location on the waterfront and the attractive, relaxed atmosphere make your culinary evening complete. Highly recommended is the delicious lobster soup that they serve all year round.
Flexibility is key at this restaurant. The menu consists of dishes that are easy to share. You can start with a few small dishes and order more dishes to your heart's content as the evening progresses. The philosophy behind Apotekergata No. 5 is 'take it as it comes' and this creates an extremely relaxed atmosphere. Only the best ingredients are used and the menu consists mainly of traditional dishes with international influences and always a special twist.
Atlanterhavsparken is located close to the center. In 2013, this aquarium was named the best saltwater aquarium in Scandinavia. In the afternoon you can watch the fish being fed by divers. This is also a suitable activity for children: they learn a lot about marine life and can play in the large garden. In addition to sea animals, you will also find seals and penguins.
This is one of the most adventurous ways to get to know the fjords and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in peace. Along the way you will pass waterfalls, idyllic farms and you may encounter animals such as eagles and otters.
Rafting is a great way to feel at one with the wild Norwegian nature. You raft a distance of eleven kilometers through rapids and small waterfalls between high mountains and strawberry fields. Halfway through you will take a break around the campfire and enjoy a drink and a traditional delicacy.
This fifteen kilometer tour takes you to the center of Valldal. During the tour you have to brave natural obstacles such as high rocks and mountain lakes. Activities you will do while canyoning through the Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge include climbing, cliff jumping, swimming, bouldering and ziplining.
In the summer edition of MASTERS an interview with Sven Kramer, a driving impression of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and a study into the Effect of Max. But above all, it features people who bring light to the darkness. Such as Henk Jan Beltman, who took over Tony's Chocolonely because with a company you can make the world a more beautiful place. Chef Emile van der Staak, who has the ambition to change our food culture and therefore cooks with plants and vegetables that he obtains from the food forest. Designer Nienke Hoogvliet, who has introduced natural seaweed paint as an alternative to harmful textile paint. And Anna Nooshin, who criticizes the current social media culture of pretty pictures. In her documentary she also shares the less beautiful aspects of her life. All people who ask questions, hold up mirrors, take steps. Steps towards a healthier world and more understanding society.
