Godøy and the Surrounding Area: Coast, Culture, Hiking Trails

If you are looking for a hotel in Godøy, it is also worth exploring nearby attractions. On Godøya and in Alnes, coast, hiking trails, and cultural attractions come together. The different locations offer ideas for planning your stay around your own interests.

Hiking Trails and Coast on Godøya

The gently hilly, gravel-surfaced Fjellfotvegen runs between Juv in the west and the residential area of Leitebakken in the east. The trail passes through pine and hazel forests as well as planted spruce stands; along the way, views open up over the sea, fjord, and mountains. After about 500 meters, Fjellfotvegen crosses the path to Alnesvatnet. From there, further hiking options lead to Storhornet or Rantane.

Another route is the Godøya–Storrunden. It starts in Gjuv and follows a natural ridge or change in terrain along the southern and western sides of Godøya. The route includes spectacular views, exposed sections along steep cliffs, and a hiking experience beside the open sea. A rock on the route can be slippery even on warm days, especially in the morning and evening when dew forms. Check trail conditions before setting out. Storhornet offers a 360-degree panorama.

You can also explore the coast on foot: beach walks run along Alnessanden and continue as far as Juv. Sandvika near Alnes is one of the sandy beaches on Godøya; Alnes has both sandy and pebble beaches. If you are looking for another activity on the water, you can fish for small trout at Alnesvatnet on Godøya. A fishing license is required; check the applicable rules and licenses before fishing.

Alnes: Lighthouse and Coastal History

Alnes was once one of the largest fishing villages in the entire Sunnmøre region. The original lighthouse was built in 1852 and operated by the local population. The current protected lighthouse dates from 1937 and is 22 meters high. Visitors can climb the steep stairs and see an art exhibition by Ørnulf Opdahl; admission is charged. Visits to the lighthouse and the old lighthouse keeper’s house are possible. Guided tours of the protected building are offered in summer or by request. As visiting arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them in advance.

The Alnes Visitor Centre includes a café selling locally produced food and cakes; the lighthouse cake is considered famous. The offerings may change. Parking is available at the visitor centre and in a gravel lot at the start of the hiking trail below the centre and lighthouse.

Discover the Godøy Coastal Museum

The Godøy Coastal Museum features exhibitions on three floors of an older school building, in an old pilot station dating from the 19th century, as well as a collection of traditional boats and boat engines in the boathouse. Topics include fishing and coastal fisheries, fish landing stations, the drying of stockfish, and whaling. A film focuses on the history of longline fishing. Other exhibitions cover a collection on wartime history and the Eilefrøysa burial mound.

The archaeological exhibition includes finds from the municipality’s four islands, including Stone Age finds from Godøya and Bronze Age finds from Giske. A visit thus combines topics related to the coastal economy with archaeology and regional history. Visits can be arranged in advance outside the summer season. For visitors arriving by car, the museum offers free parking; check the latest information about visits and parking in advance.

Getting There and Planning Excursions

Godøya can be reached by bus and by private boat. If you include the hiking trails, coastal locations, and cultural attractions in Alnes in your plans, you can organize excursions around their different highlights: Fjellfotvegen combines stretches through the forest with wide-ranging views, while the Godøya–Storrunden follows exposed sections beside the open sea. If traveling by bus, it is advisable to check the schedule before your trip.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Giske.