Lidun´s guide to Flø.

Eating out is quite expensive in Norway, and since I am a bit of a foodie, I get really disappointed if the food isn´t up to the quality I eat at home. These are the places I go to eat.

Flø is all about relaxing, releasing stress, enjoying the view, listening to the sound of the ocean, strolling along the beaches, watching eagles soar overhead, and seagulls chasing the eagles. Otters play on the beach, seals sometimes stare curiously at you, and several times a year orcas or whales glide by. However, if you want to be active, some of my favourite things to do are the following: - walk to the end of the road, through beautiful farms, and continue along the gravel road to the huge area of boulders. On the way you will pass viking graves, happy cows on their mandatory summer vacation outside, working farms. At the end of the road you see a huge boulder, and the area both before and after the huge rock, is famous for bouldering. If you are into bouldering and rock climbing, let me know, and I will help you find the guides. By the ocean below the boulders there are several tidal pools where the water is warmer than in the ocean itself. - walk up the second road to the right which will take you to the paths leading to the prominent mountain behind the house (Midtfløhornet or Veten) as well as Mount Roppehornet, the prominent mountain to the south, as well as lake Brørevatnet. It´s possible to drive to Brørevatnet, but it is a toll road. You just sign your name, and put the money in an envelope, which you put in a mailbox by the road. Typically Norwegian. - Walk over to Hugo Opdahl art gallery, (a 500 meters walk) to take a look at their exhibition and enjoy a cup of coffee. - Walk over to the campsite (Flø Feriesenter) and buy an ice cream, and explore the amazing sugary white beach below the cabins. - Go sit by the row of red boathouses right below the gallery if it´s a sunny but windy day. The boathouses face south, and are sheltered from the northern wind which is predominant on sunny days. - Book a dinner at Andreasgardengjestehus.com

The city of Ålesund is built on seven islands and has quite a few stunning sights. It was completely devastated by a fire in 1904, and was rebuilt in German Art Nouveau ( Jugendstil) with massive aid from Kaiser Wilhelm. One of the main streets in Ålesund is therefore named Keiser Wilhelmsgate. Hotel 1904 was one og the first buildings to be erected after the fire, and it has been lovingly restored by the prizewinning Invit arquitects, ego currently run the hotel. The hotel has a lovely indoor / outdoor lunch restaurant called Green garden. as well as a lovely courtyard and a design shop.