Discover Gurskøy: Trails, Peaks and Island History

The island of Gurskøya is characterised by rocky terrain and densely populated coastal areas. It has marked hiking trails, summit destinations, viewpoints and historic routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Gurskøy, you can start planning your trip by considering the activities that interest you: cycling, summit views or historic trails.

Peaks and Views of Sea and Land

At 598 metres, Rjåhornet is one of the highest peaks on Gurskøya. From there, the view stretches east to the Sunnmøre Alps and west to the ocean. Gjønå reaches 532 metres; from its summit, you can see inland as well as islands, islets and skerries. At 184 metres above sea level, Skåla is the northernmost peak on the island. The marked hiking trail from Stokksund School to the summit is 1.6 kilometres long.

Other places offer different kinds of views: the hike to Fjellsenden provides views across the sea and over the mountains of Gurskøya. Arskotet lies above Haugsbygda and offers a view across Gurskefjord towards Gursken; there is a bench there. In fine weather, locals and passers-by visit Gjøneset to look out at the sea and the horizon.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

The trail from Djupvikvatnet to Djupvikhaugen is relatively easy and can be hiked in all seasons. Along the way, there are reflective markers, an old shelter and a barbecue area. When there is enough snow, the route can also be travelled on snowshoes. The snowshoe option is therefore explicitly dependent on there being sufficient snow.

Eventyrstien in Gursken is a short trail with little elevation gain, designed for children and older people. It features fairytale elements and a rest area with several tables. The Gamlevegen route from Gursken to Drageskaret has different amenities: along the trail there are swings, a zip line, climbing ropes and rest tables; there is also a viewpoint overlooking the fjord. Individual amenities may change. If a particular feature is important to you, check before your visit. The trail to Vasshornet starts in Almestad in Gursken and is signposted and marked.

The route details answer different planning questions: a specific distance is provided for the trail to Skåla, while the Djupvikvatnet route offers a different option, with its year-round use and conditional snowshoe option.

Cycling and the History of the Roads

Gurskøya Rundt is an annual cycling event for the whole family, with no competitive category. The route around the island is just under 47 kilometres long. Check the date of the current edition before your trip.

Several routes also trace the island’s transport history. The road by Djupvikvatnet is part of an old transport route between Leikanger and Dragsund, built in 1869. Gamlevegen was part of the first road in the former Herøyer parish. It ran from Leikong to Larsnes and was completed around 1840.

The hike to Haugshornet follows a section of the old packhorse trail between Haugsbygda and Gjerdsvika. At Dalen, hikers pass the remains of walls from former spring cowsheds and peat houses. Here, the historic route and the surviving wall remains are both part of the experience.

Harbour in Haugsbygda

For getting your bearings locally: Haugsbygda harbour has a 70-metre guest quay and a place to park motorhomes. This information adds a specific coastal stop to the options for hikes, viewpoints and historic routes.

Discover more destinations: Kvamsøy, Bringsinghaug, Sørbrandal, Gjerdsvika, Gursken, Larsnes, Våge, Sandshamn.

For the wider travel overview: Sande.