Bus NW430
*huff*huff*huff* I am half running and half walking with my luggage. I look at my watch. Shit! Only 10 more minutes before the bus leaves at 8 a.m. Okay, calm down, I can see the bus station. Which stop is it for my bus? I quickly check the monitor at the bus station and it says stop M. “Please tell me I am not late.” I pray while running to bus stop M.
Thank goodness, I made it right on time! There are still some people lining up to get onto the bus. I tidy myself up as I look quite disheveled after all those running and sweating. So, you must be wondering what happened? Well, this should not be a surprise to you by now. Yes, I got lost once again (sigh) and I had to ask many people for directions on my way here.
However, I am sincerely touched by their kindness. For example, there was this lady who doesn’t even speak English but she understood the term bus station so she walked with me for a short distance to show me the way. I didn’t have the time to check my map anymore at that point in time, thus I just keep asking people to ensure I was on the right path. Every second counts! If I had missed the bus, I would have to make other plans as there is only one bus per day from Bergen to Ålesund and this is the only public transport I can find that goes from Bergen to Ålesund.
I am the last to board the bus so there are only a few seats left to choose. I find the bus really comfortable and you don’t need to worry when the nature calls as there is a toilet on board. There is also free wifi. Gosh, I love public transports in Norway with all the free Wifi.
Wait, there’s more. They even provide you a book to read but…it is in Norwegian. (putting it back)
Ferry
Around 2 hours later, we arrive at a ferry dock and drive on to the ferry. When the ferry departs, many people get off the bus and I use this opportunity to check with the bus driver, “Hi, excuse me, does this bus goes directly to Ålesund or will we need to change buses later?” He shakes his head and answers, “No, you don’t have to change buses. This bus goes directly to Ålesund. It’s only me who needs to be changed.” I laugh and say, “Ok. Thanks.”
Feeling assured, I simply follow the crowd to see where they are headed to. Cool~ There is a cafe on board! If you do not want to use the toilet on the bus, then this is your chance to use the toilets on the ferry which are bigger.
Knowing that this is a 9 hour bus ride, I already bought some snacks yesterday at Bergen so I just head back onto the bus without buying anything from the cafe. 9 hours is a really long time, therefore, snacks come in handy to ease some boredom. =)
Ålesund Rutebilstasjon
Finally, after 9 long hours, I arrive at Ålesund bus station. I am glad I made it as I was worried that I didn’t get off at the right stop. During the ride, the bus driver made an announcement in Norwegian so I asked the lady beside me to help me translate but she doesn’t speak English.
Then, I asked the people around me where only one can speak a little bit of English and said that it is not Ålesund yet. Moreover, I had already confirmed with another bus driver earlier this morning, hence I just sat back and relaxed while paying attention to the name of each stop. It turns out that I didn’t have to worry at all because Ålesund rutebilstasjon is the very last stop for bus NW 430.
Overall, the journey was comfortable and safe. They change the bus drivers every few hours which is good because drivers may get sleepy and tired driving long distance. However, sitting in a bus for 9 hours long is definitely not fun.
First Hotel Atlantica
All the hotels in Ålesund are expensive and First Hotel Atlantica, a 3-star hotel is the ‘cheapest’ option I could find online at that time. I also wanted somewhere near to the bus station because it is tiring to pull my luggage for a long distance on foot everyday so I pamper myself for today and tomorrow. Oh, yes, you are right. I will be staying here in Ålesund for two days.
Anyway, this hotel is super near, it is literally right across the street from the bus station. There is also an underground walkway for your convenience.
Although the room doesn’t look as impressive as the photos on their website, it is still good and I like it.
The view from my room facing the dock and bus station is not bad.
Lystgaarden
After plenty budget meals of breads and sandwiches, it is time to treat myself to a nice dinner. Based on my online research, Lystgaarden is a popular restaurant among the locals and well known for a Norwegian dish called klippfisk/bacalao (i.e. salt cod).
When I walk into the restaurant, all the tables are fully occupied and we can’t sit outside since it is drizzling. “Why didn’t I make a reservation in advance?”I start to blame myself, feeling disappointed.
