Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Ålesund

Our excursion begins with a visit to Atlanterhavsparke (Atlantic Sea Park), considered to be among Northern Europe’s largest and most unique saltwater aquariums. In a way, it’s an architectural curiosity cleverly integrated into the shoreline. Here you can enjoy close encounters with some of the marine life that lives along the Norwegian coast as well as species from further afield.   Be sure not to miss feeding time for the otters (2:00pm), penguins (2:30pm) and seals (3:00pm). You’ll also get a chance to try some of local cuisine, with a delicious hot catfish cake served at the café overlooking the ocean. Afterwards, it’s time to get to know Ålesund. The town was destroyed in a fire in 1904 and subsequently rebuilt in stone, with many creative flourishes in the Art Nouveau style. We’ll take a closer look at some of these interesting buildings, and your guide will explain what life was like in Ålesund in the past, as well as in the modern day. Bring your camera and don’t forget to look up!