Steps statues and Rollo The Alesund Town Park is an odd park that consists of a little plot of land with a playground and some weird statues and a cool staircase with 418 steps that lead to the top of Mt Aksla. At the summit of the mountain are some incredible views of the surrounding territory. The park was designed by a local gardener in 1885 and the statues and other things were added over the decades. One of the statues is of Gange-Rolf better known by his French name Rollo. Gange-Rolf founded Normandy, is the ancestor of William the Conqueror and as the TV show The Vikings points out, Rollo was one serious bad ass and maybe the toughest of all the Vikings. The statue was given to the park in 1911 in celebration of the 1,000 andiversary of the founding of Normandy. There isn't all that much in the bottom of the park outside of a little playground, pond and weird statues but the staircase leading to the summit of Mount Aksla is great fun, with lots of places to stop and take in the stunning views. Once you get to the top there is a little café and amazing views in every direction. Certainly an ususual and unique park, after all how many parks can claim a winding staircase up a mountain as it's main part. Add the statue of Rollo and the other things and this is one of the coolest parks I've ever been too. read more

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