Alesund in Norway

Perched across a cluster of narrow islands, where the Atlantic meets the entrance to Geirangerfjord, Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway. A catastrophic fire in 1904 leveled much of the city, and what rose from the ash was rebuilt almost entirely in the Art Nouveau style then sweeping through Europe. The result is an urban landscape showcasing ornate facades, curved turrets and decorative stonework along the waterfront. Walk the narrow streets along Brosundet Canal, where the water reflects the pastel townhouses above. Climb the steps of Mount Aksla to the Fjellstua viewpoint, where the full sweep of islands, sea and the distant Sunnmore Alps opens before you. The Jugendstilsenteret Art Nouveau Centre provides insight into the town’s architectural legacy.