Ålesund & Alnes Lighthouse Tour with Sunnmøre Museum

Summary

Ålesund’s wild coastlines, island lighthouses & living history

You’ll climb windswept steps at Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy island, wander through centuries-old boathouses at Sunnmøre Museum, and catch panoramic views over Ålesund from Skateflukaia—all with stories from a local guide. Expect salty air, quiet moments by the water, and glimpses of everyday Norwegian life you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d care much about lighthouses, honestly. But standing on Godøy, wind stinging my cheeks and the Atlantic just roaring below, I got it. Our guide, Sigrid—she grew up nearby—laughed when I asked if she ever got tired of this view. “Never,” she said, pointing out a fishing boat that looked like a toy from up there. The climb up Alnes Lighthouse was steeper than I expected (my knees complained), but the smell of seaweed and that sharp ocean air sort of woke me up. Sometimes you can’t go inside if it’s crowded, but even just walking around outside felt good. There’s something about the light here—gray but bright? Hard to explain.

We started the day in Ålesund itself, which looks almost too pretty for real life—pastel houses and all those art nouveau flourishes everywhere you look. Sigrid told us how most of the city burned down in 1904 and was rebuilt by architects who seemed to love swirls and turrets. She pointed out a bakery with cardamom buns that I’m still thinking about (I should’ve bought two). Then we drove out to Sunnmøre Museum—a kind of open-air place where you can actually walk into old wooden houses and poke around ancient boat sheds. The wood smells like rain and time. There was a moment where I just stood by a half-sunken Viking ship replica, listening to nothing but gulls.

The drive along Brosund canal back into town was quieter; maybe everyone was tired or just full of impressions. We stopped at Skateflukaia viewpoint for one last look over Ålesund—the city laid out below like someone’s careful model village, mountains behind it all misty and blue. It’s not a long tour (a few hours), but somehow it felt bigger than that—like you get pieces of real life here, not just postcard stuff. If you’re coming in on a cruise or just have one day in Ålesund, this is probably the best way to see what makes it tick.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ålesund sightseeing and museum visit

• Start tour at Norway Excursions AS
• Visit Sunnmøre open-air museum
• Explore old houses and boat houses
• Climb Alnes Lighthouse stairs
• Enjoy view over Atlantic Ocean
• View city of Ålesund from Skateflukaia
• Drive along Brosund canal downtown
• End tour at Norway Excursions AS

Top questions

How long does the Ålesund sightseeing tour last?

The tour lasts several hours but is designed to fit cruise ship schedules or day trips.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Pickup is included for cruise passengers; check details when booking for other options.

Can you go inside Alnes Lighthouse during the tour?

Usually yes, but sometimes only an outside or panorama visit is possible due to visitor regulations.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is there wheelchair access on this tour?

Some areas have uneven surfaces; contact ahead if you need a ramp or accessible vehicle.

What language is the tour guided in?

Tours are usually multilingual; in April or October they may be English-only due to guide availability.

Are service animals allowed?

No by default due to allergies; contact before booking if needed for special arrangements.

Does the tour include entry fees?

Your entry fees for Sunnmøre Museum and Alnes Lighthouse are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes guided sightseeing across Ålesund’s center with stops at Skateflukaia viewpoint, entry to Sunnmøre Museum’s open-air exhibits and boathouses, plus time at Alnes Lighthouse on Godøy island—with pickup provided for cruise guests and all entry fees covered along the way.