Villages and places
Ona & the Northern islands
Drive the new Nordøyvegen road and explore the string of islands outside Ålesund and Brattvåg. You can also take a ferry and experience the fishing village Ona.
Island landscapes where the sea has the final word
North of Ålesund lies a unique coastal archipelago – a string of islands, both large and small, stretching out towards the Harøyfjord. This is the Sunnmøre coast at its most authentic, where the sea, history, and daily life have always been closely connected. Some of the islands are now linked to the mainland by Nordøyvegen, a network of bridges and tunnels, while others – like Ona and Sandøy – can only be reached by boat or ferry. Out here, people have lived with and from the sea for generations. Fishing, farming and shipbuilding are still cornerstones of the local communities.
Discover Nordøyvegen – a new road to old island communities
Thanks to Nordøyvegen, several islands north of Ålesund – including Harøya and Finnøya – are now accessible by car. These mark the end of the road and the beginning of something else entirely: vibrant island life. Here, you’ll find scenic hiking trails through varied nature, and places where you can rent kayaks and water sports gear – ideal for getting up close to the sea.
On Finnøya, right by the ferry quay, you’ll find a hotel with a restaurant and the swimming centre "Håp i havet" – quite literally a stone’s throw from the shoreline and a surprising splash of fun in this otherwise peaceful island world.
Ferry to Ona and Sandøy – an island escape on the Sunnmøre coast
For a true taste of coastal culture and calm island life, hop on the ferry from Finnøya to Ona and Sandøy – two of the most beautiful and distinctive islands north of Ålesund. It’s a journey through a stunning coastal landscape, all the way to the edge of the country.
Ona and Husøy form a traditional fishing village with deep roots. Wander between boathouses and narrow paths, with the wind in your hair and the sea as your constant backdrop. At the top of the island stands Ona lighthouse – an icon of the Norwegian coast.
Sandøy offers wide-open landscapes, sheltered coves, and an authentic island atmosphere – perfect for anyone looking to unwind and embrace the slower pace of life.
Activities and attractions
Bathing and wellness
Håp i Havet - swimmingpool
Finnøya
Aqua park at Finnøya with fantastic view, children's pool, water slide, bubble bench and water stream. Sauna and steam bath.
Culture
Steffågarden on Ona
Ona & the Northern islands
A croft on Husøya (Ona) from 1793. Visit Steffågarden and experience coastal cultural history from the outermost islands of Romsdal.
Outdoor activities and nature
Leira by Sandøy
Ona & the Northern islands
Sandøy has an idyllic island nature, with the open sea surrounding it. The island has some of Romsdal's coast's most beautiful sand beaches. There's a peaceful nature, 35 residents and a landscape with farms, cattle, horses and sheep.
Culture
Lepsøyrevet lighthouse
Ona & the Northern islands
Lepsøyrevet lighthouse is a previous leading lighthouse at Lepsøy reef in Ålesund municipality. It was built in 1879 in the end of a long breakwater.
Culture
Ulla Lighthouse
Ona & the Northern islands
At Kvernholmen on the west side of Haramsøy you find the beautiful Ulla Lighthouse from 1874.
Culture
The fishing village of Ona and Ona lighthouse
Ona & the Northern islands
Ona is Norway's southernmost living fishing village. The island lies in the ocean gap at the Romsdal coast, and 16 people live here all year round.
Outdoor activities and nature
Walk to Harøyburet
Ona & the Northern islands
Harøyburet (156 m.a.s.l.) is the highest hilltop on the islands that earlier made up Sandøy municipality. From here you will get a wonderful view over the surrounding island community from south to north.
Shopping
To runde pinner og Glade kopper Yarn shop
Ona & the Northern islands
With our backs against the mainland, as far west as you can go off the west coast of Romsdal lays Ona, Norway´s southernmost genuine fishing station. Here you´ll find ´To runde pinner´; one of the smallest yarn shops in Norway. The yarn shop has also become a gathering place on the island, and you can come have a coffee and a nice chat. With only 17 residents on the island, the customers will mainly be tourists. In our shop we sell yarn from Du store alpakka, Rauma ullvarefabrikk and Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. You may also buy products from Halås Gardsutsalg, such as spices, yam, syrups and more. We also sell knit products made by us and if you want us to knit something for you we will be delighted to help. We have also designed a sweater, and the elements in the pattern got symbols from Ona - the lighthouse, seagulls, and fish nets. You can buy pattern and yarn packages from us or order a finished sweater. Once a year we arrange a knitting weekend here. We gather in our public hall, Stormly, where we also serve home made food to our guests. We also plan to arrange knitting weekends throughout the year. This will be offered to smaller groups. The focus will be recreation, lectures, knitting and having a nice time together.
Culture
Hellevik lighthouse
Ona & the Northern islands
Hellevik Fyr is a discontinued private lighthouse at Lepsøy, by Haramsfjorden.
Culture
Rønstadhellaren
Ona & the Northern islands
Rønstadhelleren is a 14 meter tall and 20 meter wide rock shelter on Lepsøy in Ålesund municipality. It's 77 meters long and one of the largest rock shelters that's known.
How to get here
Plan your trip to Sunnmøre and visit well-known destinations such as Ålesund, Geiranger, Trollstigen, Ona and Runde. Find information about how to get to and around our region here.
Getting to and around Ålesund & SunnmøreSleep well
Accommodation
Finnøy Bryggehotell by Classic Norway Hotels
Finnøya
The maritime Finnøy Bryggehotell is situated right on the wharfside by the Atlantic Ocean, built in a historic trading station and fish landing facility.
Accommodation
Ona Havstuer by Classic Norway Hotels
Ona & the Northern islands
Old trading place with 5 apartments with 11 rooms of a high standard located on beautiful Ona. Summer open restaurant.
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Runde and the coast of Sunnmøre
Outer, southern Sunnmøre is Ålesund’s unpolished and outgoing neighbour. An archipelago of small villages, communities and fantastic experiences.
Giske & Alnes
Experience life along the coast of Sunnmøre at close range, just as fascinating in summer and winter alike. Getting to Giske is easy, as is getting to other historic coastal destinations like Ålesund, Ona and Runde.
Ålesund
From the lively cafés in Ålesund, it’s just 418 steps to the top of Aksla – and what a view! After the fire in 1904 fire, Ålesund was rebuilt in a playful Art Nouveau style, with towers, spires, and colourful facades. No wonder National Geographic has named it one of the world’s most beautiful port cities!