Aksla Viewpoint: Best Spot for Travel Photography in Ålesund
How to Get There
You can reach Aksla by walking up the 418 steps from the town center or driving up to Fjellstua, where there is a parking area. But best is to walk starting from Park Town, it’s only 15 minutes up, without break. If you do need one, there are several sits with beautiful viewpoints on the road. For those who don’t like to walk, and don’t have a car, you could also take the city hopper to get here, but I do recommend walking up to Mont Aksla for the best travel photography in Ålesund.
What to See for Travel Photography in Ålesund from Aksla Viewpoint
From Aksla Viewpoint, you get a panoramic view of Ålesund, its harbor, and the surrounding islands and mountains. The colorful buildings and intricate waterways create a stunning scene for travel photography in Ålesund.
Best Time to Shoot for Travel Photography in Ålesund
Early morning or late evening for soft, warm light. But I always start with the most intensive job first…of course it’s up to you…
Camera Settings for Travel Photography in Ålesund
– ISO: 100-200 for minimal noise. (Sunset, maybe up to 400-800 ISO.)
– Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for a deep depth of field.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
Sukkertoppen (The Sugar Loaf) Viewpoint: A Top Spot for Travel Photography in Ålesund
How to Get There
Drive or take a bus to Hessa island. From there, it’s a moderate hike to the top of Sukkertoppen, which takes about 1-1.5 hours.
What to See
Sukkertoppen offers a magnificent view of Ålesund, the surrounding fjords, and the Sunnmøre Alps. The view is especially stunning at sunset.
Best Time to Shoot
Sunset for dramatic lighting and colors.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for best quality.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for landscape sharpness.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
3. Alnes Lighthouse Viewpoint: A Must-Visit for Travel Photography in Ålesund
How to Get There
Drive or take a bus to Godøy island. The lighthouse is well signposted and has a parking area nearby.
What to See
Located on Godøy island, Alnes Lighthouse provides an excellent vantage point for coastal scenery and the open sea. The lighthouse itself is a photogenic subject.
Best Time to Shoot
Late afternoon to evening when the sun sets over the sea.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-400 depending on light conditions.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for landscape shots.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
4. Hjørundfjord Viewpoint
How to Get There
You can drive to the village of Øye, from where various hiking trails lead to different viewpoints over the fjord. Buses are also available, but having a car provides more flexibility.
What to See
The Hjørundfjord is one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, surrounded by steep mountains and lush greenery. The viewpoint offers a dramatic landscape that’s perfect for wide-angle shots.
Best Time to Shoot
Early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for clarity.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for depth of field.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
5. Runde Island Bird Cliffs Viewpoint
How to Get There
Drive to Runde island, which is connected by a bridge to the mainland. From the parking area, follow the marked trails to the bird cliffs.
What to See
Runde Island is famous for its bird cliffs, especially the puffins. The cliffs and the sea provide a spectacular backdrop for wildlife photography.
Best Time to Shoot
Late afternoon or early evening when the birds are most active.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 400-800 to capture fast-moving birds.
– Aperture: f/5.6 to f/8 for bird photography.
– Shutter Speed: 1/1000s or faster to freeze motion.
5. Valderøy Island Viewpoint: Perfect for Travel Photography in Ålesund
How to Get There
Drive or take a bus to Valderøy. There are several good spots along the coastal road, with parking available.
What to See
Valderøy Island offers stunning views of the ocean, Ålesund, and the surrounding islands. The tranquil beaches and coastal landscapes make it a great spot for peaceful photography.
Best Time to Shoot for Travel Photography in Ålesund
Early morning for calm waters and soft light.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for minimal noise. But with longer Shutterspeeds, keep it as low as possible and use a n ND filter that block Stops (light).
– Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for landscape shots.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots. 1/15s or slower 1 to 2 seconds for the effect of blurry moving water surfaces. (But in the last situation, use a tripod.)
6. More Tips for Capturing Ålesund’s Beauty: Travel Photography in Ålesund
Equipment Recommendations
Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm) for general shots, a wide-angle lens (10-24mm) for landscapes, and a telephoto lens (70-200mm) for distant details and wildlife.
Tripod: Essential for stability, especially for long exposures and low-light conditions.
Filters: Polarizing filters to reduce glare and enhance colors, and ND filters for long exposure shots of waterfalls and streams.
Composition Tips
Rule of Thirds: Position your main subject off-center to create more dynamic and balanced compositions.
Leading Lines: Use natural lines such as roads, rivers, or trails to draw the viewer’s eye into the image.
Foreground Interest: Include elements in the foreground to add depth and context to your landscapes.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August): Offers long days with ample light and the midnight sun.
Autumn (September-October): Features vibrant fall colors and fewer tourists.
Winter (November-February): Provides snowy landscapes and the potential for Northern Lights photography.
By visiting these top viewpoints at the optimal times and using the recommended camera settings, you can capture the essence and grandeur of Ålesund. Whether you’re drawn to coastal landscapes, dramatic fjords, or historical landmarks, Ålesund offers endless opportunities for stunning photography.
Happy shooting! 🙂
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If you want to read more articles of Norway, press the next article titles!
Skjolden Photography Guide 8 Top Viewpoints & Tips in Norway
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