There are some places that just don’t look real — and Norway’s west coast is full of them. Between the pastel harbor town of Ålesund and the hidden mountain gem of Norangsfjorden, you’ll find the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-sentence (and fill your camera roll way too fast!). It’s where chic cafés meet wild fjords, where you can sip an oat-milk latte one moment and kayak under snow-capped peaks the next. Basically, it’s Norway at its dreamiest.
Start in Ålesund, a postcard-perfect coastal town rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a huge fire in 1904. The result? Curvy, colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and serious “main character energy.” Climb the 418 steps up Mount Aksla for that unreal panoramic view, grab a coffee from Racoon Coffee or Dråpe Kaffehus, and spend the day exploring shops, waterfront paths, and the incredible seafood restaurants like Sjøbua or Bro Kystgastronomi. Then head inland to Norangsfjorden, where things slow down in the best way. I highly recommend taking a fjord tour on the way there to break up the trip! Picture dramatic landscapes with glassy water, moss-covered mountains, and that sweet, fjord-side silence. Spend your days kayaking, hiking, hitting the sauna and breathing the cleanest air imaginable before cozying up at Hotel Union Øye, a historic hideaway that feels like something out of a period film!
I can’t recommend 62º Nord enough. Not only do they have 3 stunning properties on Norway’s west coast, but they also offer a full range of expeditions and adventures to help you discover all of Norway’s beauty! While in Norway, I didn’t get to visit Oslo or Bergen, and now I can’t wait to get back to explore some of Norway’s biggest cities! Watch this space!
Ålesund
Perched between the fjords and the sea, Ålesund is one of those towns that feels almost too pretty to be real. There are colorful Art Nouveau buildings, little fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, and mountains that seem to rise straight out of the ocean. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a cinnamon bun and a perfect flat white, climb a mountain before lunch, and be sipping wine by the waterfront at sunset.
What makes Ålesund special is its mix of design and drama — rebuilt in a dreamy, fairytale style after a massive fire in 1904, the whole town looks like a postcard brought to life. Everything’s walkable, the air smells like salt and espresso, and the views (especially from Mount Aksla) will stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re here to kayak the fjords, eat your weight in seafood, or just slow down and breathe in the fresh Nordic air, Ålesund is small, stunning, and totally unforgettable.
To Eat:
- XL Diner – A local institution perched by the harbor, XL Diner is known for its signature bacalao — Norway’s famous salted cod dish — served in countless delicious variations. It’s lively, classic, and a true taste of Ålesund’s maritime roots with sweeping sea views to match.
- Bro Kystgastronomi – This upscale spot celebrates coastal Norwegian gastronomy with an elegant, minimalist flair. Expect creative seafood plates, local ingredients, and a calm, modern atmosphere that feels both elevated and intimate.
- Sjøbua – One of Ålesund’s most iconic seafood restaurants, Sjøbua offers elegant dining right on the water in a rustic-chic boathouse setting. Their daily catch and rich fish soup are crowd favorites — especially when paired with a glass of chilled white wine.
- Apotekergata No. 5 – Housed in a restored waterfront building, Apotekergata No. 5 delivers refined, seasonal dishes with a focus on local fish and produce. It’s stylish but relaxed — the kind of place where every detail feels intentional, from the plating to the playlist.
- Fisketorget Delikatesse – Part fish market, part restaurant, Fisketorget is where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in town — sashimi-grade salmon and steaming bowls of mussels. It’s ideal for lunch or a casual dinner with a view of the fishing boats.
- Molo Brew – Equal parts brewery and burger joint, Molo Brew is where locals go to unwind. Grab a craft beer brewed on-site, snag a window seat overlooking the water, and soak up Ålesund’s easy-going coastal vibe.
- Kami Skotholmen – Located on a small island just outside of Ålesund, Kami Skotholmen is an unforgettable destination restaurant accessible by boat. It’s all about pure ingredients, Nordic minimalism, and a setting so beautiful it feels like a secret.
- Nonna Lina Pizzeria & Ristorante – When you’ve had your fill of seafood, Nonna Lina delivers a comforting Italian escape. Thin-crust pizzas, fresh pasta, and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed, homey meal.
- Zuuma Sushi & Seafood – Modern and sleek, Zuuma blends Japanese precision with Norwegian freshness. Their sushi rolls and seafood platters are almost too pretty to eat — almost.
- Evergreens Bistro – Bright and casual, Evergreens is the perfect midday stop for sandwiches, tacos, and quick bites made with local produce. The outdoor terrace is a bonus when the sun decides to show off.
- Walderhaug Bakery & Confectionery – This family-owned bakery has been sweetening Ålesund mornings for generations. Stop by for traditional Norwegian pastries and strong coffee in a setting that feels timeless.
- Buitkken Bakery –
To Drink:
- Racoon Coffee – Ålesund’s go-to for serious coffee lovers, Racoon brews some of the best espresso in town alongside flaky pastries and cozy vibes. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger a little longer.
- Dråpe Ålesund Kaffehus – Scandi-cool interiors, perfect flat whites, and pastries that could pass for art — Dråpe is a café worth making a detour for. It’s stylish yet friendly, ideal for a mid-day caffeine recharge.
- Apotekeren Kafé – Right next to the Art Nouveau Center, Apotekeren is a local favorite for its cozy atmosphere and famously rich chocolate cake. A perfect stop to refuel while exploring Ålesund’s architectural gems.
- Vino Bar – An intimate, candlelit spot where the wine list leans natural and the playlist stays mellow. Ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed nightcap by the harbor.
