Sætre on Vartdalsfjord

Sætre (Søre Vartdal) is one of the larger settlements on Vartdalsfjorden and is located at the mouth of a short valley. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the village itself and destinations in the surrounding area: hiking and cultural attractions also lead to Vartdal, while other cultural destinations are part of the wider destination of Ørsta.

Hiking in the surrounding area

The Vardehornet via Risanakken hiking route starts in Sætrefeltet near Vartdal and goes via Risanakken. The forest path is well marked and quite steep. The path to the Isflålabyrinten is fairly easy to follow until you reach the destination; small cairns and upright stones mark the labyrinth. The two route descriptions provide different guidance: the Vardehornet route focuses on the course and steepness of the forest path, while the Isflålabyrinten route focuses on the markers at the destination. Trail conditions and transport details may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Culture in the surrounding area

In Vartdal, near Sætre, the VD Museum presents the history of fishing and the catch along Vartdalsstranda. The local history museum uses texts, photographs, objects, models and interactive displays. The focus here is on the history of fishing and the catch, rather than on a hiking route. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. Also nearby, Den Julianske borg is protected under Sections 3 and 4 of Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act.

Culture and activities in Ørsta

In the wider destination of Ørsta, Brudavolltunet is an authentic farm whose buildings and landscape are of significant cultural-historical value. The oldest part of the buildings dates from the 17th century. Aasentunet is one of the few language museums in the Nordic region and offers exhibitions, guided tours, research, cultural events and festivals. Hjørundfjord Church in Ørsta is also a cultural destination: it is a timber-built long church dating from 1880. Its altarpiece is the central element of an altarpiece shrine from the early 16th century; the church also has several stained-glass windows by Jørgen Skaare.

Ørsta’s range of activities includes hiking and climbing in the mountains, as well as fishing in fjords or lakes. In winter, there are opportunities for skiing at ski lifts, ski touring and other winter activities. Snow conditions and seasonal operations vary. The region’s offerings therefore range from trails and fishing history to language culture, church art and mountain activities. 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. Check the timetable before travelling.

Choose the right location

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

Back to the main travel overview: Ørsta.