Historic Buildings, Modern Flavors
Ålesund is a city steeped in history, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and coastal views. From its early days in the 1600s, Ålesund has been an important trading hub, eventually becoming a key center for the export of salted cod to Spain in the 1800s. Today, many of Ålesund’s finest restaurants are housed in the city’s historic buildings, blending the old with the new.
Ålesund’s Historical Roots
Back in the 1600s, Ålesund had already established itself as an important trading center. The city gradually expanded, and by 1824, it had become an export hub of salted cod, with a population of only 289. In 1848, Ålesund officially gained city status, and by then, the population had grown to around 1,200.
By the turn of the 19th century, Ålesund had grown into a vibrant city with around 12,000 residents. The cityscape was dominated by tightly packed wooden houses, but everything changed dramatically on a stormy winter night in 1904. On January 23rd, a catastrophic fire broke out, fueled by winds that quickly spread the flames across around 850 houses in just 15 hours. Miraculously, only one person lost their life, but nearly 10,000 people were left homeless, losing almost everything they owned.
Fjellstua, a popular viewpoint on top of Mount Aksla (a must visit if you haven't been yet), was on the verge of being destroyed during the fire. The wooden building, that was already a well-known landmark at the time, became a clear testament to the destructive power of the storm that night after it fell victim to the flames. After the fire, Fjellstua was restored and rebuilt in concrete. In the photo below, you can see what Fjellstua looked like before the reconstruction.
From Ashes to Bricks
After the fire, Ålesund faces the enormous task of rebuilding. The new city was constructed primarily with brick, and many of the architects who came to assist had studied abroad, especially in Germany, England, and Scotland. They blended international influences with Norwegian national romantic elements, resulting in the unique Art Nouveau style that characterizes Ålesund to this day.
Historic Buildings - Now Home to Modern Restaurants
Many of Ålesund’s restaurants now reside in historic buildings. T2 Bar og Scene is located at Skateflukaia, the pier where Ålesund’s first customs station was established in 1815. The original customs house, mostly made of wood with a brick warehouse, was destroyed in the 1904 fire. A new building was constructed in 1906, connected to the old warehouse. The customs office was later relocated in 1958.
The new customs station was relocated to what is now Molo Brew and remained in operation there until 1987. Before the restaurant took over, the premises were used for storing ballot boxes and other equipment for the park services, among other things. Molo is situated on the southern pier of the city, known as Stornepiren. This pier has undergone several expansions since the first phase was completed in 1912 and has been further developed to accommodate larger ships and the growing fishing industry in Ålesund.
Dampsentralen occupies one of Ålesund’s newer buildings, and its name pays tribute to the location’s historical significance. In 1895, Ålesund’s first electric streetlight was lit outside the newly constructed steam power plant (dampsentral in Norwegian), which supplied electricity to the city until 1917. Today’s Dampsentralen stands near the original site, proudly carrying on the name and history in its modern setting. On the image below the steam power plant, with its characteristic chimney, can be seen in the background.
The building at Notenesgata 1, which now houses Bro and Bryt restaurants, has a rich history rooted in Ålesund's prominence as a hub for the clipfish trade. Originally a busy clipfish warehouse, it played a vital role during the "Spanish era," a time when Ålesund's booming trade relationship with Spain left a lasting impact on the city. The export of clipfish—salted and dried cod—was central to this trade and significantly shaped Ålesund's economy, architecture, and cultural identity. The tall, airy windows that now bring light into these restaurants were originally used for lowering and hoisting fish in and out of storage. Restaurant Bryt is a tribute to this significant period in the city’s history, drawing inspiration from the Spanish influence that left its mark on Ålesund.
Havnehagen is a charming outdoor dining area connected to Bro and Bryt, open on sunny days. Located at the historic Lorkenestorget, right by Brosundet and the iconic Hellebroa bridge, Havnehagen offers diners the opportunity to enjoy a meal in one of Ålesund’s most picturesque spots. Lorkenestorget, once a bustling trading hub in the heart of the city, provides the perfect setting, surrounded by rich history and stunning views of Ålesund's waterfront.
In Summary
Ålesund is a city that has risen from the ashes and crafted a new identity. The city’s rich history continues to live on in the buildings that now house a variety of charming restaurants. For those interested in diving deeper into Ålesund’s past, Harald Grytten’s Byvandring books are definitely worth exploring.
We’re excited to be a part of your Ålesund adventure. Hope to see you soon!
