Vigra: Coastal Paths, Nature and Island History

Vigra reveals its different sides along paths that explore the island: at Brimneset, the route leads from the south to the wild coast and onwards towards the open sea. Other routes follow walking and cycling paths, pass through woodland or run alongside protected areas. For families and anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home on Vigra, this variety is a good reason to consider their preferred types of outings when choosing where to stay.

Between the Coast and the Island Paths

The Brimneset path starts at the Viking Community House, where there is a large car park. At Brimneset, a large, round cairn marks the spot. It is painted black and white in high-visibility colours and serves as a navigation marker. The path leads from southern Vigra to the wild coast and onwards towards the open sea. Those especially interested in coastal scenery will find a different kind of route here from the main “Vigra rundt” route, which follows a walking and cycling path around much of the island.

Another circular route starts at Roald Marina. The Roald Marina–Vigra Airport route is considered easy and is suitable for pushchairs. Wheelchair users can easily use the section from the school to the airport. These details apply to the section mentioned; when planning for different mobility needs, it is helpful to focus on this specific part of the route.

Nature Reserves, a Beach and Routes for Different Days Out

The Rota route behind Molnesfjellet follows a gravel road or a well-trodden path along the coast to a shelter in Sandvika. Beyond Molnesfjellet, the route passes through a nature reserve in open coastal terrain. The area is known for its many rare plant species. The section from Rota to the Ågnegjerdet shelter is well suited to children, pushchairs and older people. When planning an outing, you can distinguish this specifically described section from the rest of the route.

The Blindheim walking route also offers several experiences along the way: it follows the coast and passes through woodland, with several rest stops featuring benches. Near Majaskogen, it passes a play area for families. If you’d like to combine an outing with breaks and a play stop, this route is worth considering. Blimssanden adds a sandy beach to the island’s attractions; there is a toilet there.

Rørvikvatnet Nature Reserve was established in 1988. In 1996, it became part of an internationally important wetland and Ramsar site. The area was once an important breeding and stopover site for wetland birds; around 20 breeding species have been recorded there. This timeline is part of the reserve’s history and makes it a distinctive nature-related point of interest alongside the coastal paths.

Discover the History and Plan Your Stay

Blimshaugen adds another distinctive feature: the hill originally measured 36 metres in diameter and was 6 metres high. These precise measurements set this site apart from the island’s walking and nature destinations. If you’d like to explore the outdoors and visit a variety of places during your stay, you can include these options in your plans without limiting yourself to a single type of outing.

Airport buses run from Ålesund Airport on Vigra to Ålesund city centre and Moa. When looking for a holiday apartment on Vigra, it may therefore help to first consider what you’d like your stay to focus on: coastal paths and nature, a circular route suitable for pushchairs, woodland and rest stops, or the sandy beach.

If you’d like to include more places in your travel plans, you can also explore Alnes, Valderhaugstranda, Valderøya, Godøy and Giske in more detail.

Back to the main travel guide: Giske.