Then, the waiter approaches me and say, “It is full here but we have tables at the back. Do you want to check that out first?” My face immediately light up with hope, I quickly go to the back and walk up the stairs.
To my delight, there are empty tables on first floor so I go back down to tell the waiter that I will eat here. He says, “OK. You have to place your order here at the bar and we will bring the food to you but you have to carry the drinks on your own.” I nod and place my order.
As I sit down at the empty table and wait for my food on first floor , I try to breathe minimally due to the smoking from my next door table. I really can’t stand smoking so I am only enduring it for the food. “This food better be worth it.” I thought. Then, I notice another staircase out of the corner of my eye. “Wait, how did I miss this earlier?” I walk up to the second floor. Wow, now, this is what I call a beautiful backyard! What’s more, there a lot more empty tables and less people smoking here so I quickly move my things up.
My food is here – baked klippfisk wrapped in serrano ham on mashed potatoes and served with sauté vegetables. It looks pretty good right?
I squeeze the lemon on the fish then I take a bite. *Munch*Munch* Mmm… It is a bit salty (well, what do you expect? It is a salt cod) but still delicious.
Of course, I always finish delicious food without a doubt. Now, I am full and satisfied. Hehe. =)
Fjellstua viewpoint
It’s only 7:30 p.m. now after dinner. The day is still young! I head off to the town park where it is said to have the best view of Ålesund town.
Unquestionably, all good things need to be earned, hence, we have to climb up 418 steps to get to Fjellstua viewpoint.
Are you ready? Let’s do this!
As you walk up the stairs, you can see the number of the steps you have reached so far. It has only been 47 steps and yet I am already panting. Yes, I know, I know, I am unfit. Haha. But, I definitely feel healthier ever since I started travelling as I have to ‘exercise’ so much everyday. Lol.
I am also afraid of heights so I hold onto the rail when I walk. “All right, you can do this, just focus on your goal.” I tell myself.
Please kindly take note that there are some benches along the way so if you feel tired, you can take a rest before continuing.
I am halfway there. There is a view point here too. I would call it a sneak peak of what you get to see from the top.
Yes, finally the last step (i.e. 418th step). Good job, Shirlene!!
OMG… I am speechless. This is just … WOW. Unlike Mount Fløyen at Bergen, it is very peaceful here with only a few tourists. Moreover, the cafe at Fjellstua viewpoint is closed today. I love it when I can immerse myself in the moment peacefully. This feeling is awesome~
The wind also helps to cool me down from the sweating after having climbed 418 steps. Although it drizzles from time to time, it doesn’t bother me at all. =)
I spent a good 45 minutes here before walking back down. Truthfully, walking down is a breeze and there is a lot more to see than walking up since you are facing the view. You can take your time to enjoy the view one last time if you have not had enough of it yet.
See, even others can’t get enough of it and keep snapping pictures away. =p
Ålesund town
The beautiful town itself is very peaceful and quiet which I thoroughly enjoy. I guess it is not very happening at night because I don’t see many people in town at this hour. If you don’t like to go to places packed with tourists, I definitely recommend you to come here. That’s why I call it a hidden gem. =)
Furthermore, Ålesund is definitely living up to its name being known as an art nouveau town for its architecture style. I manage to capture plenty gorgeous pictures of the town. Have a look:
You have not been to Ålesund if you do not take a photo here. LOL.
I make my way back to the hotel after finished exploring the town. Tomorrow, I will be taking a round trip to Geirangerfjord! Please stay tune for more =)
Travel tips in Ålesund:
- The only public transport I can find that travels from Bergen to Ålesund is bus NW 430. Please buy the tickets in advance online to save money and time. You can also check the bus schedule on their website : https://www.nor-way.no/en-US/routes/our-routes/fjordekspressen
- Bus NW430 includes ferry rides where there is a cafe on each ferry and you can buy food if you wish to. There are toilets on the bus and ferries.
Costs for the day:
Reviews:
