The West Coast Fjord Country - Norway - page 325

WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Grand Hotel Bellevue The original Grand that stood here dated from
1870. But in 1940 the Nazis firebombed it during their invasion of Norway.
Don't miss the display of photographs in the lobby documenting the hotel's
poignant history. It was completely rebuilt in 1954 and last renovated in 2000.
It is your best base for exploring the fjord and mountain country around Åndal-
snes. The bedrooms range from midsize to spacious, and the suites open onto
balconies with views of the mountains and the fjord waters. Most of the well-
maintained bathrooms have showers; a few are equipped with both a tub and
shower. The staff can arrange sightseeing, golf, and fishing for salmon in a
nearby river or for cod in the ocean. The on-site restaurant is the best choice for
dining in Åndalsnes even if you're not a guest. The fresh salmon is a delight, and
meals cost from 100NOK to 130NOK ($14-$18).
Andalgata 5, N-6301 Åndalsnes. & 71-22-75-00. Fax [phone]. www.grandhotel.no. 84 units.
795NOK-995NOK ($113-$141) double; 1,095NOK ($155) suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar.
In room: TV, minibar.
Rauma Hotel Rising from the debris of the war-damaged town around
it, this hotel was originally constructed in 1946. Its four floors were renovated
in 1989. Most bedrooms are traditionally furnished and comfortable with a
small bathroom with a shower, but some of them are significantly larger. (Larger
rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.) This is not an exciting
choice, but it is durable and serviceable and provides good value. There's an
unpretentious cafe restaurant on-site serving sandwiches during the day, with
dinners costing from 80NOK to 150NOK ($11-$21).
Vollan 16, N-6300 Åndalsnes. & /fax [phone] units. 795NOK-995NOK ($113-$141) double. Rates
include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; laundry service/dry cleaning. In
room: TV, minibar.

Value

14 Ålesund: The Great Fishing Harbor ™
127km (79 miles) W of Åndalsnes; 131km (82 miles)—plus 2 ferry rides—SW of Kristiansund N; 59km (37
miles)—plus 1 ferry ride—SW of Molde
Ålesund is at the top of the fjord country, spread over three islands in an archi-
pelago, with the snowcapped Sunnmøre Alps in the background. After a fire
destroyed the town in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in the style of the times, Art
Nouveau. Towers, turrets, and medieval romantic facades are pure Art Nouveau,
and the Ålesund version includes elements from Nordic mythology. In our opin-
ion, the newly created town is even more beautiful than Bergen. It lies on a fish-
hook-shaped peninsula in the sea.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE By Plane The easiest way to reach Ålesund is to fly
from such cities as Oslo, Trondheim, and especially Bergen, arriving at the Åle-
sund/Vigra airport. There are also daily flights from Bodø, Kristiansand S,
Røros, Stavanger, and Tromsø. Flights are on SAS ( & 70-10-49-00; www.
scandinavian.net) or Braathens ( & 70-11-49-00; www.sasbraathens.no). The
airport is a 20-minute ride north of Ålesund on the island of Vigra. A 15km (9-
mile) network of bridges and tunnels connects Ålesund with four inhabited off-
shore islands.
By Train Go to Åndalsnes and then take a bus from the rail station to Åle-
sund. A daily train arrives from Oslo.