Valderøya – Coastal Landscapes, Peaks and Cultural Traces

Valderøya can be explored in many different ways: take in the view from the summit of Signalen, walk along paths through coastal heathland, or discover traces of the Stone Age and the Second World War.

To Signalen and Along the Coastal Paths

At 231 metres above sea level, Signalen is the highest point on Valderøya. From the summit, the view stretches in every direction. The hiking trail starts at the Kolvikparken car park in Skaret. If you arrive by bus, a Nettbuss stop near the Spar shop is a ten-minute walk from the starting point. This means you can plan the summit hike as a highlight in its own right, rather than treating it as a coastal walk.

Utom fjellet on the west side of Valderøya offers a different landscape. The trail passes through a coastal area with sea cliffs, scree slopes, caves and coastal heathland. It has a firm gravel surface, benches and rest areas, and runs for about 1.7 kilometres to Stølen. There are public toilets at the starting point by Valdervoll Stadium; by arrangement with Giske Municipality, they are open around the clock throughout the year.

Valderøya rundt combines a main route along a main road with a footpath and cycle path, municipal roads, and a gravel path about 1.20 metres wide. Side paths lead to Signalen and the shore; viewpoints, cultural heritage sites and rest areas are also part of the route. Kvennhusvika is a coastal area along this route. Jangardsøyra includes a beach and a coastal area. At the Skjonghellaren rest area, there is a bench, a fire pit and opportunities for camping. These different places offer a variety of reasons to pause and explore along the route.

Cultural Landscapes and Historic Sites

The landscape also tells the story of how Valderøya has been used and of its history. Valderøyfjellet is a cultural landscape characterised by grass and heath, including coastal heathland. In the section between Sætra and Valdervoll, this heathland is classified as a natural habitat type of very high value. North of Signalen, the Sætredalen Nature Reserve protects seabirds and other nesting birds. If you are particularly interested in nature, you can include these areas among your places to explore, alongside the viewpoints and trails.

Near Oksneset, there is an automatically protected Stone Age settlement and activity site, as well as a cultural landscape. Valderøy Church was consecrated in 1961. Members of the resistance movement hid in the Trollkjelen cave on Valderøya during the Second World War. These places represent different chapters in history: from Stone Age settlement and activity to wartime events.

Skjonghellaren is on Valderøya in Giske, in a cliff face 57 metres above sea level. You can walk upright in the first section of the cave; the last 30 metres must be covered by crawling. This specific passage is important when deciding whether to include a cave visit in your plans. It is very different from spending time at a viewpoint or walking along the firm gravel path at Utom fjellet.

Getting There and Choosing a Suitable Base

A fast boat service runs between Ålesund and Valderøya; a bus connection continues to the airport. There is also a regular bus service from Ålesund via Valderøya and Giske to Alnes. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can use these connections and your preferred excursions as a guide when choosing where to stay. The routes described range from a summit hike to coastal stretches and sites with historical associations. The activities you want to focus on will help determine which location is right for your trip.

Discover More Places

If you would like to add more places to your travel plans, you can also find Valderhaugstranda, Vigra, Godøy, Alnes and Giske here.

Go to the main travel overview: Giske.