Bolsøya: Island Nature and Historical Traces

Bolsøya is an island in the Romsdalsfjord. Its character is shaped by a landscape of agriculture and coastal forest, historical sites and the “Bolsøya rundt” route via Fårøya to Fårøytangen. These features offer different points of reference when planning a stay.

Island and Landscape

Bolsøya is mostly covered by coastal pine forest, with some deciduous forest adding to the tree cover. Active agriculture also shapes the cultural landscape. Distinctive ridges run from east to west and are the result of the landscape’s formation during the Ice Age. The highest point on Bolsøya is on Fårøya, at 66.9 metres above sea level.

Historical Traces and Cultural Heritage

Settlement sites found on Bolsøya date back to the Stone Age. Other historical traces include significant flint finds, stone rings, burial mounds, settlement sites and farmsteads used for various purposes. They span a period of at least 1,800 years. Stone settings and an old boat landing are also found on the island.

Trollpila is an almost five-metre-high standing stone in the yard of Nerigarden, immediately beside the churchyard. As an Iron Age standing-stone site, Trollpila is classified as nationally significant and automatically protected. Part of the churchyard is protected as a medieval cemetery. The old church of Bolsøy was demolished in 1907, after Røvik kirke was built east of the island on the mainland.

Quarrying building stone is also part of the island’s history: natural stone was quarried on Bolsøya and transported to various construction projects throughout the district. Traces of this activity are still visible in the landscape.

Route, Swimming Spots and Quarry

The “Bolsøya rundt” route goes via Fårøya to Fårøytangen and then back to the starting point. During the bathing season, there are good opportunities to swim at the start or finish, as well as along the way. Sandvika on Bolsøya is also a swimming spot. The municipal plan for 2012–2022 highlights Fårøytangen as an important area for outdoor recreation.

Another named tour, “Romsdalsfjorden rundt,” starts on Bolsøya and ends in Molde. The estimated walking time from the road down to Draget quarry is five minutes. The quarry is by the sea and offers a view across the fjord.

Getting to Bolsøya

Bus or car is recommended for getting to Bolsøya. Via County Road 64, the island is connected to the mainland towards Molde through the 2,743-metre-long Fannefjordstunnelen. Bolsøybrua, which is 555 metres long, also connects Bolsøya to Røvik on the Skålahalvøya peninsula.

Bicycles are not permitted in the underground Fannefjordstunnelen. Any car left there will need to be collected later. Check the current road rules before travelling so you can take these restrictions into account when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Hjelset, Sekken, Kortgarden, Nesjestranda, Molde, Skåla.

Go to the main travel overview: Molde.