Herøy is Sunnmøre’s island constellation — a municipality where bridges leap between skerries, puffins nest on cliffside kingdoms, and the local museum doubles as a time machine to the 1800s. With around 8,800 residents and a landscape scattered across eight main islands, Herøy is the kind of place where you can kayak past lighthouses, hike to bird cliffs, and still catch a jazz concert in a coastal opera house. It’s got seabirds, shipyards, and a name that once meant “army island.”
Top Attractions
- Runde Fuglefjell – Norway’s southernmost bird cliff with puffins and panoramic views
- Runde Lighthouse – historic beacon perched on cliffs since 1767
- Herøy Kystmuseum – coastal museum at Herøy Gard with 19th-century trading post
- Fosnavåg Konserthus – modern concert hall hosting opera, jazz & local performances
- Golleneset Fyr – scenic lighthouse and lookout point on Nerlandsøy
Unique Experiences
- Runde Miljøsenter – environmental center with exhibitions on climate, seabirds & shipwrecks
- Fiskarkona Statue – bronze sculpture honoring coastal women, overlooking Vågsplassen
- Strandgravfeltet på Løsetstranda – ancient burial site with Bronze Age ruins
- Heid Tursti – forest trail with sea views and local flora
- Sunnmørsbadet – indoor waterpark with pools, slides & wellness zone
Where to Stay
Browse hotels, cabins & guesthouses in Herøy
Where to Eat
Explore top-rated restaurants in Herøy
Getting There
Herøy sits on the coast of Møre og Romsdal, with Fosnavåg as its administrative center. The E39 highway connects nearby towns, and bridges link six of the eight main islands. Ferries run to Hareid, Ålesund, and surrounding archipelagos. The area is best explored by car, bike, or boat — especially if you’re chasing puffins, poetry, or the scent of salt on the wind.