Ålesund International Airport stands on the island of Vigra off the western coast of Norway, midway between Bergen and Trondheim. It occupies a flat strip at the shore of the largely barren, rocky island, with distant mountains visible in all directions. There's a modern terminal building and plenty of parking outside. The runway was extended into the sea using earth from building road tunnels to connect the island to the mainland. This means visitors who hire a car at Ålesund Vigra Airport can easily drive via the tunnels and bridges to reach the town of Ålesund, seven miles south.
Vigra is a popular destination for hikers and fishermen but to find more cultural entertainment you'll have to drive a hire car south to Ålesund. This busy fishing port spreads across several islands connected by road bridges at the mouth of the picturesque Geiranger Fjord, a World Heritage Site. Ålesund's watery landscape is pretty spectacular too, with a complex panorama of islands, mountains and seaways visible from Mount Aksla overlooking the city. Other highlights include the popular Atlantic Sea-Park aquarium and the art nouveau architecture of the city centre, including a national museum dedicated to that period design style.
