23 Places Where Cruises Dock Right Into a Fairytale Village

21. Alesund, Norway: Art Nouveau by the Fjords

Destroyed by fire in 1904, Alesund was rebuilt entirely in the fashionable Art Nouveau style of the time, making it architecturally unique in Norway. Situated across several islands where fjords meet the Atlantic, the town boasts turrets, spires, and intricate ornamentation on its colourful buildings. Climb the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint for panoramic views of the town, surrounding islands, and the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Accessible directly by cruise ship, Alesund offers a fascinating blend of unique architectural elegance and stunning Norwegian coastal scenery.