With the beautiful Sunnmøre Alps as a backdrop to the south, the islands to the north, and with the Brosundet canal running straight through town, Ålesund might be the best city in Norway for kayaking.

I have to admit, this is an activity I do almost every time I visit there, and in this article I want to share some of my Ålesund kayaking experiences. If you want more travel advise check out the Ålesund Travel Guide that I wrote.

 

Why Kayak in Ålesund?

What I love about kayaking in Ålesund is that you can experience a blend of architecture and nature. It’s quite a special experience to glide through the Brosundet canal, and then as you exit the inner harbor (either to the south or north) you are met by an amazing backdrop of mountains and islands: this is truly Viking Land!

Art Nouveau Architecture

You can paddle directly through the Brosundet canal that divide the town in two, where you’ll get an intimate view of the intricate details on the buildings that rose from the ashes of the 1904 fire. You can get so close you can even touch the walls!

Spot Wildlife

Keep an eye out for local marine life and seabirds. You’ll for sure see a lot of birds such as cormorants, ducks, sea gulls, common murre, northern gannet and many more species. If you are lucky you might even see seals and whales that are swimming around in the waters of Ålesund. With clear water (especially in winter) you can spot fish swimming just beneath you.

👉 For more bird spotting consider joining a tour to Runde, the bird island.

Enjoy a Unique Perspective:

Unlike boat tours, kayaking puts you right at the surface of the water, and is a silent and immersive way to explore. Many would claim that it connects you more deeply with the environment.

Suitable for All Levels

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a complete beginner, you can find tours that can fit your skill level.

 

Guided Kayak Tours: The Best Way to Experience Ålesund

I have plenty of kayaking experience, but I still enjoy joining a tour when I go kayaking in Ålesund. It’s a great way to connect with other people, and also a knowledgable guide ensures extra safety, and can also add a personal touch with history and anecdotes.

What can you expect on a guided tour

• Experienced Local Guides: Guides not only ensure your safety but also share fascinating insights into Ålesund’s history, architecture, and local ecology.
• All Equipment Provided: This typically includes kayaks (single or double), paddles, life jackets, wetsuits/drysuits (depending on weather), splash decks, and dry bags for your valuables.
• Safety Briefing & Instruction: Before hitting the water, you’ll receive a thorough briefing on safety procedures and basic paddling techniques.
• City & Fjord Routes: Many tours begin in the city center, allowing you to paddle through the Brosundet canal before venturing out into the inner harbor or the calmer parts of the fjords or surrounding islands.
• Photo Opportunities: Guides often stop at scenic points, giving you time to capture the beauty of Ålesund from the water. To protect your camera you can borrow a dry-bag, but for your phone I would recommend bringing a waterproof phone case that you can strap to your arm or hand.

 

Popular Tour Types

Kayaking tours in Ålesund differ a bit throughout the seasons. A few tours that I can recommend are either a summer kayaking tour (suitable for families), a winter kayaking tour combined with sauna and a chance of jumping into the sea! There’s also a combined kayak and hiking tour available. Read more below:

• Summer Kayaking Tour: Focus on the Art Nouveau center and inner harbor. (Typically 1.5 – 2.5 hours.) There are both single and double kayaks available, making this activity suitable for families, inexperienced, but also the more skilled kayakers.
  Book the summer kayaking tour here. 
• Winter Kayaking Tour: Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Ålesund’s canals rarely freeze, making winter kayaking a unique and often serene experience, paired with a sauna! This is without doubt one of the most cool (pun intended) and exciting ways to explore Ålesund during winter!
  Book the winter kayak tour here. 
• Kayak & Hike Combo Tour: This tours combine paddling with a hike to the viewpoint at Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top). You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Ålesund and its surroundings. Joining this tour I think you’ll get the best from two worlds, exploring beautiful Ålesund from both the sea and the mountains.
  Book the kayak and hiking tour here.

 

Note: I advise booking well ahead of time, especially in the summer season, as the tours can fill up.

 

Kayak Rental in Ålesund: For the Independent Adventurer

If you have kayaking experience and prefer to explore on your own, several operators offer kayak rentals. One company that I can recommend (they also operate the tour mentioned above) is Uteguiden. You can find their website for rentals here.

