My 7am wake-up call was the gasp and splash of hotel guests jumping into the Brosundet canal beneath my window. At 6 degrees Celsius, a cold plunge certainly wasn’t getting me out of bed at that hour - welcome to Norway!
My trip had begun the day before when I flew into Ålesund, a captivating town on Norway’s western coast, scattered across several islands at the entrance to the Sunnmøre Region. Ålesund has a long and exciting history and is famous for its architectural style. Following a devastating fire in 1904, the town was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, giving Ålesund its characteristic and unique look and making it one of Norway’s most photographed destinations.
As pretty as Ålesund is from the ground, climbing the 418 steps up to the Fjellstua viewpoint on Mount Aksla to view the town from above was well worth the effort, rewarding me with stunning panoramic views across the colourful rooftops and island-dotted seascape.
Even better was taking a helicopter tour over the town and surrounding fjords. Seeing the landscape from above - with dramatic peaks plunging into crystalline water - was breathtaking and gave me a completely new perspective on the region’s dramatic geography.
After a full day of sightseeing, it was time to do as the Norwegians do at my hotel, Brosundet, and this time, inspired by my adventurous fellow guests and their exhilarating start to the day, I finally took the plunge into that 6-degree canal myself.
Journeying deeper into fjord country, I arrived at the legendary Hotel Union Øye, a historic gem nestled at the head of the Norangsfjord that has been welcoming guests since 1891. This enchanting hotel has hosted everyone from European royalty to famous explorers, and stepping through its doors feels like travelling back in time. You can choose between characterful rooms in the original historic building or opt for the contemporary garden wing.
On arrival, I was just in time for a light hike through the surrounding valleys, though the area is renowned for far more challenging treks, including the famous Slogen mountain hike - considered one of Norway’s most spectacular summit walks - as well as excellent cycling routes through the dramatic Norang Valley, one of the narrowest in the entire country.
After dinner each evening, guests gather around the crackling fireplace in the cosy lounge for storytelling sessions that bring the hotel’s rich history and local folklore to life - a perfect end to days spent exploring the magnificent landscape.
Continuing my journey, I embarked on a scenic fjord cruise that included a memorable stop at a charming small bar run by the Storeide siblings, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a drink and try the village’s famous Instagram-worthy “diss” swing suspended high above the fjord.
My final destination was the stunning Storfjord Hotel, an eco-lodge cradled on a gentle pine forest hillside between dramatic mountains and the fairy-tale Storfjord, which connects the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord. The hotel’s dark-timbered buildings are constructed in traditional Norwegian style, complete with living turf roofs that blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a harmonious connection between architecture and nature.
Here, I embraced the outdoor activities that make this region so special including gliding across the mirror-like waters of Storfjord in a kayak. Surrounded by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, this was a moment of pure serenity.
Afterwards, I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the hotel’s boathouse restaurant, perched right at the water’s edge. And of course, no stay at Storfjord would be complete without another sauna and cold plunge. This time, I didn’t hesitate. What had seemed unthinkable that first morning in Ålesund had become an essential part of the Norwegian experience - a bracing ritual that perfectly captured the spirit of this extraordinary country where nature, in all its dramatic beauty, invites you to embrace it fully.
If you are interested in discovering for yourself everything the Norwegian Fjords have to offer or fancy travelling further north through the country to the Lofoten Islands or to spot polar bears in the remote Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard, then please do get in touch.