Nerlandsøy: Hiking, Coastal Heath and Culture

Nerlandsøya combines marked hiking trails and sweeping views with coastal heath and traces of early settlement. When planning your trip, you can choose from a range of experiences: plan a circular route through woodland and along gravel paths, hike to a lighthouse at the island’s northernmost point, or explore a ridge walk spanning several peaks. Cultural landscapes and archaeological finds also give Nerlandsøy its distinctive character.

Hiking trails with a range of experiences

The trail to Storevarden is well marked and fitted with reflectors for hiking in the dark. From Storevarden, the view stretches across the islands of Havlandet to the Sunnmørsalpane. If you want to consider the panorama as well as the route itself when planning your day, you will find a distinctive viewpoint here. Teigetua also offers views of the Sunnmørsalpane, both from the summit and from the picnic tables set up along the trail.

Another route leads to Golleneset. This short hike follows easy terrain to Nerlandsøya’s northernmost point and the Golleneset Fyr lighthouse. Along the way is Kjemperøysa, probably a Bronze Age burial mound that may be around 3,500 years old. The mound is protected under Norwegian law. This lets you combine the hike with a place whose history stretches far back in time, without making the route itself about just one subject.

Varmyr-runda is a 5-kilometre circular route through woodland, along paths and on gravel roads. A shelter is located about 100 metres from the starting point. Outside the woodland, the route is marked with reflectors and is considered suitable for hiking in the dark. If you choose hikes based on distance and changes in scenery, this route offers different features from the trail to Golleneset or the ascent to Storevarden.

On the marked Kvalsvikryggen, a ridge walk crosses several peaks from Golleneset to Muletua. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the surrounding islands, the Sunnmørsalpane, Skorpa and Svinøy fyr. The route is considered an easy hike along rugged cliffs by the Atlantic. Its combination of several peaks and rugged coastal terrain sets it apart from the circular route through woodland and along gravel roads.

Coastal landscape and traces of the past

Mulevika lies on the north-west side of the island. It is a bay with shallow, fine sand and large waves. It is also a distinctive cultural landscape: the extensive, grassy, stony pastureland includes several stone structures, probable traces of settlement and burial monuments. Nerlandsøya also has large areas of well-preserved coastal heath, actively maintained by farmers. The coastal heath, pastureland and bay describe different facets of the island, without any one of them representing the entire landscape.

Kvalsund also offers a glimpse into the history of early settlement. It is home to a settlement from the Middle Neolithic, dated to 3000–2350 BC. Finds include decorated slate points, axes, shark teeth and Baltic amber. The specific objects bring the long time span to life: they differ in material and form, as well as in the names given to their origins. Kvalsund adds another historical focus to the burial mounds and monuments.

Choose Nerlandsøy as your holiday destination

If you are looking for an apartment or holiday home on Nerlandsøy, your preferred activities for the day can help determine your choice of destination.

Other places

Runde, Bølandet, Tjørvåg, Fosnavåg, Moldtustranda, Leinøy.

For the overview of the wider area, see: Herøy.