Brattvåg – Cultural Heritage Site and Hiking Destinations

Brattvåg combines a prominent cultural heritage site with several hiking destinations, whose viewpoints and route options vary. To plan your trip, you can first choose your preferred focus: local history, a short hike with a view, or a tour with several possible routes.

Cultural History in Brattvåg

The Haram Cultural Heritage Plan of 2019 lists Skjelt-Iverhuset as Cultural Heritage Site No. 27. It describes it as the first residential house in Brattvåg, a former post office and a complete, authentic farm in the centre of town. Its history as a residence, its former use as a post office and its description as a farm give this heritage site several connections to local history. This gives Brattvåg a specific cultural landmark alongside hiking destinations that offer views of the landscape and surrounding area.

Hiking and Views

The hike to Hildrehesten starts at the dam at the northern end of Synnalandsvatnet in Brattvåg. From the summit, the view extends across Nordøyane and the shipping route, as well as Hildre, Alvestad, Brattvåg and Hellandshamn. Long-distance views depend on the weather; trail conditions can also vary seasonally. The clearly marked starting point and the extensive views are different aspects to consider when choosing a hike.

The trail to Synnalandshornet is a short, easy-to-access hike. From there, the view stretches across Brattvåg and Helland, to Nordøyane and into the Romsdalsfjord. The views described overlap at Brattvåg and Nordøyane: at Hildrehesten, the shipping route and Hildre, Alvestad and Hellandshamn are additional sights; at Synnalandshornet, the Romsdalsfjord is also in view.

For the hike over Ryssdalsheia, also called Fremste Synnalandsheia, there is a circular route option from Brattvåg via Ryssdalstjønnene and Dyrstigen, returning to Synnalandsvatnet. Alternatively, the trail goes via Ryssdal and back to the original route. Some sections of the trail may be wet. The different return routes make it possible to plan the hike around your preferred route without assuming a walking time.

The hike to Samhjartet/Tinden follows the water through Synnalandsdalen, passes the Gjersetdalen Wilderness Area and the Red Cross hut, then climbs to Samhjartet/Tinden. The sequence takes you from the valley and the water, past the named landmarks, and on to the ascent.

Getting Around and Travel

There is a picnic table with benches at Silhuset. A gravel road leads to the building; it is usually cleared of snow, but this is not guaranteed. FRAM operates ferry route 1056 between Brattvåg and Dryna from 5 March 2026 until further notice. Check the latest departures and any changes before travelling.

Haram in a Broader Context

The broader travel destination of Haram includes a mainland section on the peninsula between Grytafjorden and Midfjorden, as well as four of the Nordøyane islands. Haram’s mountain ridges and cultural sites also offer their own points of interest: at 1,061 metres, Blåskjerdingen is the highest mountain in Haram; from its summit plateau, views extend in all directions. The route to Gamlemsveten reaches a summit at an elevation of 790 metres by a television mast, with wide views to the south, west and north.

The cultural offerings in the broader travel destination of Haram include the Kulturstien trail around Lepsøya, a hike featuring cultural and prehistoric monuments, information boards and boxes with a local audio guide. Two further examples of architecture are Haram Church on Haramsøya, an octagonal wooden church dating from 1838, and Vatne Church, a wooden long church dating from 1868. These differences give you an idea of the natural and cultural themes the Haram destination encompasses beyond the focus on Brattvåg.

Discover more destinations: Haram, Vestre, Longva, Helland, Søvik, Tennfjord, Haramsøy, Hildre.

Go to the broader travel overview: Haram.