Never Wanted to Go Home!

Author: Tom Wrightsman
Date of Trip: August 2012

We took a personal tour of the awe-inspiring Western fjords of Norway, and at the very top is Alesund, a very unique travel stop. Alesund was completely rebuilt in beautiful Art Nouveau style after destruction by fire, and with the breathtaking Sunnmore mountains behind everything it is a proverbial feast for the eyes. It may sound unusual to focus on something like this, but the air was the freshest I’ve ever breathed anywhere; so fresh it has a tonic effect – no kidding.

Our fortunate choice of hotel, The Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen, was truly the centerpiece of our Alesund holiday. The staff did not behave like staff, but like fond friends. The decor was a typical nordic melding of old world wood and modern glass. The room was ridiculously spacious, as was the bathroom, and the bed was a cloud – crisp and clean. Fresh air and free coffee all day, just delightful.

The meals were of the finest quality , and here is the best part – these delicious meals were free. If you realize how expensive restaurants are in Norway, you will understand what a savings this can be. A beautiful buffet at breakfast and dinner, and hot, fluffy waffles at lunch were all a real treat. This wonderful place was recommended to us by a rep working at the company we use for hotel and parking packages (Stay123.com, our absolute favorite) who couldn’t wait to recommend it when he heard we were seeing the fjords. Boy, are we grateful for that. Comfort and personal service made it hard to go back home!

In town, there is a super large aquarium, the Atlanterhausparken, and a very interesting and unusual museum I forgot the name of (sorry), but its the Art Nouveau museum so you can’t go too far wrong. If you love nature, then you will hardly need to spend a dime, everywhere you look, the splendor of nature. We will go back, that’s certain.