Ålesund centre
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Ålesund is a modern and versatile city, known for its architecture, bustling port, and deep connection to the sea. As we approach the city centre, you’re looking at a place shaped by both catastrophe and innovation. Before the great fire of 1904, Ålesund was a thriving fishing town, with cod and clipfish as its main exports. Then came the night that changed everything – a single spark, strong winds, and by morning, nearly the entire town lay in ruins. The rebuilding became a national effort. Young architects, inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, redesigned the city using stone and brick instead of wood. The result is what you see today – towers, spires, and curved facades in a unified, elegant style. Today, Ålesund is a global hub for fishing, seafood, maritime technology, and innovation. The city exports everything from salmon to cutting-edge ship design and aquaculture systems. With top-level education and research institutions, Ålesund is now a centre for sustainable development – set in one of the most stunning coastal landscapes in the world.