Bolsøya – Fjord island with ancient traces and bathing spots

Bolsøya combines fjord scenery with a remarkably long history of settlement. The island lies in the Romsdalsfjord and is mostly covered by coastal pine forest; some deciduous woodland and active farming also shape its landscape. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Bolsøya, you will find a destination defined by nature, water and historical evidence.

Island and cultural landscape

The landscape bears traces of the Ice Age: distinctive ridges run from east to west. The highest point on Bolsøya is on Fårøya and reaches 66.9 m above sea level. Bolsøya covers 4.9 km². Forests, farmland and the island’s elongated ridges give the landscape a range of different features, without any one of them defining its entire character.

History is also closely tied to the place. Settlement sites dating back to the Stone Age have been found on Bolsøya. Historical traces include significant flint finds, stone circles, burial mounds, settlement sites and farm complexes used for various purposes. Together, these traces span a period of at least 1,800 years. Stone settings and an old boat landing are also among the island’s historical features.

One particularly distinctive standing stone is Trollpila: almost 5 m tall, it stands in the courtyard of Nerigarden, right next to the churchyard. Trollpila is considered a nationally significant, automatically protected standing-stone site from the Iron Age. Part of the churchyard is protected as a medieval cemetery. Those interested in archaeological traces and the long history of the place will find several different forms of evidence here, rather than just a single historical landmark.

A more recent chapter in the island’s church history is the demolition of the old Bolsøy Church in 1907. This followed the construction of Røvik Church to the east, on the mainland. The two churches therefore have a specific historical connection, while the protected part of the churchyard on Bolsøya has a much older history.

Circular route, recreation and swimming

Fårøytangen is an important recreation area for spending time outdoors. The “Bolsøya rundt” route goes via Fårøya to Fårøytangen and then back to the starting point. There are good swimming opportunities at the start or finish and along the way; Sandvika on Bolsøya is also suitable for swimming. During your stay, you can choose between a loop with several opportunities to swim and a dedicated trip to Sandvika, without needing to commit to a particular route or length of stay.

Another distinctive mark on the landscape is Steinbruddet. Natural stone was quarried there for use as building material and shipped to construction projects throughout the district; traces of this activity are still visible in the terrain. Steinbruddet is by the sea and offers views across the fjord. It is about a five-minute walk from the road down to Draget. This means the site brings together a tangible insight into the former use of stone and a view of the fjord.

Getting there and choosing a holiday destination

Bolsøya is connected to the mainland via County Road 64, through the 2,743 m-long Fannefjord Tunnel in the direction of Molde. The 555 m-long Bolsøy Bridge also connects the island to Røvik on the Skålahalvøya peninsula. Bus or car is recommended for the journey; bicycles are not permitted in the underground Fannefjord Tunnel. This travel information is important when planning how to get there, particularly if you intend to bring a bicycle on your holiday.

The “Romsdalsfjorden rundt” tour is another route to consider: it starts in Bolsøya and ends in Molde. When deciding whether to choose Bolsøya as a holiday destination, you can focus on several things: swimming and outdoor activities, the landscape with its forests and ridges, or the archaeological and historical traces. A holiday apartment in Bolsøya puts these island attractions within reach; you can decide which ones should shape your stay based on your travel interests.

Discover other places: Nesjestranda, Molde, Hjelset, Kortgarden, Skåla, Sekken.

Return to the main travel overview: Molde.