Ålesund · Things to do

Two linked museums at Apotekergata 16: preserved Art Nouveau interiors in the 1907 pharmacy building, and changing contemporary art in the former Norges Bank building next door. October–April Tue–Sun 11:00–16:00, May–September daily 10:00–17:00; 120 kr adults, free under 18.

418 steps from the town park bring you out above the harbour with the islands and mountains behind it — the view every photograph of Ålesund is taken from. Free, and there is also a road to the top if the steps are not on.

Aquarium on the Tueneset headland about 3.5 km out of the centre (bus 1, or seven minutes by car), built into the coastline with a large Atlantic tank and scheduled fish feeds. 275 kr adults, 135 kr children 3–15, free under 3.

Open-air museum at Museumsvegen 12 with historic buildings from across the region, a boat hall holding the only surviving original Sunnmøre åttring plus Iron Age and Viking replicas, and woodland paths around the grounds. 120 kr adults, free under 18; daily 10:00–17:00 May–September, Tue–Sun 11:00–16:00 in winter.

Lighthouse and visitor centre at Nesbakken 24 on the island of Godøy, out past the undersea tunnels west of town. Open daily 10:00–18:00 with a café doing hot dishes, sandwiches and sveler; climbing the tower needs a ticket from reception.