Hello! My 18 year old son and I will be in Bergen, Geiranger, and Alesund for cruise stops. We like to do our own thing during stops because, as it is, you are already surrounded by groups of people on this ship, so the cruise stops are our time to just chill and venture out. I will still look at the cruise offerings, but also wanted to get recommendations from this group. Thanks!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
I will be visiting these ports this spring as well. I'm still thinking about options, but I did purchase an excursion through NorwayExcursionsAS for Alesund called the "Ultimate Sightseeing Tour." Here is the link. https://www.norwayexcursions.com/en/
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2690 posts
In Bergen, take the funicular and go walk/hike around at the top. The trolls in the forest are fun to check out, yes even for adults;)
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
Alesund is noted for its Art nouveau architecture, the result of a disastrous fire in 1904 that required massive rebuilding. You can spend considerable time walking around the city core, admiring the architecture. One source suggested this route streets: From Lorkenstorget, walk up Notenesgata and turn left on Skansegata along water. Reverse course at Skatefulkaia and return to the bridge near Lorkenstorget. Cross the bridge and turn right on Apotekergata, then continue along Molovegen and take pier out to the lighthouse for views of the town. I believe the tourist office offers a walking tour (reportedly daily noon till 1:30 PM in the summer), but I was unable to fit it into my schedule.
Kongens Gade is a pedestrian street in the heart of town.
There are quite a few worthwhile indoor sights, all with entry fees:
Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Center) and Kunstmuseet KUBE (contemporary art) are co-located at Apotekergata 16. Check website for seasonally-variable hours of operation. www.jugendstilsenteret.no
Aalesunds Museum, Rasmus Ronnebergsgate 16, is the town history museum, covering the Jugendstil rebirth and WWII German occupation. Check website for hours at the time of your visit. www.aalesunds.museum.no/
Alesund Kirke, Aspegata/Kirkegata 22: Build 1909; inspired by medieval architecture. More likely to be open if cruise ship is docked. www.kirken-aalesund.no
Atlanterhavsparken (Aquarium): One of Europe’s best.
I had a full day in Alesund and was fully occupied without going to the aquarium, but I'm nuts for Art Nouveau architecture and art.
Rick covers Bergen well in his guide to Norway. It's a beautiful city where I enjoyed wandering around outdoors and going to the multi-building KODE art museum. Most of the historical sites didn't sound all that intriguing to me, but my prime interests are art, architecture and 20th-century history. I think hiking at the top of one of the funicular or the cable car would be great for the athletically inclined, but watch the timing so you don't miss your ship's departure time.
Much of Bergen is quite hilly once you get away from the harbor area, but that will be quite obvious once you're there!