Perched on the west coast of Hareidlandet, Ulsteinvik is a lively town and administrative hub near Ålesund. It centres around a natural harbour and is renowned for its shipbuilding industry and for being the birthplace of the Norwegian comic artist, Øystein Runde. Ulsteinvik was once hailed as the most attractive town in Norway, and it offers easy access to several hiking trails with exceptional coastal views.
Things to do in Ulsteinvik
Coincide your visit with a live music performance at Sjøborg Kulturhus og Kino, which is located on the waterfront of Ulsteinvik. In addition to hosting theatrical plays and stand-up comedy events throughout the year, it also presents a weekly program of international and Norwegian feature films.
A short drive south of Ulsteinvik rises the peak of Hasundhornet, which offers spectacular views of the town and the island-dotted coastline. You can also hike the trailhead leading to the Ramnefjellet - Hovdenakken ridge for sweeping vistas across the island of Hareidlandet.
Directly west of Ulsteinvik is the island of Borgarøya, which lies along an old shipping route between Bergen and Trondheim. Its main settlement is clustered with historic buildings, including an 18th-century trading house that’s been beautifully restored. Learn about the fish and agricultural products that were once exchanged here before relaxing over lunch at the on-site cafe.
Getting around Ulsteinvik
Ulsteinvik is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Ålesund and Ålesund Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. It’s connected to the mainland by the Eiksund Tunnel and buses make the long journey south-east from Ulsteinvik to Oslo. Buses also travel throughout Ulsteinvik, although the centre of town is compact enough to explore on foot.