Ålesund: The Jewel of Art Nouveau Architecture

• HelloHei
  [hay]
• GoodbyeHa det
  [ha deh]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [vair so goo]
• Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [oon-skyld]
• How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vohr-dan har doo deh]
• Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [bra oh doo]
• Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [snak-ker doo engelsk]
• I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yay for-stor eek-keh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, takk
  [yay vil yern-eh seh meny-en, tahk]
• I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [yay spee-ser eek-keh shyut]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, takk
  [yay vil yern-eh beh-tah-leh, tahk]

• Help!Hjelp!
  [yelp]
• Go away!Gå vekk!
  [gow vek]
• Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [ring po-lee-tee-et]
• Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [ring en leh-geh]
• I'm lostJeg er borte
  [yay err bor-teh]
• I'm illJeg er syk
  [yay err sook]

• I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...
  [yay vil shur-peh]
• I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [yay bah-reh seer]
• How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [vor moo-eh kus-ter deh]
• That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh err for deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [kan doo sen-keh pree-sen]

• What time is it?Hva er klokka?
  [vah err klok-ka]
• It's one o'clockKlokka er ett
  [klok-ka err eht]
• Half past (10)Halv ti
  [hahlv tee]
• MorningMorgen
  [mawr-geh]
• AfternoonEttermiddag
  [et-ter-mee-dahg]
• EveningKveld
  [kveld]
• YesterdayI går
  [ee gor]
• TodayI dag
  [ee dahg]
• TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mawr-geh]
• 1En
  [ehn]
• 2To
  [too]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Seks
  [sehks]
• 7Sju
  [shoo]
• 8Åtte
  [oh-teh]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Ti
  [tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...?
  [vor err en/et]
• What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [vah err ah-dress-en]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [kan doo vee-seh may (pow kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [norr gor nes-teh (booss)]
• A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)
  [ehn bee-let (teel)]

Ålesund, located on Norway's west coast, was officially founded in 1848. Its strategic location on several islands connected by bridges made it an ideal spot for trade and fishing, which laid the groundwork for its growth and prosperity.

On the night of January 23, 1904, a devastating fire swept through Ålesund, destroying 850 buildings and leaving nearly 10,000 people homeless. Miraculously, only one person perished in the fire. This tragic event, however, set the stage for a remarkable reconstruction effort.

Following the Great Fire, Ålesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau architectural style, largely thanks to the influence of German architect Wilhelm von Hanno. The reconstruction was completed by 1907, and today, Ålesund is renowned for its unique and well-preserved Art Nouveau architecture, making it a key point of interest for visitors.

During World War II, Ålesund was occupied by German forces from 1940 until the end of the war in 1945. The town's strategic location made it an important site for the German military. Several remnants from this period, including bunkers and other military installations, can still be seen around the town.

Ålesund has a rich maritime heritage, deeply rooted in its fishing industry. The town has been a central hub for Norway's cod fishery for centuries, and its port is one of the most important in the country. The Ålesund Fisheries Museum offers an in-depth look at this vital aspect of the town’s history and culture.

In recent decades, Ålesund has developed into a modern city while retaining its historical charm. It has become a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque landscapes, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities. The city is also a gateway to the stunning fjords and mountains of the Sunnmøre region.

Ålesund is accessible through Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES), located about 18 km from the city center. The airport offers domestic flights from major Norwegian cities and international flights from select European destinations. From the airport, you can reach the city by taxi, rental car, or the airport bus, which operates frequently and takes around 25 minutes.

Ålesund is well-served by public transportation, including buses that connect the city center with surrounding neighborhoods and nearby towns. Taxis are readily available, and car rentals offer flexibility for exploring the region. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance. For a scenic experience, consider taking a ferry to nearby islands or a coastal cruise.

The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Ålesund, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the city, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case of technical issues with card payments.

Ålesund is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always good to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Ålesund has a well-equipped hospital and several clinics for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in places of worship. Public Transport: Do respect the queue and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like bacalao and klippfisk. Don't leave a tip, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

To experience Ålesund like a local, explore the city's Art Nouveau architecture by taking a walking tour. Visit the local fish market for fresh seafood and interact with vendors. For a unique view of the city, hike up to Aksla viewpoint. Engage with locals, as they are friendly and often willing to share insights about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour of the surrounding fjords for breathtaking scenery.