Alesund, Norway

Capital City

With a population of just over 52,000, Alesund is a small Norwegian town that punches above its weight. The city's consistent Art Nouveau architecture is undoubtedly beautiful, but residents must navigate the bureaucracy of a municipality that more than doubled in size following a 1968 merger. And while Alesund's coastal location provides access to Norway's renowned fjords, the climate can be a persistent headache, with frequent storms whipping in off the North Atlantic. This quaint town may appeal to those seeking an authentic Norwegian experience, but its amalgamated governance and harsh weather are realities that potential expats must weigh carefully.