Ålesund is a picture postcard town nestled at the mouth of a fjord in western Norway: relentlessly scenic and replete with art nouveau architecture, it makes for a fantastic base to explore everything the region has to offer. At the heart of this stunning city sits Hotel Brosundet, a fishing warehouse converted into a cosy yet stylish hideaway, now owned by Norway’s famous Flakk family.
Ålesund and the Hotel Brosundet are arguably an ideal base camp to explore some of Norway’s best natural wonders, from snaking fjords to snow-dusted peaks – although there’s more to the region: fishing trips, sailing, skiing and hiking can be found on the itineraries of many a visitor, while the superior dining experiences in the area promise to tingle your tastebuds. What’s more, the hotel’s parent company 62°Nord is on hand to help plan the perfect itinerary for a fully bespoke experience.
Hotel Brosundet’s main building is large but incredibly cosy and inviting. Between the friendly staff and the welcoming smell of the roaring open fire, its chimney stretching up several stories through the centre of the building, you’ll feel you’ve found your Nordic home. Unmissable are the wall-sized windows onto the harbour where you can watch fishermen unload their day’s catch.
Scandi minimalism pervades throughout the 131 rooms. Exposed beams and wooden floors meet cool colour palettes. Our room had sheepskin rugs and blankets draped across low-slung chairs with a view of the harbour, the water literally lapping at the wall a few feet below. The loft suite is the largest available, with two sizeable bedrooms and the best view of the town.
For a truly unique experience, try room 47, a tiny lighthouse at the end of the jetty, where breakfast is served from a hamper left outside the door each morning. It’s a small space (“You really need to love each other if you stay here”, we’re told) but a cosy night here with a partner while the rain lashes the fjord outside seemed to us the very definition of Norwegian “hygge”.
With a cooking and management style informed by the new Nordic manifesto, the primary concern is making the most of the region’s world-class produce, from fresh seafood to foraged chanterelle mushrooms. Breakfast is buffet style in the roomy, fjord-facing dining area: expect a selection of bread, cheeses, freshly cooked eggs and excellent coffee. Meanwhile, Apotekergata No. 5 is a brasserie, coffee shop and bar offering the best in a short-travelled menu inspired by local traditions.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Adventurer | AES | GMT +2 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Aside from the host of activities available from 62°Nord, don’t miss out on the town itself, which is a feast of art nouveau architecture. Exploring on foot won’t take long and there’s much to see. The Arbeideren Kulturhus (‘Workers’ culture house’), is located at Ålesund’s centre and captures the city’s character. Constructed in 1906, the building was recently restored and features a theatre and an art space. You could also deepen your knowledge of local culture at the Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE, or stroll through the charming Brunholmen neighbourhood before hiking to Mount Aksla for a panoramic view of the area. |
On the fine dining end, Sjøbua is a casual yet elegant seafood restaurant. We were told it’s traditional to start with champagne and a drop of caviar slurped from the back of the hand, and we obliged. It’s a balance of ritzy and relaxed that captures the feel of the restaurant in one.
Head Chef Øivind Tiller is passionate about fish and shellfish, and though they do offer steak (tenderised for 32 days deep underwater in the fjord, no less) and even reindeer, we stuck to seafood: juicy grilled langoustines followed by grilled halibut, finishing off with a fresh and delicate bay leaf sorbet. It’s rare to go out for a lavish dinner and leave feeling both sated and healthier, but somehow we did.
Hotel Brosundet is also home to a sauna, which was a high point for us. Stepping down from the breakfast area onto the decking right by the water, the sauna has a full-size window with a beautiful view over the town and the idyllic mountain backdrop. It’s only a hop, skip and a jump from the sauna to the harbour where a plunge into crystal clear water will kick start your day better than any espresso. If you’re feeling exuberant there are also full-sized baths on the deck, and a bubble bath paired with a bottle of champagne in the open air may be more your speed (we’re not here to judge!). Meanwhile, the hotel’s gym is open round the clock, offering modern equipment and a range of yoga classes.
We truly appreciated the unpretentiousness of Hotel Brosundet: there’s nothing gaudy here, and nothing that screams “look how luxurious I am”. Despite this – or perhaps because of it – the property offers the type of serene luxury money can’t buy… the kind that only comes from excellent, understated taste and a stunning natural environment.
Photography by Margaret M. de Lange, Fredrik Bye, Mads Emil Garde, Kristin Støylen and Vaga Foto, courtesy of 62°Nord
