Vågsøy: Coastal Culture and Lighthouses

Vågsøy offers a wide variety of coastal experiences: Måløy combines a numbered walking tour with street art and a museum about wartime history; elsewhere, lighthouses, trails and distinctive coastal formations shape the landscape. The Stadthavet, which surrounds Måløy, is also considered one of the most weather-exposed stretches of the Norwegian coast. When planning your trip, you can focus separately on culture in Måløy, the history of the lighthouses and walks along the shore.

Culture and History on Vågsøy

Vågsberget has roots dating back to the 17th century and is now one of the best-preserved trading posts from the 19th century in Western Norway. The residence and general store are open to the public as part of a guided tour. Check seasonal opening information when planning your visit. The two buildings bring the historic site to life: the focus is on living and trade, not just on classifying it as an old trading post.

In Måløy, the Måløyraidsenteret museum is dedicated to the raid of 27 December 1941. It displays original photographs and several metres of original film about the event. The precise date and the original materials on display give the museum visit a clear historical context. Måløy has more than 20 murals representing the coastal culture of Vågsøy; the number may change.

A walking tour is another way to explore Måløy. Described as easily accessible, the route starts at the coastal route pier and passes through the numbered streets from Gate 1 to Gate 8. Short detours along gravel paths lead to viewpoints. This lets you combine a walk through the streets with stops at individual viewpoints, without requiring a longer hike.

Lighthouses, Coast and Nature

The lighthouses tell stories of different eras of coastal navigation. Kråkenes fyr was established by the Norwegian Coastal Administration in 1906 as a leading and entrance lighthouse at Stadthavet. Skongenes fyr was first lit in 1870 and has since been an important navigation point for vessels travelling along the coast. Hendanes fyr came later: it was built in 1914 and automated as early as 1963. Kråkenes fyr and Skongenes fyr were primarily used to guide vessels; Hendanes fyr was automated in 1963.

An approximately 1 km-long footpath along a narrow road on the mountainside leads to Hendanes fyr; surface conditions may vary. Flowers that grow only along the coast can be seen on the hike to Skongenes fyr. Around Kråkenes fyr, unspoiled nature invites you to take exploratory walks along the shore and around Kråkeneset. These suggestions offer different reasons to spend time outdoors, without assuming that the routes are the same at every location.

Another striking natural landmark is Kannesteinen, a rock about 3 m high on the shore in the village of Oppedal. Waves, ice and rock have shaped it over thousands of years; the movement of the water has polished its surface.

Plan Your Experiences and Journey

A coastal culture kayaking experience in Måløy brings you close to the wild coastline. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about life by the sea, old traditions and the interplay between people and nature. Conditions and availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to check both in advance.

Accommodation for overnight stays is available for rent at Kråkenes fyr. If you’d like to include this option in your travel plans, check availability before your trip. For travel by boat, Kystvegsekspressen connects Florø and Måløy with several boat services each day. Together with the express boat between Bergen and Selje, this means there are several connections between Florø and Måløy. Check current departure times with the operator if you plan to travel this way.

Discover more destinations: Måloy, Bryggja, Deknepollen, Vågsvåg, Raudeberg, Sogndal, Aurland, Hyllestad.

For the overview of the wider region: Sogn Og Fjordane.