Brandal: Seal-Hunting History, Coast and Fjord Trips

Brandal combines the history of Norwegian seal hunting and polar expeditions with a hilly coastal landscape. The Ishavsmuseet Aarvak, the paths to Kvitneset and fjord trips from Brandal offer different highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Maritime History at the Ishavsmuseet Aarvak

The Ishavsmuseet Aarvak is a specialist museum dedicated to Norwegian seal hunting and overwintering. The museum includes the protected Arctic vessel Aarvak, considered the oldest surviving ship of its kind. The boathouse displays small boats and local fishing equipment, complementing the themes of hunting and seafaring with insights into local fishing.

Visitors can enter a full-scale replica of the Hoelsbu overwintering hut from northeastern Greenland. There, they can gain an understanding of the living and hunting conditions of the time. The exhibits thus range from small boats and fishing equipment to a hut that illustrates life during an overwintering stay.

The maritime past is also present outside the museum: the Arctic Woman monument stands in the outdoor area. The sculpture by Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik was unveiled on 18 June 2005. From 1898 to 1998, Brandal was the home port of a total of 47 Arctic ships and developed into a centre for seal hunting and polar expeditions from across western Norway. The museum and the local history therefore offer two different ways to explore this heritage: through the collections and through the port’s historical role.

Kvitneset: Coast and Traces of the Past

Kvitneset lies at the northern end of Brandal and the northern tip of Hareidlandet, near the mouths of Breisundfjord and Storfjord. Its rocky shore makes Kvitneset a fishing spot. Nature and history are equally part of a visit here: sea air and impressive sunsets are among the experiences described; in windy weather, large waves can break against the coast.

A coastal fortress from the Second World War was located at Kvitneset. Its features included artillery positions, a command bunker, tank barriers, tunnels and caves for storing ammunition. Some structures have fallen into disrepair. The fortifications add a historical dimension to the coastal landscape, although their individual components are not all in the same condition today.

Paths, Getting There and Finding Your Way

The path to Kvitneset starts in the centre of Brandal on a relatively flat asphalt road and later continues over gravel. The walk from the centre takes about 30 minutes; the actual walking time depends on your pace and conditions. You can take a pram along the path all the way to the destination, although conditions may vary by season. Brandal is also a starting point for several mountain hikes, including routes towards Hareid, Ulstein and Flø. The village itself is very hilly and surrounded by high mountains.

Kvitneset can also be reached all the way by car, and parking is available there. The last two kilometres are along a narrow gravel road. As road and parking conditions can change, check the current situation before driving. Livestock graze year-round in the area around Kvitneset. Keep dogs on a lead there even outside the legally mandated leash period.

Fjord Trips from Brandal

The Polarstar is moored at the quay in Brandal on Hareid and takes guests into the fjords of northwestern Norway. A fjord trip from Brandal goes to Hjørundfjord and along the coast of Sunnmøre. Tour programmes vary by season and operator, so check the current trips before your journey. This lets you weigh up a museum visit, walks around Kvitneset and a possible boat trip as different parts of your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Hareid, Hjørungavåg.

Go to the main travel guide: Hareid.