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.