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Atlantic Ocean Park Alesund

I will be visiting Alesund on a shore excursion September 2027

Just looking at excursions, not ready to purchase yet.

Was looking at Atlantic Ocean Park. I love zoos and aquariums. We do not have either in Austin and I rarely get to go to either.

I am aware that Alesund is very beautiful . there are many excursions offered.

Here is a description of the one that I am looking at:

"Ålesund, the largest town on the northwest coast, has a beautiful setting, built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. You'll drive to the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium in Norway. Here, the tanks use sea water to recreate an environment which resembles the coastal environment as much as possible. The largest tank contains 1 million gallons/4 million liters of seawater. The park also features an outdoor pool with local species as well as penguins. Here you can look straight out towards Breisundet - the wide sound surrounded by islands and far out into the open ocean. On the way back, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of the fine details of the Art Nouveau architecture. After a short drive through the streets of Ålesund, you're back at the pier."

It is a Level One excursion which means simple and easy. It is very reasonably priced -- easily fits into budget.

It is 3 hours long.

For those who have been to Atlantic Ocean Park, is it unique as an aquarium? Is the surrounding area beautiful? Will I have enough time in the aquarium? Will I get a good view of Alesund with the going to and the coming from.

Posted by
13052 posts

Well, having been to Ålesund but not to the aquarium, I can tell you that I would choose Ålesund to focus my time on. I love Art Nouveau architecture and art, and the town was just absolutely beautiful. I wandered around it for hours and could have spent more time there.

But that's me. If you like aquariums, and I understand that this is a very unique aquarium, then you may want to focus your time there. I don't think that a drive through town will give you the opportunity to see as much of the Art Nouveau architecture that Ålesund is famous for, but it may be enough for you.

Posted by
2655 posts

I agree with Mardee. Save the aquarium/zoo visits for the US when you decide to use your Southwest Airlines rewards.

What are your other shore excursion options for Ålesund?

Posted by
4077 posts

Mardee and jeanm

I love architecture and I think that I might love just walking around Alesund.

I gather that Alesund is walkable and so interesting that I could spend my time just walking around.

jeanm, there are so many excursions. offered that I am not going to focus on them for now. I think there are 18 excursions offered and they sound similar. Atlantic Ocean park sounded different. All the other excursions will take me to a beautiful place that I have never heard of.

I am going to wait until November before I begin to spend a lot of time on my excursions.

Going to have my cataracts done beginning this week and then London. And then I will be getting very serious about my cruise in September 2027.

Thank you both for your many responses to my posts. Thank you for your help. I hope that you will continue to advise me.