Day 5 Monday March 2nd Alesund and Molde



Approaching Alesund

When we woke up (we slept 

View of the fjellstua from the sea

well being used to the sea) we were approaching the town of Alesund down a long fjord.  There were islands we were weaving through with lighthouses and other guides for seamen.  It was dry but there was snow on the hills behind the shore.  A lot of the islands were occupied and sometimes there were bridges between islands.  We breakfasted as we approached the port and were well prepared by the time the ship docked at 1000.  Our plan for the visit was to climb the 418 steps to the top of Aksla (google it) which rises from the middle of the town to give a very good viewing point. 




cannon pointing at our boat

The town was attractive with

it's a good job it's strong!

different coloured traditional houses.  We weaved our way through them and found the bottom of the steps and started the climb. We had to take care as every now and then there would be an icy patch which could catch you unawares.  We gradually 

the main town

got better views of the town and surrounds.  At one 

the boat from above

resting point we could see our boat clearly and there was a cannon embedded and pointing in the direction of our boat.  I hope it wasn't still active!  We carried on wishing we did not have so many thick clothes and eventually 

Finally at the top!

reached the fjellstua (name of the viewing point), it was disappointing to find the 

some of the wharfside  conversions

coffee shop at the top was not open and so we couldn't get refreshment.  I took a video from the top where there were splendid 360 degree views.  After a while we took the return journey back and by the time we got back to the town we were well ready for a coffee.  After this we wandered a bit more, admired the conversions of the waterside warehouses and embarked on the "Richard With" for lunch.

After a good lunch we settled back and observed the stunning scenery as we left Alesund 

Molde Cathedral

and made our way to our next 

Docked in Molde

port of call, Molde.  We arrived  about 1630 and had time to disembark, wander round the town again avoiding the ice. It was not as attractive as Alesund but was in a beautiful fjord with dramatic scenery around it.  It was beginning to get cool so we decided to reboard the boat.

Soon it was time for dinner and we enjoyed our first set meal which was Norwegian based.  As you can imagine it included fish but the main course was local lamb.  We then settled in the observation lounge as the boat left the fjord and went into the open sea.  It was a bit lumpy with some furniture moving and some people feeling unwell but it did not affect us hardened sailors.  We retired having had a very interesting, active and stimulating day.