Curated by Condé Nast Traveler with Oceania Cruises | Featured Editor’s Tip: Reward yourself with a Svele pancake at the top of Mount Aksla. Ålesund’s “town mountain,” Mount Aksla, can be reached via taxi, a sightseeing train, or a 418-step climb from Ålesund’s town park, Byparken—all of which reward you with incredible views overlooking the city center and surrounding fjord. Even if you manage to climb only halfway on foot, the views of the surrounding emerald-green mountains and islands dotting the horizon are still spectacular. But it’s worth making it to the observation deck on top to reward yourself with a local treat called sveler at Fjellstua Cafe. The pancakes are folded with either jam and sour cream or the beloved Norwegian brown cheese called brunost (the latter has a sweet taste and is caramel in color). Ordering something from the cafe gets you access to its terrace, where even more jaw-dropping views await. To mix up the return, ask a local to point the way to the easy Vannspringdalen hike that follows a valley back to the city center and takes about 30 minutes.

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