Valderøya: Trails, Views and Culture

Valderøya offers viewpoints, coastal trails and cultural heritage sites to suit a range of travel interests. Would you like to hike to the highest point, experience the coastal landscape, or explore caves and traces of the past? The local trails and attractions each offer something different.

Hiking and Views

At 231 metres above sea level, Signalen is the highest point on Valderøya. From the summit, you can enjoy views in every direction. The trail starts at the Kolvikparken car park in Skaret. A bus stop near the Spar shop is a ten-minute walk from the starting point of the Signalen trail. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current departure times in advance.

Utom fjellet runs along the western side of Valderøya through a coastal landscape of sea cliffs, scree fields, caves and coastal heathland. The trail has a firm gravel surface, benches and rest areas, and runs for about 1.7 kilometres to Stølen. Its landscape and amenities distinguish it from the summit route to Signalen.

Valderøya rundt has turn-offs to Signalen and the shore, as well as viewpoints, cultural heritage sites and rest areas. The route combines a main road with a footpath and cycle path, municipal roads and a gravel path about 1.20 metres wide. It includes different types of paths, so no single surface describes the entire route.

Coastal Landscape and Birdlife

Valderøyfjellet is a cultural landscape characterised by grass and heath, including coastal heathland. On the stretch between Sætra and Valdervoll, the coastal heathland is classified as a natural habitat of very high value. This landscape is also found along the western-side trail Utom fjellet.

The Sætredalen nature reserve lies north of Signalen. It protects seabirds and other breeding birds. Exploring Valderøya means you can find both trails with views and places to rest, and designated nature reserves that are important for birdlife.

Caves and Cultural History

Skjonghelleren is a cave on Valderøya in Giske, situated 57 metres above sea level in a cliff face. You can walk upright in the first section; the last 30 metres must be covered by crawling. The Skjonghellaren rest area, with a bench, fire pit and places to camp, is also on the Valderøya rundt route.

During the Second World War, the cave Trollkjelen on Valderøya was used as a hiding place for members of the resistance. Oksneset is an automatically protected Stone Age settlement and activity site, as well as a cultural landscape. Valderøy Church was consecrated in 1961. Together, these places offer insight into different aspects of Valderøya’s history, from prehistoric settlement to the more recent past.

The Kulturstien also starts on Valderøya, with its trailhead in Ytterlandsvika. It adds another named place to explore the island, alongside the summit and coastal trails.

Practical Information

There are public toilets at the start of the Utom fjellet trail, near Valdervoll Stadium. By arrangement with Giske Municipality, they are open 24 hours a day, year-round. When planning your day, you can take this information into account alongside the route and the rest areas mentioned along the way.

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

Return to the main travel guide: Giske.