Ålesund, Bergen and Stavanger: city trips among the fjords
Christian Clerx, initiator of CityZapper.com, roams the globe for his work. In this column, he tips on the best places in world cities. For this edition, he traveled to the fjord region in Norway. In this region there are no less than three cities 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 break with unforgettable experiences in nature!
Christian Clerx, initiator of CityZapper.com, roams the globe for his work. In this column, he tips on the best places in world cities. For this edition, he traveled to the fjord region in Norway. In this region there are no less than three cities 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 break with unforgettable experiences in nature!
ÅLESUND
Of the three towns, Ålesund is the most northerly. This fishing town spread over three islands is less well known than Bergen and Stavanger. Ålesund's nickname is "Adventure Capital of the Fjords," but there is plenty to do for culture lovers as well. One of the town's special features is that many of its buildings are built in the characteristic Jugendstil architecture. If you want to visit an idyllic lesser-known town with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding nature, Ålesund is highly recommended.
HOTELS
Hotel Brosundet
In this intimate family hotel, stimulating the senses is key. You will feast your eyes on the interior where the original character of the warehouse is still clearly visible. You will taste the most delicious fresh seafood and feel immediately welcome. The inhabitants of Ålesund also know how to find this hotel. Hotel Brosundet borders directly on the water and is located in the city 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. As a result, you always have a stunning view of the surrounding forests or the valley. In addition, there are two special "Bird Houses. Built in the same way as traditional Norwegian log cabins, these rooms are higher than the other hotel rooms. The ultimate accommodation if you want "back-to-basic.
This secluded luxury boutique hotel offers views of the Storfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps. Space and tranquility are the focus here. The wooden hotel is hand-built and its location in the woods creates a woody scent that will make you instantly unwind. The view is breathtaking and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The decor effortlessly combines Norwegian traditions and modern design.
Right in the center you will find XL Diner. Here you can eat and drink with a view of Ålesundet canal, Molja lighthouse and the sea. Since its establishment in 1999, they have deliberately developed into what is today recognized as one of Europe's best bakkeljauwrestaurants. XL Diner remains a seafood 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 locals. The menu depends on the day's catch and the season, so if you like to be surprised, Sjøbia is the perfect restaurant. In addition, the waterfront location and the cozy, relaxed atmosphere will make your culinary evening complete. Highly recommended is the delectable lobster soup that they serve throughout the year.
At this restaurant, flexibility is key. The menu consists of dishes that are easy to share. You can start with a few small dishes and order additional dishes to your heart's content as the evening progresses. The philosophy behind Apotekergata No. 5 is "take it as it comes," and this makes for an exceptionally casual atmosphere. Only the best ingredients are used and the menu consists mainly of traditional dishes with international influences and always a special twist of their own.
Close to the center is Atlanterhavsparken. 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. Besides marine 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 at your leisure. Along the way you will pass waterfalls, idyllic farms and 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 take a break around the campfire and enjoy a drink and a traditional delicacy.
This fifteen-kilometer trek takes you to the center of Valldal. During the trip you have to face natural obstacles such as high rocks and mountain lakes. Activities you will do during canyoning through the Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge include climbing, jumping off cliffs, swimming, bouldering and zip-lining.
In the summer edition of MASTERS, an interview with Sven Kramer, a driving impression of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and an examination of Max's Effect. But above all, it features people who bring light into the darkness. Like Henk Jan Beltman, who took over Tony's Chocolonely because with a business 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 sourced from the food forest. Designer Nienke Hoogvliet, who has introduced natural seaweed paint as an alternative to harmful textile dyes. And Anna Nooshin, who denounces the current social media culture of pretty pictures. In her documentary, she also shares the less beautiful aspects of her life. All of them people who ask questions, present mirrors, make steps. Steps toward a healthier world and more understanding society.
