Hareid: Viking Culture, Nature and Fjord Views

A traditionally built Viking house, a seal-hunting vessel from 1912 and waterside natural areas offer different ways to explore Hareid’s culture and landscape. Other attractions include historic church buildings, the Hareidstemna cultural festival and connections by sea. You can tailor your stay to your historical interests, nature experiences and excursions.

Cultural history from the Viking Age to the present

Hodr-Hjørungavåg Vikingsete conveys history and culture through a Viking house built according to old traditions. In Brandal, the Ishavsmuseet Aarvak explores the history of Norwegian seal hunting and overwintering hunts in the polar regions. You can also visit the seal-hunting vessel Aarvak, built in 1912. Check before your trip whether access is available during your visit.

Hareid Church is a wooden church dating from 1877; there has been a church on this site since the Middle Ages. This distinction allows you to separate the age of the current wooden building from the longer history of the church site. Next to the church stands Prestestova. It dates from before the 17th century and is probably the oldest building in the municipality. Near Overåsanden, a national monument commemorates the Battle of Hjörungavágr in 986.

Hareidstemna is an annual cultural festival that was first held in 1962. The programme varies. If you would like to plan your visit around the festival, check the event dates for your travel period.

Nature, water and activities

Hjørungdalsvatnet is a nature reserve with a rich variety of birdlife. The lake has stocks of trout and Arctic char that are fished; rowing boats, kayaks and canoes can also be used there. Before fishing, find out about the applicable rules and any permit requirements.

Holesanden is on Snipsøyrvatnet and has a swimming beach and good parking. As access information can change, check it before your visit.

Sunnmøre Golfbane in Hareid has a nine-hole golf course. There is also an 18-hole, par-68 football golf course. These offer different ways to play and different numbers of holes. Check the latest course details before planning a visit.

Hareid Sauna is located at Hareid Hamn Gjestebrygge, just a short walk from the centre of Hareid; it offers views of the fjord landscape. This self-service sauna is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. Private sessions for up to twelve people can be booked, and shared sauna sessions are also available. Check opening hours and booking conditions before your visit.

Connections and trip planning

There are frequent ferry connections from Hareid to Sula via Sulesund, and an express boat service to Ålesund city centre. The services go to different destinations, so choose your timetable accordingly and check departure times before travelling.

When choosing a hotel, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: Hareid’s cultural history, nature and waterside activities, or a planned connection to Ålesund.

Discover more destinations: Hareid, Hjørungavåg, Brandal, Giske, Volda, Sunndal, Molde and Tingvoll.

Go to the main travel overview: More Og Romsdal.