It has become normal on this holiday that Sylvia wakes up first and takes some photos of the journey into port, often remarking how beautiful the approach was. Today was no exception!! By the time I woke up our ship was safely moored in Alesund harbour and many passengers were ready to go ashore. After the obligatory selfie on deck and a quick game of table tennis (I won this one!!) we made the short walk into town.
Those regular readers of my blog will know the history of Alesund as previously I have elaborated on the story. Suffice to say the town was completely destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. Throughout the town are many examples of this and here are a few.
Our walk took us into the city park where a spiral of 418 steps leads up to the summit of Mount Aksla, where spectacular views of the fjord, the town and mountains beyond can be had. We decided against joining the masses climbing the hill and settled instead for a view of the Viking chieftain, Rollo. Although born in Alesund, Rollo seized Normandy in 911 becoming the first Duke of Normandy and latterly became the great grandfather of William the Conquerer. A more important but probably lesser known fact is that he is Sylvia’s 32nd (or thereabouts) great grandfather. It was therefore important that we captured this family photograph.
After the park we made our way to Alesund church, again rebuilt after the fire, which has this quite magnificent fresco around the altarpiece.
After lunch I returned to the town to visit the Art Nouveau Museum which included an audio visual presentation about the fire and the subsequent rebuilding of the city. Much of the help for the redevelopment came from Germany with Kaiser Wilhelm donating both money and supplies. German architects helped with the design of the town with the heavy influence of the Art Nouveau movement. Many other exhibits in the museum highlighted how the movement affected all walks of life.
Walking back to the ship I couldn’t resist another photo of the quayside.
Of course a visit to a Norwegian town would not be complete without the traditional photo with a troll!!
Tomorrow our last port of call, Bergen.