Helland: Factory History and War Memorial

Helland is primarily defined by two historical themes: the Piperensefabrikken and the remains of a camp for Russian prisoners of war. The wider destination of Ålesund offers other highlights, from Art Nouveau and urban history to experiences connected with the sea.

Industrial and War History in Helland

The Piperensefabrikken in Helland is industrial heritage. At the height of its success, it was Norway’s largest manufacturer of pipe cleaners. This product connection makes the industrial history tangible: Helland’s factory history has a clearly identifiable theme, and its leading position points to the factory’s importance in Norway at the time. This gives the town’s industrial heritage a concrete focus.

A second historical chapter concerns the camp for Russian prisoners of war in Helland. Its remains are classified as a war memorial, and the camp dates to 1942. The camp’s watchtower is largely intact today. The year dates the camp, while the condition description refers to the watchtower. This clearly distinguishes the camp’s historical date from the tower’s present condition.

Ålesund: Art Nouveau, Urban History and the Sea

In the wider destination of Ålesund, city life, fjords and mountains come together in a setting spread across several islands towards the Atlantic. The city is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Jugendstilsenteret is a museum and national centre for Art Nouveau; it presents the subject through authentic interiors, objects and temporary exhibitions. KUBE is located in the former branch building of Norges Bank, built in 1906 in central Ålesund. An exhibition about the 1904 town fire uses a model to show what Ålesund looked like before the fire. The Fisheries Museum focuses on the historical development of fishing and onshore processing.

These cultural venues offer different perspectives: the model illustrates the town’s former appearance, while Jugendstilsenteret presents Art Nouveau through interiors, objects and changing exhibitions. The Fisheries Museum offers a distinct perspective on the history of fishing and its onshore processing.

Experiences by the sea and outdoors also vary. Atlanterhavsparken in Tueneset, 3 km from Ålesund city centre, offers interactive and educational experiences related to the sea. On Aksla, the path from Byparken leads up 418 steps to Fjellstua; the Brosundet canal in central Ålesund can be explored by kayak. No previous experience is required for sailing trips on the Storeggen of Aalesund. The Wildlife Sea Safari travels from Ålesund along the open coast by RIB. You may spot white-tailed eagles and seals, but sightings are not guaranteed.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: Helland is associated here with factory history and the memory of the camp, while Ålesund offers Art Nouveau, museums and maritime experiences. Choose your location according to the themes you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Tennfjord, Søvik, Vatne, Haram, Haramsøy, Vestre, Kjerstad, Brattvåg.

Back to the wider travel overview: Haram.