The mountain Aksla, the mountain lodge Fjellstua and the vantage point the knife (Kniven) tower over the centre, affording a splendid view of the town, the skerries, and right across to the jagged Sunnmøre Alps. Ålesund is a unique experience, with its fantastic view, its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture and the picturesque Brosundet. The Town Park was built at the west side of Mount Aksla in 1885. In the park there are a variety of plants and trees, and the famous 418 steps long staircase leading up to Mount Aksla is also to be found here. In the park there are two statues of historic men that both have a connection to Ålesund. One of the statues portrays the German Kaiser Wilhelm II, in appreciation of his help after the Town Fire in 1904. The other statue is of the Viking Gange-Rolf, also known as Rollo. Fjellstua, which is situated at the top, has got an outdoor restaurant, cafè, and a platform to enjoy the view. From this location there is a panoramic view of the archipelago, the beautiful town centre, and the amazing Sunnmøre Alps. From the town park, a pathway comprised of 418 steps leads you to the top, you can take the road Borgundfjordveien - Fjelltunveien or taxi from the town centre to Fjellstua including a 30 minute stop. Ålesund is one of the very few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world, with an atmosphere and distinctive character valued by inhabitants and visitors alike. Come and see the amazing decorations the colourful facades, and all the turrets that look as if they have been taken from a Mediaeval fairytale book. The town was devastated by fire in the early hours of the 23rd of January 1904. The furious winter storm spread a blaze akin to an explosion, laying the whole town centre in ashes and leaving 10.000 people homeless. Ålesund has one of the largest export harbours in the world for klippfisk, i.e. split, dried and salted cod, and a bustling, picturesque fishing port along the old harbour Brosundet with Skansegata where you can buy fresh fish and prawns. The Atlantic Sea-Park is beautifully situated along the ocean Front at Tueneset, approximately 3 km west of Ålesund, and represents one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures.