Volda: Lakes, Trails and Culture

In the centre of Volda, Stadionparken offers a range of ways to get active: the grounds include a climbing park, a skate park, a ball court, a dirt park, an outdoor fitness park, a kangaroo area and a children’s road circuit. Paved paths are laid out for tricycles, bicycles and pedal cars. Traffic signs and road markings give children the opportunity to learn the rules of the road.

Lakes, nature and activities

Hornindalsvatnet is considered the deepest lake in Europe. At its deepest point it measures 514 metres, and its area is 50.5 square kilometres. There are several swimming spots by the lake; in the centre of Hornindal, these include a swimming platform and a diving tower.

Paddeland at Lisjevatnet features a giant toad that visitors can climb on. Toad tunnels and guide fences along the road are intended to help toads move safely between bodies of water and other parts of the area. You can reach Paddeland via Kvivsvegen (E39) and the turn-off onto Fv41; follow the signs for “padder”. As roads and signposting may change, check the signs before setting off.

Kometland, Norway’s largest amateur observatory, is located above Klepp in Volda, in the forest. A lit footpath leads there. Anyone interested in the night sky will find another special place to visit in the municipality.

Planning hikes and excursions

The Municipality of Volda’s Stikk UT! programme offers 27 varied hikes throughout the municipality from 1 May to 31 October, including three new hiking destinations. The app shows the destinations with maps, photos, trail descriptions, parking information and difficulty levels ranging from easy to challenging. Programme details may change; check the latest information in the app before planning your trip.

There are two BUA lending centres in the municipality: one in the samfunnshuset in central Volda and one in Grobygget in Hornindal. You can borrow hiking and sports equipment there free of charge. As municipal visitor information may change, it is worth checking the latest details before planning to borrow equipment.

The Elvadalen til Årneset trail leads from the centre of Volda to Årneset on Rotevatnet. From the centre, it follows a good gravel path along the river. For more touring options, Volda has several ski centres and beautiful areas with opportunities for tours. Specific seasonal information may change; check it before making plans.

Museums, history and tradition

In Ekset in the Municipality of Volda, Sivert Aarflot-museet tells the story of the pioneering popular educator Sivert Aarflot (1759–1817). He was a teacher, writer, researcher and printer, and founded the first printing press in rural Norway. He lived in Ekset and ran a printing press there.

Anders Svor-museet is located on Hornindalsvatnet and is surrounded by a sculpture park. The building dates from 1953 and is dedicated to sculptor Anders Svor. The lake therefore offers two different reasons to visit: a swimming area in the centre of Hornindal and a museum with a sculpture park.

Several events are held at Volda Bygdetun throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to explore the buildings and take part in various activities. If you are planning to attend an event, check the current dates. Boats have been built in Bjørkedalen for more than 1,000 years—a long-standing local tradition that offers a unique insight into the region’s craft.

Dalsfjord Fyrmuseum tells the story of the people who built lighthouses, beacons, navigation markers, mooring facilities and harbours along the Norwegian coast. The exhibition features Brune-Buda, Korsfurtunet and a beacon. The museum can be reached by car or boat and can also be visited as a stop on a cycling tour around Dalsfjord.

The old dynamite store at Andaneset has also been given a new purpose: it has been renovated and converted into a sauna. Check the sauna’s availability before planning a booking.

When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Stadionparken and the start of the Elvadalen til Årneset trail are in the centre of Volda; for the swimming spots on Hornindalsvatnet, the centre of Hornindal is a useful reference point. Other destinations are associated with places such as Ekset, Bjørkedalen, Andaneset and Klepp.

Discover more destinations

Volda, Lauvstad, Austefjorden, Folkestad, Haram, Sula, Norddal, Sande

Go to the main travel overview: More Og Romsdal.