Walks close to town
Aksla’s paths and viewpoints are within easy reach of the town centre, while Tueneset offers coastal walks near Atlanterhavsparken. Further afield, islands, fjords and the Sunnmøre Alps give you plenty to explore.
Make yourself at home
Living in Møre og Romsdal
A life close to the sea, fjords and mountains, with culture, community and room to explore. Discover what makes living here rewarding, then find the practical information and support you need.
Enjoy living here
One of the pleasures of living in Møre og Romsdal is how easily everyday life connects with the outdoors. An evening can mean a coastal walk or a concert; a weekend can bring island exploring, time on the fjord, a demanding summit hike or skiing in the mountains. Towns and villages across Sunnmøre, Romsdal and Nordmøre offer different ways to make the region your home.
Ålesund combines its waterfront and Art Nouveau streets with restaurants, museums, festivals and shopping, an indoor waterpark in the town centre and walking areas close at hand. Here are a few starting points for life in and around the town.
Sea, fjords and islands
Kayaking, boating, fishing and coastal walks are part of the region’s appeal. The bird cliffs at Runde offer a close connection with its rich wildlife, with different experiences through the seasons.
Alpine and cross-country skiing
Winter brings opportunities for downhill skiing and cross-country outings. Strandafjellet offers both alpine slopes and groomed cross-country trails, with ski school and equipment rental.
Music, museums and evenings out
Enjoy concerts, theatre, exhibitions and the local food scene. Ålesund’s cultural calendar includes Parken Kulturhus, Arbeideren, the symphony orchestra and annual festivals.
Shopping and places to meet
Moa, now called Thon Senter Moa, is one of Norway’s largest shopping centres, with a wide choice of shops, services and places to eat. The town centre offers waterfront cafés and restaurants for a break or an evening with friends.
Bybadet and Atlanterhavsparken
Bybadet is an indoor waterpark beside Byparken in the town centre, with swimming pools, slides and a children’s pool. On the coast, Atlanterhavsparken combines an aquarium and science centre for another family day out.
From fjord to summit
For experienced hikers, the Sunnmøre Alps offer demanding ascents from the fjord to high mountain peaks. Slogen, at 1,564 metres above Hjørundfjord, is one of the region’s striking objectives. The approach from Øye captures that sea-to-summit experience.
Ski touring and randonnée
Beyond the ski resorts, Sunnmøre and Hjørundfjord offer mountain tours with wide fjord views and, when conditions allow, descents towards the water. Routes vary in difficulty. Visit Norway advises choosing terrain to suit your ability and conditions, and checking weather and avalanche forecasts.
Make yourself at home
Libraries, sports clubs, voluntary organisations and cultural activities can be good places to build a local network. Ålesund’s town-centre and Moa libraries offer books, activities and places to meet.
Your municipality is a useful starting point for schools, kindergarten, local activities and community services. Explore the area where you live:
Local news and what’s happening
Following local news is a good way to discover events, understand local issues and feel part of the community. These outlets are mainly in Norwegian, in Bokmål or Nynorsk. Some articles require a subscription; your browser’s translation function can help with everyday reading.
Ålesund and Sunnmøre
Regional news, politics, culture and sport.
www.smp.no ↗Regional business
Business, industry and economic life in Sunnmøre, Romsdal and Nordfjord.
nett.no ↗Ålesund
Town life, local stories, culture and an events calendar.
bypatrioten.com ↗Molde and Romsdal
Local and regional news, community life and sport.
www.rbnett.no ↗Sula
Local news and community life in Sula municipality.
sulaposten.no ↗Giske
News from the island communities of Giske municipality.
oyblikk.no ↗Kristiansund and Nordmøre
Local and regional news, culture and sport.
www.tk.no ↗Across the county
Regional reporting from Norway’s public broadcaster.
www.nrk.no/mr ↗Practical information & support
Whether you are newly arrived or have lived here for years, the following services can help with everyday administration and more difficult circumstances.
GOV.UK: Living in Norway is the official starting point for British residents. Read about documents and journeys as a British resident of Norway.
Residence and everyday essentials
Moving here or already settled?
UDI provides guidance on permits, residence cards and the arrangements for British nationals covered by the Brexit regulations.
Doctors and medical care
Helsenorge explains access to healthcare, GPs, prescriptions and health services. For urgent care when your GP is unavailable and help cannot wait, call 116 117. For a medical emergency, call 113.
Identity numbers and tax
Use Skatteetaten for information about moving registration, Norwegian identity numbers and tax. Use the authority’s own guidance for your circumstances.
Passports and life events
Apply for or renew a British passport online. The official Norway guide also covers births, marriages, deaths, pensions and voting from abroad.
Security awareness: espionage, recruitment approaches and PST
Support when you need it
Ask NAV for an individual assessment
If you cannot cover essential living costs or have nowhere to stay, contact NAV in the municipality where you are staying and explain any urgent needs. If you cannot apply online, ask the local NAV office for help.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including residence status and financial situation. British nationality or a Norwegian identity number alone does not establish entitlement. NAV’s guidance explains the application and assessment process.
NAV: financial assistance and emergency helpSafety and problems at home
If you are experiencing violence, threats or control in a relationship, our help page links to specialist support, including Krisesenter for Sunnmøre. You can also find services for exploitation and trafficking.
Find protection and specialist supportFamily life and other difficulties
Find municipal family services, healthcare and other local support. If you are unsure which service fits your situation, use the help directory to find the relevant organisation.