Ona – Norway’s southernmost fishing village

Ona is Norway’s southernmost fishing village, situated at the very edge of the open sea on the Romsdal coast. The character of the fishing village, the coastal landscape and the distinctive landmarks on Ona and Husøya provide a clear framework for choosing a destination. If you are looking for a hotel, you can consider whether this blend of open sea, historic landmarks and island nature is right for your trip.

Getting there and finding your way

FRAM ferry route 1051 connects Småge, Orta, Finnøya, Sandøya and Ona. The timetable is valid from 17 August 2026 until further notice. Check the latest departures before your trip to make sure your plans match the current timetable. Ona and Husøya are connected by a small bridge, so the two islands form a shared geographical setting for describing the area.

Lighthouses and history

The light at Ona lighthouse station was first lit in 1867. Ona Fyr stands on Onakalven, the island’s highest point. This landmark therefore brings together two distinct points of reference: a clearly dated history and a prominent location on the island. This does not describe the view or access to the lighthouse; here, its historical and geographical significance is what characterizes Ona.

On Husøya, Salsfyret stands on Salen. Husøygarden also has a long history, though it should be described with some qualification: it is believed to have been at this location since the Middle Ages. Together, these places give the trip a cultural and historical dimension without requiring the area to be seen as having a single, uniform character.

Landscape and nature on Ona and Husøya

Husøya has an open and fertile landscape. Storsanden is a sandy beach on the island, adding a specific named place to this landscape. Alongside the lighthouses and settlement history, the natural surroundings and their varied features are also central to the area.

A total of 243 bird species have been recorded on Ona and Husøya. A route description updated in 2020 gives this figure; it may change as a result of future observations. The distinction is useful for understanding the area: the open and fertile landscape describes Husøya, while the species count reflects observations made at a particular point in time. If landscape and birdwatching are especially important when choosing a destination, this gives you both a lasting landscape feature and a specific figure with its time frame clearly indicated.

Ålesund as the wider destination

The wider destination of Ålesund offers a distinct urban cultural dimension. Ålesund stretches across several islands towards the Atlantic and combines city life with the surrounding fjords and mountains. The city is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Jugendstilsenteret is both a museum and a national Art Nouveau centre; it explores the subject through authentic interiors, objects and temporary exhibitions.

KUBE is located in the former branch building of Norges Bank, built in 1906, in the centre of Ålesund. The Fisheries Museum presents the historical development of fishing and onshore processing. Atlanterhavsparken also offers interactive and educational experiences about the sea. These themes provide a different focus from Ona’s fishing-village character, the open coastal landscapes of Ona and Husøya, and their lighthouses. When searching for a hotel, you can first consider whether you are mainly looking for Ona’s island and coastal character or Ålesund’s urban cultural and museum attractions.

Discover more destinations: Harøy.

Back to the wider travel overview: Sandøy.