The one place to see before you die

Noway

ANITA ALAN Contributor- Carmel, CA
Part Two

Norway We learned that the glory of Ålesund grew like a Phoenix. Just as Americans remember the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, Norwegians remember the 1904 fire that destroyed all Ålesund. Though it caused only one death, it left more than 10,000 people homeless. The disaster led to building a new city that became the Art Nouveau center of Norway. The Jugendstil Senteret features a multimedia presentation “From Ashes to Art Nouveau,” telling the story of the town’s rebuilding, and crediting Kaiser Wilhelm II with most of the construction. One can find more on this historic era at Ålesund’s City Museum and its branch, Fiskerimuseet i Ålesund (The Fisheries Museum).

Seeing the view from Mount Aksla’s Fjellstua above Ålesund would help first time visitors get their bearings, but time would run out for us if we were to see the Ålesund Aquarium before the 5:30 all-aboard call.

Norway On arrival, the first impression was the Aquarium’s near invisibility. Approaching from the main road, Atlanterhavsparken is set into the sound gently, its sod roof blending with surrounding vegetation. Only flags let you know you have arrived. The architecture gives a diminutive appearance, yet when we entered, the effect was more expansive. In fact, Marketing Manager Tor Erik Standal says plans call for much greater use of the facility. That includes penguins in the near future. If so, they will likely find it the best aquarium venue yet, a penguin Riviera—only cooler.

Norway As with any aquarium or museum, funds seldom seem to stretch to meet the demands and expectations of a curious public. Nevertheless, what the Ålesund Aquarium has accomplished in just 11 years should speak well for the years ahead. Since their opening in 1996, with the official opening by the King and Queen of Norway in 1998, aquarists and other staff have created exhibits that respect wildlife, entertain and educate children and parents (in a clean facility), and present clear multi-lingual displays for all visitors. Speaking as an aquarium docent for ten years, the future for this facility looks bright indeed, and worthy of strong support. Do visit!

Well, we just missed the bus that comes directly to Atlantic Sea Park (one aquarium with so many names), but a brisk walk gets us to a more distant city bus, and to one more brisk, now drizzly walk—with just minutes to spare. The Veendam blasts its horn and we go directly to comforts beyond those at home—another sumptuous dining experience, the delight of A Prairie Home Companion show, and a smooth fjord voyage to the northernmost point of our journey, Trondheim. Tonight’s sunset: 11:04 PM!

Norwegian American Weekly

Travel 2007