Discover Herøy: islands, Runde and coastal culture

Herøy combines island and coastal landscapes with birdwatching, hiking opportunities and maritime history. The inhabited islands are connected to one another and to the mainland by bridges and the subsea Eiksund Tunnel. The open sea is the municipality’s closest neighbour. The many starting points for your trip include Runde, the Herøy Coastal Museum and activities in Fosnavåg.

Runde: birdlife and the Runde treasure

Runde is known for Norway’s third-largest seabird cliff and its diverse birdlife. The island has both a nature reserve and a bird sanctuary. On an evening guided puffin safari, you’ll head to the bird cliffs, where you can see puffins up close. The hike as part of the safari takes about 45 minutes and reaches an elevation of approximately 200 metres above sea level.

The programme also includes a screening of the film “The Silver of the Sea” and a visit to the exhibition at the Runde Environmental Centre. Fish soup and freshly baked bread are served before the tour. The centre offers activities for all ages, with a focus on birdlife and the Runde treasure; it also has a café and a gift shop. A guided tour covers the wreck of the Akerendam in 1725, the gold treasure recovered in 1972 and the seabirds that nest on Runde. There is also an exhibition of the Runde treasure on the island. The tourist information centre is at the foot of the mountain and provides information about boat trips and hiking routes.

Hiking options for different plans

Herøy’s 2026 Stikk-UT! programme includes 17 varied hikes, from short, easy trails to more challenging mountain hikes. The annual Ti på topp programme features twelve summit hikes for adults, as well as twelve trips for children under 13 and people over 70. It includes stamp cards, hike descriptions and a simple map. The programmes offer different points of reference: Stikk-UT! describes a range of trail types, while Ti på topp identifies its target groups and provides hiking materials. When planning, also bear in mind that seasonal programme details may change.

Cycling offers another perspective on Herøy: coastal landscapes, bridges, small villages and views shape the experience along the route. The municipality also offers kayak rentals, guided kayak tours and mountain hikes, as well as bicycle rentals.

Coastal culture and art

The Herøy Coastal Museum presents a historic trading post from the 18th and 19th centuries. Exhibits include authentic buildings, period interiors, fishing gear and boats. The reconstructed Sunnmørsjekt sailing ship “Anna Olava” is based at the museum. The Herøy Coastal Museum is also a pilgrimage destination and an important stop on the coastal pilgrimage route from Egersund to Trondheim. During the summer season, the museum serves freshly baked waffles as well as coffee and tea.

In Fosnavåg, the R/ART Gallery regularly presents changing special exhibitions. Horisont’s permanent exhibition consists of Ervik & Sævik’s private art collection. For a different kind of visit, Sunnmørsbadet there offers a large competition pool, a children’s pool, hot tubs, slides and a café.

When looking for a hotel, it can help to consider the experiences you have planned: Runde is all about birdlife, safaris and the Runde treasure; the Herøy Coastal Museum combines trading history with boats and the coastal pilgrimage route, while art and swimming options offer further things to explore in Fosnavåg.

Discover more destinations: Fosnavåg, Moldtustranda, Runde, Tjørvåg, Leinøy, Nerlandsøy, Bølandet and Sande.

Go to the main travel overview: More Og Romsdal.