At the beginning of this stage of our trip we were very sad to be waving goodbye to Molde. We simply loved the place. However, after my short mountain biking exploits that morning, it was soon time to queue up for the ferry to take us across to Vestnes for the first leg of the drive.

Molde-Vestnes ferry, Molde, Norway

As usual, we joined the back of the queue and within minutes we were being loaded on to the waiting ferry. It was a lovely smooth crossing as there was little or no wind. The water looked like a mirror.

As we disembarked from the ferry we noticed that there were two obvious routes to choose from to get to Ålesund. We saw that the signpost wanted to take you down the main highway, the E39, or alternatively we could take the longer and more scenic route up past Fiksdal. There was hardly anything in the time and it was only supposed to be about an hours journey time so we chose the path less trodden and went the alternative route. We were so pleased we did as it was an exciting drive through quiet countryside and striking coastlines and waterways.

As we were winding our way through the single track roads and past the occasional home we were, again, pleased that we were navigating with maps and not SatNav.

As we arrived in to Ålesund we noted that the place was somewhat bigger than we were expecting. The town is dominated by the hillside sitting high above the old town. We took the opportunity to check out our shortlisted overnight choices before we lost the daylight. The first couple were less than promising, either being overflowing with motorhomes already, too close to the main road or simply had an uncomfortable feel. As usual, we agreed not to compromise where we felt uneasy.

The last choice, before we needed to do more research, was the carpark for the Atlantic Sea-Park aquarium. As we arrived a nice man in a high-viz jacket stopped us and told us the carpark was already full, but we were welcomed to return later or park in the football club car park 100m away. That was really helpful and we felt happy that there were other campers choosing the same spot so we decided to go and explore and then return there later in the evening once the attraction was closed.

We headed to the old part of Ålesund but found that parking was a challenge so we headed up to the viewpoint above the town. We found a car park and quickly hopped out and walked around. We found that the main part of the viewpoint was a restaurant/cafe and charged, even if you only wanted to admire the view. As we were not convinced that this was a good use of our budget, we simply wandered around and still enjoyed the view… for free. We also found that there was a walk from the town up the side of the hill with several viewpoints built in to the side of the hill. It afforded great views across the pretty and colourful buildings. We got the obligatory snaps, and on the way back to our van we (well me really) decided that we needed the same shots after dark when the town would be bathed in lights.

View over Ålesund, Fjellstua Aksla AS, Ålesund, Norway

When we got back to the van I took a few more shots of the islands beyond Ålesund. Whilst doing so, I noticed a lady park a few places away from us, and get out brandishing a bubble wand. I thought it was a little strange as she appeared to have no children with her! However, watching her deftly creating huge bubbles I thought it would make a great shot to have the bubbles in my pictures. So, as usual, I went bounding up to her to see if she was happy for me to take pictures of the bubbles and we quickly got chatting and snapping. She was lovely, friendly and chatty. We first found out that she was Polish and that she had previously lived in the north of England. After a short while, I had to ask about the bubbles, I was slightly embarrassed to ask, but wanted to understand. We found out that she had promised her little boy to come up to the viewpoint and blow bubbles, but on the way up the hill he had fallen asleep and she didn’t want to disturb him. So she decided to blow bubbles on her own anyway.

Bubbles over the bay, Ålesund, Norway

The pictures were ok, but the connection was the most rewarding things. She asked if I was going to do something with the pictures, so I gave her this blog address… so I hope she gets to read this and understand the impact that 10 minute conversation had on us. That is what had been so great about the trip, meeting people and getting a glimpse into their lives.

After bidding our farewells we returned to the old town and found a space big enough for our motorhome… just. There were a couple of others there already. We decided that although it was coming in grey and damp that we would have a walk around the old buildings. The colours were incredible and no pictures seemed to do it justice. We also came across many youngsters who were obviously getting ready for a big night out. We later found out that there was a dance festival with some huge DJ’s playing at Color Line Stadion. I would have loved to go if we’d known about it.

As darkness fell, and knowing that we had already selected our overnight spot, we headed back up the viewpoint. Ålesund is very pretty. Possibly even prettier after dark when the daylight fades and the street lights take over. Again it was difficult to capture what we were seeing, but watching the bustling town from this vantage point, after dark, is a MUST when in Ålesund.

Darkness Falls over Ålesund, Norway

After getting the obligatory dozens of photographs we headed back to the aquarium where we had a great night’s sleep.

Early the following morning we had breakfast and headed back towards the centre of Ålesund. Once there we choose to take the more direct route back towards Molde. This seems to make sense as we had come the other way the previous day. The ‘quicker’ route was a good surface road, but simply not as enthralling as the previous leg.

As we were making great time, we got back to Vestnes before lunchtime so jumped on the first ferry back to Molde. As per Norwegian efficiency, the ferry was already waiting for us and we practically drove straight on. Perfect.

In no time at all we were back in Molde, but this time decided to carry on towards our next stop. Onwards and generally northwards.