Brandal: Polar History and Fjord Scenery

Brandal combines the history of Norwegian seal hunting with experiences by the sea and in a hilly mountain landscape. At the Ishavsmuseet Aarvak, you can learn about seal hunting and overwintering; at Kvitneset, coastal history meets a rocky shoreline. This lets you shape your stay around a wide range of interests.

Polar History at the Ishavsmuseet Aarvak

The Ishavsmuseet Aarvak is a specialist museum about Norwegian seal hunting and overwintering. The museum includes the protected Arctic ship “Aarvak”, considered the oldest surviving ship of its kind. In the boathouse, you can see small boats and local fishing equipment. You can enter a scale replica of the Hoelsbu overwintering hut from Northeast Greenland, where the living and hunting conditions of the time are brought to life. Outside, there is also the “Arctic Woman” monument, a sculpture by Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik, unveiled on 18 June 2005.

Brandal’s history extends beyond the museum, too. From 1898 to 1998, the village was home port to a total of 47 Arctic ships. Brandal developed into a centre for seal hunting and polar expeditions from across Western Norway. If you are interested in this maritime past, you will find both a specialist museum and a historical connection to the village itself.

Kvitneset: Coastal Fort and Path to the Sea

Kvitneset lies at the northern end of Brandal. The coastal fort from the Second World War included artillery positions, command bunkers, anti-tank barriers, tunnels and caves for storing ammunition. The site thus combines a specific historical fortification with the coastal landscape. Kvitneset is also a fishing spot with a rocky shoreline. In windy weather, large waves break against the coast; you can also enjoy the sea air and impressive sunsets.

The route to Kvitneset starts in the centre of Brandal on a relatively flat asphalt road and continues later on gravel. The walk takes about 30 minutes; the route can also be travelled with a pushchair all the way to the destination. If you are driving, note that the final 2 kilometres are along a narrow gravel road. Kvitneset is accessible all the way by car, and parking is available there. Livestock graze year-round in the area around Kvitneset. Dogs should therefore be kept on a lead even outside the statutory lead requirement.

Mountains and Fjord Trips

Brandal is very hilly and surrounded by high mountains. The village is a starting point for several mountain hikes, including routes towards Hareid, Ulstein and Flø. Alongside coastal experiences, you can also explore the mountain landscape on holiday. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Brandal, you can choose your destination based on whether you are most interested in discovering polar history, Kvitneset, mountain hikes or trips on the water.

The Polarstar is moored at the quay in Brandal on Hareid and takes guests into the fjords of northwestern Norway. A fjord trip goes to the Hjørundfjord and along the Sunnmøre coast. This adds a perspective from the water to museum visits and hikes, without requiring a set itinerary.

For more local pages, you can also explore Hareid and Hjørungavåg.

Back to the main travel overview: Hareid.