What you’ll need for rentals:

• Proof of Experience: Many rental companies require a course certificate (like the NPF Wet Card in Norway) or demonstrable equivalent experience for safety reasons. I suggest you contact Uteguiden to find out if your certificate is valid. There is no requirement for a certificate when renting a tandem kayak, but you need to have kayaked in a sea kayak before.
• Understanding of Local Conditions: The weather can be unpredictable in Ålesund, and you must be aware of the forecast and sudden weather changes. There is also some boat traffic around Ålesund, such as ferries and fishing boats. Make sure to stay well clear of any commercial vessels.
• Gear: Kayak rentals include paddle, spray deck, life jackets and safety instructions.

 

My Tips for Self-Guided Kayaking:

• Stay within your limits: Stay close to land, and only do crossings if you have appropriate skills and knowledge of the local conditions.
• Inform someone of your plans: Tell a trusted contact (the rental company) about your route and what time you expect to return.
• Pack essentials: Water, snacks, warm layers (even in summer), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a fully charged phone in a waterproof case are crucial.

 

Best Kayaking Routes & Areas in Ålesund

For Beginners & City Exploration:

• Brosundet Canal & Inner Harbor: This is the most popular starting point for city tours. It offers calm, sheltered waters and the iconic views of Ålesund’s Art Nouveau buildings. Paddling just outside the inner harbor is usually without risk as long as you stay close to the shore.

For Intermediate to Advanced Paddlers:

• Beyond the City Channels: Kayak further into the Borgundfjord or towards the surrounding islands. These areas can experience more open water conditions and potentially stronger currents or boat traffic.
• Sunnmøre Archipelago: For multi-day trips or more experienced paddlers, exploring the outer islands of the Sunnmøre Archipelago offers endless opportunities for discovery, including hidden coves and white sandy beaches.

What to Bring & Wear

• Waterproof/Windproof Jacket: A must have for Norway’s unpredictable weather.
• Warm Layers: Wool or fleece are ideal. Avoid cotton, as it loses insulation when wet. Norwegians love to wear wool against their skin. For summer get a thin wool shirt.
• Wetsuit/Drysuit: This will always be provided by the tour operator if needed.
• Waterproof Shoes: Or sandals that can get wet for summer kayaking.
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are important, even on cloudy days.
• Water Bottle & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized.
• Dry Bag: For personal items like phone, camera, and wallet. Usually this is included in the tour/rental.
• Towel & Change of Clothes: For after your adventure or if you are enjoying sauna and a dip in the sea.

👉  Check out my Complete Packing List for Norway

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need prior kayaking experience? A: For guided tours, no prior experience is typically required, but you need to know how to swim. Guides provide basic instruction. For rentals, some course or certificate is usually necessary for safety. I recommend that you get in touch with the rental company.

Q: Is it safe to kayak in Ålesund? A: Yes, with proper guidance and equipment, kayaking in Ålesund is very safe. Tour operators prioritize safety, and always follow their instructions.

Q: What wildlife can I see? A: Common sightings include various seabirds, and you might be lucky enough to spot seals or even porpoises and other whales.

Q: Can children participate? A: Many guided tours offer child-friendly options and have minimum age requirements (often around 5 or 6 years old), and children usually need to be accompanied by an adult.

Q: What about the weather? A: Norway’s weather can be changeable. Tour operators will often provide appropriate gear (like wetsuits) and may adjust routes or reschedule if conditions are unsafe.

Q: Will I freeze when kayaking in the wintertime? When you get kitted with the dry suit and get down into the kayak, it’s actually really warm! Your whole lower body will be warm down in the kayak and the upper part will be moving most of the time.

 

When in Ålesund – Go Kayaking!

I think kayaking in Ålesund offers a great way to experience this stunning Norwegian gem of a town. Whether you do a guided tour or a self-guided exploration of the surrounding waters, you’re guaranteed stunning views and a deeper connection with Norway’s breathtaking coastal landscape.

I hope you enjoyed this article. I made a YouTube-travel guide about “how to spend 48 hours in Ålesund#, and it includes the winter kayaking tour with sauna. Watch the episode here. Thank you, tusen takk!