Alesund means Eel Sound in English. It is located in the
Province of Romsdal, one of the various Fjord Norway Provinces. It’s claim to fame today originates from a
fire in 1904 (Kaiser Wilhelm II helped out in the aftermath) as it was rebuilt
after the conflagration in pure Art Nouveau style – every building in the Art
Nouveau district is built to a different design with spires, towers and
ornamentation. Some people are of the opinion, that it is the prettiest town in
Norway – and all due to a devastating fire.
Historically – Rollo, the Viking King and Warrior, hailed
from here. He is said to have carried the nickname of ‘The Walker’, as he was
so tall that no horse could carry him. He also was the great grandfather of
William the Conqueror, who happens to be one of the ‘earlier relatives’ of
Queen Elizabeth II of England. It’s all in the family up here in Europe….
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| Climbing up .... |
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| The view from the top |
To enjoy a birds’ eye view of this architectural marvel one
may climb Aksla viewpoint. The daring visitors negotiate 418 stops to the top –
but the less adventurous or fit can reach the pinnacle by town train or bus.
I attempted the climb, but gave up half way – not because of
matters of fitness, but because my fear of heights would have made the descent
somewhat difficult. The steps were built on a ridge with steep chasms on either
side – not my favourite way of climbing a mountain. I hopped on the town train
instead…
Time in harbour was too limited to take advantage of the
Province’s, and Alesund’s natural attractions: nearby Geirangerfjord, a narrow
arm of the sea penetrating the towering mountains for miles. Waterfalls, such
as the Seven Sisters cascade down steep cliffs, sometimes so close to each
other, that in days of old, courting couples would shout sweet nothings across
the fjord. Trollsveggen is a
mountaineering destination for every serious rock-climber in the world.
Bird-lovers are able to watch thousands of pairs of puffins – and dozens of
other avian species – enjoying vast expanses of wilderness and remote rocky
islets. Ferries take you to remotest destinations, undersea tunnels take you to
nearby islands, and your feet take you up challenging climbing walls.
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| Sunday....and not a soul in sight... |
Time in harbour being short, I strolled around town – which
on a Sunday morning was all but deserted and locked up – and took in the still
waters of the canal dividing the town, and admiring the real and reflected
facades of Art Nouveau architecture.
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| Then.... |
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| ......and Now |
