🏞️ Alesund and Sunnmøre: Art Nouveau, the Alps and working life by the ocean

It's easy to maintain a balance here: during the day, take a stroll among the Art Nouveau facades, and in the evening, enjoy a short climb with a view of the ocean or a walk along the coastal path. Below are three quick sections: the most convenient routes with views for after 5 p.m., where to find Aalesund Oljeklede raincoats without a tourist markup, and which places in the city centre are suitable for quiet work with a laptop.

🌊 What trails with ocean views are available after work?

• Aksla / Fjellstua (418 steps). From Byparken, climb the city hill in 10–20 minutes for a panoramic view of the archipelago and the Sunnmøre Alps. You can extend your walk along the Borgernes veg trail, a gentle gravel path shaded by the forest. Before setting off, check the municipal news: sections are sometimes closed after rockfalls.
• Sukkertoppen (Hessa, 314 m). A classic after-work hike: 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace, the trail is well marked, and on a clear day you can see both the ocean and the city centre. It is easy to get to the starting point by city bus to Hessa.
• Tueneset — coastal loop. A flat walk on the headland at Atlanterhavsparken: wartime bunkers, open horizons and Atlantic sunset colours, ~1 hour there and back. The route is suitable for almost everyone.
• Alnes fyr (Godey). If you have a little more time: 30–35 minutes by car from the centre to the lighthouse, then short trails and views straight out to the ocean. In summer, it's the perfect sunset spot.

🧥 Where to buy local raincoats?

Look for the brand Aalesund Oljeklede — a coastal classic and the ‘working’ standard from a local manufacturer. Convenient partner locations in the city centre are MODO Ålesund Storsenter (Kipervikgata 5) and MODO Moa (Langelandsveien 25), which regularly stock the AAPW range (including Isfjord and Ona). Important: there is no retail outlet at the head office at Nørvevika 62. For current addresses and availability, check the official store locator.

📚 Are there any cafés with quiet areas in the city centre?

Yes, here is a short list of quiet places for weekdays (especially before lunchtime):

• Ålesund Bibliotek. Quiet reading areas, power sockets and stable Wi-Fi; conveniently located near the town hall/Kremmergården.
• Racoon Coffee (Kongens gate 6). Central location, good coffee and work tables; open 7 days a week.
• Draape Kaffehus. Cosy, free Wi-Fi — convenient for short emails and phone calls with headphones.
• Apotekergata No. 5 — Butikken (deli/coffee shop, 09:00–17:00). Daytime seating; nearby embankment for a ‘brain break.’
• Hotel Brosundet — Living rooms. Lobby space overlooking the canal: quiet between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., when the restaurant is not yet at its peak.

It's easy to end a working day in the Art Nouveau capital with some nature: a quick climb up Aksla, the sugar-coated peak of Sukkertoppen or a flat coastal loop on Tueneset — all within easy reach after 6 p.m. For a raincoat, head to Aalesund Oljeklede in the city centre or Moa, and for quiet work, keep the library and a couple of ‘home’ coffee shops handy.

Share your short routes, sunset spots and cosy places in the city centre in the comments, and we'll add them to the guide.