The town fire
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In the streets above us, one of the most dramatic events in Norwegian history took place. On the night of January 23rd, 1904, the people of Ålesund awoke to a nightmare. In a fierce storm and biting cold, flames spread from house to house — and within just a few hours, the entire city was ablaze. Wooden homes cracked and roared, sparks filled the sky, and the glow of the fire could be seen far out across the fjord. After 18 hours, it was over. The wind had calmed — and Ålesund lay in ashes. More than 10,000 people lost their homes that night, but miraculously, only one life was lost. Within just a few years, the city rose again — rebuilt with help from Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and a massive national effort. This time, it was built in stone, brick, and Art Nouveau style. The fire changed everything. It destroyed a city — but also sparked the rebirth of the Ålesund we know today.