- Dirty Nelly Irish Pub
- Smutthullet Pub
To Do:
- Sundet baths 7 wild swim
- Take a Fjord cruise
- Go on an Architecture tour of Ålesund
- Hike up Mount Aksla and take in the views!
- Visit the Atlanterhavsparken (Atlantic Sea-Park)
- Visit the Sunnmøre Museum
- Take a short trip out to islands like the one with the Alnes Lighthouse for a mix of nature, views and tranquility.
To Stay:
- Hotel Brosundet – A boutique-style hotel in a converted warehouse on the waterfront, combining historic character with modern comfort. Great for a design-conscious stay that feels special!
Norangsfjorden
Tucked deep within the Sunnmøre Alps, Norangsfjorden feels like a secret slice of Norway that time forgot. It’s tiny, wild, and impossibly beautiful — just a ribbon of glassy water framed by towering peaks and waterfalls that tumble straight into the fjord. This is where the pace slows down, the air smells like pine and sea spray, and every turn feels like you’ve stepped into a Norwegian fairytale.
It’s not a big city destination — and that’s exactly the charm. Days here are spent hiking misty trails, paddling across still fjord water, or sipping coffee on a dock while the mountains play hide-and-seek with the clouds. Whether you’re staying in a historic hotel, chasing viewpoints, or just letting the silence sink in, Norangsfjorden is pure Norwegian magic — serene, cinematic, and completely unspoiled.
To eat:
- Hotel Union Øye Dining Room – Dining here feels like stepping into a Nordic fairy tale — candlelight, carved wood, and views of the fjord framed by snow-dusted peaks. The menu leans local and seasonal, with beautifully plated dishes that make dinner feel like an event, not just a meal.
- The Conservatory (at Union Øye) –
- Urke Kaihus Kafé & Pub – A laid-back, locals-favorite spot right on the dock in the village of Urke. Grab a burger or fish and chips, watch boats glide by, and stay for a beer as the sun dips behind the mountains.
- Petrine’s Guesthouse – Charming and homey, this guesthouse-restaurant serves comforting Norwegian dishes with a touch of farmhouse warmth. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up chatting with the owner over dessert.
- Hoven Restaurant – For dinner with a view you’ll never forget, take the Loen Skylift to Hoven’s mountaintop restaurant. The menu pairs modern Norwegian flavors with jaw-dropping panoramas of fjords and glaciers.
- Christian Gård Bygdetun – A cozy, countryside café serving homemade breads, stews, and cakes made from local ingredients. It’s quiet, personal, and worth the detour if you’re exploring the inner valleys.
- Brasserie Posten (Geiranger) – A lively brasserie overlooking the Geirangerfjord, about an hour’s drive from Norangsfjorden. The fresh fish, pizza, and terrace views make it a great side-trip lunch destination.
- Westerås Gård Restaurant – Perched high above the fjord, this farmhouse-turned-restaurant offers hearty, traditional meals with spectacular valley views. Go for the lamb or trout and stay for golden-hour photos.
To drink:
- Café Souvenir – A cozy café for midday coffee, sweet waffles or a light lunch — ideal for recharging after a hike or kayak adventure in the fjord. Perfect for slow travel moments.
- Stryn Kaffebar & Vertshus – Bright, modern and buzzing with energy, this café/bar is slightly beyond the immediate fjord zone but worth it for great coffee and local craft beers. Good stop-off en route or for variety.
- Westerås Gård Café & Bar – Set high above the fjord with a café-bar that gives epic valley views alongside something chilled to drink. A bit of a detour, but the scenery makes it worth the stop.
- The Boathouse (at Storfjord) –
- The Palm Room (Hotel Union Øye) – A plush lounge inside the historic hotel where you can lounge in velvet chairs and enjoy a sophisticated cocktail with majestic fjord-views. Ideal for an elegant evening unwind.
- Urke Kaihus Kafé & Pub – A relaxed dock-side spot in Urke where you can grab a beer or local brew as boats drift by and the mountains cast long shadows. Great for an informal drink after exploring.
- Brasserie Posten Bar & Terrace – Overlooking the nearby Geirangerfjord, this bar with a terrace is great for a glass of wine or cocktail while you watch the fjord cruise traffic and steep cliffs. Mixes relaxed and scenic nicely.
- Christian Gård Bygdetun – Hidden in the countryside, this lounge inside a rural guesthouse offers local beers, simple cocktails and genuine Norwegian farmhouse ambience — great for a quiet sip away from the main path.
To Do:
- Go kayaking the fjord
- Bike or hike through Norangsdalen valley
- A foraging tour at Union Oye
- Sauna & cold plunge in the fjord
- Cider tasing and lunch at Skarbø Farm
To Stay
- Hotel Union Øye – This historic hotel (est. 1891) sits at the head of Norangsfjorden, surrounded by majestic peaks and tranquil waters. With antique-furnished rooms, rich stories of past explorers and royals, and easy access to hikes/kayaks, it’s ideal for a memorable stay.
- Storfjord Hotel – Perched above the fjord and surrounded by pine forest, the Storfjord Hotel is a secluded hideaway where rustic Norwegian design meets quiet luxury. Hand-built log walls, roaring fireplaces, and sweeping mountain views make it feel worlds away — yet still effortlessly chic. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, sip something local, and watch the fjord change color with the light.
By the time you leave, you’ll wonder if Norway is secretly showing off — and honestly, it kind of is. Between Ålesund’s coastal charm and Norangsfjorden’s wild calm, this south-west corner of the country has that perfect mix of style and serenity. Come for the views, stay for the vibes… and don’t be surprised if you start planning your next trip before you’ve even left the fjord.
Stay Risky,
– John
