Island Hopping from Ålesund: Alnes Lighthouse, Giske Beach & City Sightseeing
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires short, flat walks ashore and stable footing on a small boat.
Overview
A brisk half-day boat tour from Ålesund that stitches together seaside viewpoints, Viking-era Giske, a marble church, and the dramatic Alnes Lighthouse—complete with cake and coffee. Expect easy walking, wild ocean views, and a final drive through Ålesund's Art Nouveau center.
Island Hopping from Ålesund: Alnes Lighthouse, Giske Beach & City Sightseeing
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You step off the boat and the wind arrives before you do—cold, sharp, full of spray and the promise of something maritime. The vessel has threaded between low, rocky islands, slipping past gray stone and stubborn pines, and now the shore at Alnes opens up: a whitewashed lighthouse, a small cafeteria, and waves that throw themselves at the skerries like challengers. For three hours and fifteen minutes this half-day outing lets Ålesund pull back its curtain—sea views, Viking-soaked beaches, an old marble church, and then a slow drive through the city so you know where you landed.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a windproof layer
The exposed decks and Alnes headland can be much colder than the city; a windproof jacket keeps you comfortable onshore and on the boat.
Prepare for spray and waves
Even on calm days, carry a small waterproof for your camera and wear shoes with good grip for wet decks and rocky shorelines.
Timing for light and crowds
Aim for late morning or early afternoon to catch the lighthouse café open and avoid early-morning fog and cruise-ship arrival congestion.
Motion-sickness precautions
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative medication or use acupressure bands; the channels can get choppy on windy days.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eurasian oystercatcher
- Porpoise (occasionally seen near island channels)
History
Giske Island was a center of regional power in the Viking Age, and Giske Church preserves medieval marble elements reflecting early coastal ecclesiastical wealth.
Conservation
The islands are small, ecologically sensitive communities—stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing bird nesting areas, and pack out any trash to protect fragile coastal habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ålesund
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks cold gusts on deck and at exposed lighthouse viewpoints.
fall specific
Non-slip shoes
Useful for wet boat decks and rocky paths at shore stops.
Small daypack with rain cover
Carries layers, camera, and motion-sickness remedies while protecting gear from spray.
spring specific
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps pick out distant rock formations, seabirds, and details on the shoreline.
summer specific