Alnes: Lighthouse, Coastal Paths and Cultural Landscape

Alnes on Godøya combines a distinctive fishing and farming landscape with coastal walks and the landmark Alnes Fyr. If you are planning a trip focused on the coast, nature and lighthouse history, you will find several specific themes here to help you decide. The landscape, seaside paths and lighthouse each offer a different focus for your stay.

Landscape and Cultural Heritage

The settlement lies on a flat beach terrace by the sea. Behind it are characteristically divided agricultural fields, while pastureland extends up the slopes towards the mountain. Alnes is a typical fishing and farming landscape on Norway’s northwest coast. The interplay of settlement, agriculture and pasture shapes the character of the place.

The large natural pasture at Alneslia is one of the most important natural pastures on the outer coast of Møre og Romsdal. Natural habitats in Alnes also include coastal heath in the mountains, sand dunes, north-facing coastal cliffs and boulder fields. The cultural landscape is also of particular importance: Alnes was included in Norway’s programme for selected cultural landscapes in agriculture in 2017.

Beach and Paths on Godøya

Sandvika is a sandy beach near Alnes on Godøya. There are good opportunities for seaside walks along Alnessanden on the western side of Godøya and onwards to Juv. The coastline and path by the sea take centre stage. A marked trail to Godøyfjellet starts in both Alnes and Juv.

Another named destination is Storhornet. The trail has a starting point in Alnes, among other places, and follows a well-built path through the Valkvæegga area and over Sløktind, which stands 436 metres above sea level, to Storhornet. Coastal walks, the trail to Godøyfjellet and the route to Storhornet are different ways to experience the area according to your interests.

Alnes Fyr: Views, Exhibition and Access

Alnes Fyr first began operating in 1937 and has watched over the mouth of Breisundet for generations. In the red-and-white tower, a spiral staircase leads to a viewing gallery. From there, you can look east towards the Sunnmøre Alps and west towards the open ocean; on a clear day, the view stretches as far as the Alps. The tower also houses the permanent exhibition Tårnutstilling, featuring art by Ørnulf Opdahl.

Alnes Fyr is open year-round, with seasonal opening hours. The tower is accessible during opening hours when weather conditions are suitable. When planning your visit, note the difference in access: the café, gallery and auditorium are wheelchair accessible, while the tower can only be reached by stairs. The auditorium has 45 seats. It shows short films about coastal life past and present, pilotage in Norway, modern cooking with seaweed, the history of trade between Norway and Denmark, and the history of the lighthouse.

Coastal Culture and Café

The Alnes visitor centre presents lighthouse and coastal culture, local food, art and crafts in the fishing village of Alnes on Godøya. The café at Alnes Fyr serves freshly baked waffles with strawberry jam and sour cream every day. Seasonal cakes, open sandwiches on rustic bread and hearty soups on windier days are also available. Some offerings may change.

The films in the auditorium, the art in the tower and the visitor centre’s offerings each provide their own perspective, from coastal history and pilotage to art and food. When planning your trip, you can consider whether the cultural landscape, seaside paths or a visit to the lighthouse is your main priority.

Getting There and Practical Planning

From Ålesund, you can reach Alnes by car via the Godøytunnel in about 30 minutes; actual driving time may vary. The new tunnel to Alnes has pedestrian and cycling paths. In summer, bus route 664 runs to Alnes several times a day. Check the current timetable before travelling, as this is a seasonal bus service.

Discover more destinations: Valderhaugstranda, Vigra, Godøy, Giske, Valderøya.

Back to the main travel overview: Giske.