A Photoshoot for Fjord Star in Ålesund, Norway

A Photoshoot for Fjord Star in Ålesund, Norway

When I designed the Fjord Star quilt, I wanted it to reflect the beauty of Western Norway’s fjords—where dramatic cliffs, deep waters, and open skies come together in perfect harmony. So, when it came time to photograph the quilt, I knew the setting needed to connect to this inspiration. Ålesund, the coastal town where I grew up, was the perfect fit.

The art nouveau town of Ålesund is surrounded by the ocean on all sides. 

Why Ålesund and Moloveien?

Ålesund is a beautiful coastal town known for its Art Nouveau architecture and stunning location by the fjords. What makes it even more special is its resilience—most of the town was destroyed in a massive fire in 1904, but it was rebuilt in a unique style that still defines it today. However, some streets such as Moloveien, one of Ålesund’s oldest streets, escaped the flames and remains a living piece of the town’s history.

The fjord star quilt in front of the iconic fish warehouses in Moloveien

I chose Moloveien as the main photoshoot location because it’s right by the sea, with charming old wooden buildings, traditional fish warehouses, and a sense of timelessness. Molo means breakwater, and you can take a stroll on the breakwater and get a nice view of Ålesund from the shorefront.

Old fish warehouse in Moloveien, Ålesund, Norway
Aspøy school seen from Moloveien in Ålesund, Norway
The impressive building Aspøyskolen seen from Moloveien - one might believe it is a castle, but in fact, it is a public school. 

The Fjord Star quilt in front of wooden houses in Moloveien, Ålesund, Norway

Moloveien is one of the few streets in Ålesund where the wooden houses survived the 1904 fire.

Moloveien also features Molja, a small, red lighthouse that welcomes those who come to Ålesund by boat – a little beacon that adds a touch of character to the waterfront.

The Molja lighthouse in Ålesund, Norway

The small lighthouse Molja har been repurposed and is today a very special suite at the Hotel Brosundet, popular among newlyweds. You'll find it at the end of the breakwater that gave Moloveien its name. 

 

A Natural Connection

Photographing Fjord Star on Moloveien felt like bringing the quilt back to its - and my - roots. The soft autumn light, the sound of waves and fishingboats passing by, and the weathered textures of the street perfectly complemented the quilt’s design. I even met two American tourists who helped me hold the quilt so I could photograph it in front of one of the old warehouses. A nice coincidence and a nod to the country who taught me quilting! 

The Fjord Star quilt in front of a fish warehouse in Ålesund, Norway

 

White wooden houses in Moloveien, Ålesund

If you ever visit Ålesund (which is an absolute must on your Norway trip), take a stroll down Moloveien to get a sense of what the town was like before the 1904 fire. It’s a small, quiet spot, but it holds so much charm and history. I couldn’t think of a better place to showcase this quilt. 

Oh, and by the way: Make sure to visit the fishing museum and the fun antique shop Trankokeriet! 
Flowers outside small wooden homes in Moloveien, Ålesund
Teaterfabrikken theatre in Ålesund, Norway

 

A blue quilt hanging from rusty wire on a concrete wall

I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of Moloveien! If you want more Norway travel tips, make sure to follow me on Pinterest - as well at quilting inspo, I have a board dedicated to travel in Norway. 

 



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