Ålesund, Norway 🇳🇴
#540
62.471141, 6.155175
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and scenic coastal views, situated in a picturesque location surrounded by fjords. |
👥 Population | Approx. 45,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 100 Mbps |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is NOK (Norwegian Krone). Approx. 1 USD ≈ 9.20 NOK. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Telenor, Telia, and ICE are popular mobile providers. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like DNB and Nordea are widely available, and international cards are commonly accepted. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rental agencies, and hotels like The Clarion Collection Hotel Borgund. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are available, starting from around NOK 700 per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Ålesund Hostel offer budget-friendly options starting at NOK 300 per night. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Alesund Work, located in the city center, providing strong internet and a friendly atmosphere. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffebrenneriet is a popular cafe with good Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
💼 Networking Events | Check out local Meetups and events organized by Ålesund Chamber of Commerce. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Ålesund Facebook Group and local trivia nights at cafes. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bjørn Taxi, available through a local app. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at Ålesund Bike. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hoddevik Beach is about 40 mins away, famous for surfing. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Widerøe Airlines operates regional flights. |
✈️ Top International Airline | SAS and Norwegian Air offer flights to Oslo and other destinations. |
🛣️ Highway Access | E39 highway provides access to adjacent regions. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ålesund maintains connections via bus with Gudbrandsdalen Motorway. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single ride and day passes available through local transit services. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Ålesund with nearby cities like Molde and Åndalsnes. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Ålesund Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Livsstil in the city offers various classes. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Saturbøg Fitness is a popular gym with various equipment and classes. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lundal Laundromat is available for self-service laundry. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Just Eat are widely used for food delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Raspeballer (potato dumplings) and Klippfisk (dried cod). |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Løkka offers great vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Jordbærpikene serves delightful desserts and pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ålesund Fish Market offers fresh seafood at reasonable prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Komplett.no and Elkjøp are popular online shopping options. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rema 1000 and Coop offer grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Harbor Area features bars like Cafe Antica and Nya. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Aalesund Mikrobryggeri brews various craft beers locally. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vinmonopolet is the main retailer for wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food trucks at the harbor during summer offer seafood and pastries. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering pizza and Asian cuisine are available around the city. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre) and Aksla Viewpoint. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Fisheries Museum highlights Ålesund's fishing heritage. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Alesund Church, known for its architectural beauty. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Ålesund's Church is a notable Protestant church. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Ålesund Festival takes place each summer with local arts and crafts. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is known for its vibrant arts scene. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teaterfabrikken hosts various performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Ålesund's Saturday market features local produce and crafts. |
🎼 Music Scene | Concerts are often held at the Ålesund Cultural Center. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the city. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in cooking Norwegian cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kunstmuseet KUBE showcases contemporary art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Art Nouveau architecture can be seen throughout the city. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Ålesund's unique architecture represents its rebuild after the fire in 1904. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hjørundfjord and Geirangerfjord offer stunning views and hiking. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jotunheimen National Park is a few hours' drive from the city. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path connecting Ålesund to the surrounding islands is scenic. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Aksla Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas near Ålesund are great for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the coast, such as at Hessa. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posten Norge handles parcel delivery services across the country. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Elkjøp offers tech repair and support services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Ålesund offer Norwegian courses for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Ålesund Public Library is a great place for studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Kulturhuset is a hub for cultural activities and gatherings. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various cafes host gaming nights and offer gaming stations. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, but there are local gaming spots in bars. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NOK 40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NOK 1,600,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NOK 30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NOK 1,200,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NOK 35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NOK 2,100,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NOK 28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NOK 1,680,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NOK 33,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NOK 2,640,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NOK 27,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NOK 2,160,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
🏦 Tax System | Norway has a progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate up to 46.4% |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate at 25% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Norway has regulatory rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the assessed value of the property. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% on the purchase price. |