Discover Ørsta: Culture, peaks and fjord

An authentic farm, a language museum and a timber-built church give Ørsta a cultural and historical dimension; activities also range from mountain hikes to fishing in fjords and lakes. As you plan your trip, consider whether you want to focus on cultural sites, peaks, seasonal winter activities or a visit to Trandal.

Farms, language and art history

Brudavolltunet is an authentic farm whose buildings and setting are of considerable cultural and historical value. The oldest part of the buildings dates from the 17th century. The site offers a tangible point of interest for anyone interested in historic architecture and the interplay between farm and landscape.

Aasentunet is located in Hovdebygda in the municipality of Ørsta and is one of the few language museums in the Nordic region. It offers exhibitions, guided tours, research, cultural events and festivals. These different formats give the site a different cultural focus from the farm: language and an events programme are at its heart.

Hjørundfjord Church also brings together different periods. This timber-built long church was constructed in 1880, while its altarpiece forms the central element of an altarpiece shrine from the early 16th century. Several of the church’s stained-glass windows are by Jørgen Skaare. One church building thus brings together a 19th-century construction date and a work of art dating from considerably earlier.

Mountain destinations and activities throughout the year

In Ørsta, you can hike and climb in the mountains or fish in fjords and lakes. Two peaks offer different points of reference: Saudehornet is the highest peak in the mountain range north of Ørsta and offers views in every direction. Kyrkjetinden is a peak close to Ørsta; views can be enjoyed both on the way up and from the summit.

Another route leads from Ørsta to Volda via Melshornet. It starts at Rystefeltet in Ørsta and runs via Pølsa and Melshornet to Volda. Buses also run between Ørsta and Volda; check the current timetable before travelling. The route description and the bus connection are two separate points to consider when planning.

In winter, activities include skiing at ski lifts, ski touring and other winter pursuits. Snow conditions and seasonal operations can vary. If you are weighing up a trip focused on mountain activities against a winter stay, take these seasonal differences into account rather than assuming the same options are available at both times of year.

Trandal: Getting there by boat and enjoying the fjord

There is no road connection to Christian Gaard Bygdetun in Trandal. You can get there by ferry from Ytre Standal or Sæbø, by shuttle boat, or in summer by the public boat between Ålesund, Trandal, Sæbø, Urke and Øye. Since your journey depends on boat and ferry connections, check the relevant departures before your visit.

At Christian Gaard Bygdetun, a swing lets you swing out over the fjord. Food and drinks made with local products are also available there; this offering may change. In terms of access, a visit to Trandal is very different from the mountain routes and cultural sites described above.

A guide to finding a hotel

The official tourism section of the municipality of Ørsta provides information about hiking and outdoor activities, the tourist information office, transport planning and Ørsta Ski Centre. Cultural history, mountain destinations, winter activities and a visit to Trandal involve different day plans; compare the location of your accommodation with the places and routes you actually plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Storestandal, Ørsta, Sæbø, Bjørke, Vartdal, Sætre, Barstadvik, Norangsfjorden, Øye.

For the main travel guide: Møre og Romsdal.