Ona & the Northern islands

Island landscapes where the sea has the final word

North of Ålesund lies a unique coastal archipelago – a string of islands, both large and small, stretching out towards the Harøyfjord. This is the Sunnmøre coast at its most authentic, where the sea, history, and daily life have always been closely connected. Some of the islands are now linked to the mainland by Nordøyvegen, a network of bridges and tunnels, while others – like Ona and Sandøy – can only be reached by boat or ferry. Out here, people have lived with and from the sea for generations. Fishing, farming and shipbuilding are still cornerstones of the local communities.

Discover Nordøyvegen – a new road to old island communities

Thanks to Nordøyvegen, several islands north of Ålesund – including Harøya and Finnøya – are now accessible by car. These mark the end of the road and the beginning of something else entirely: vibrant island life. Here, you’ll find scenic hiking trails through varied nature, and places where you can rent kayaks and water sports gear – ideal for getting up close to the sea.

On Finnøya, right by the ferry quay, you’ll find a hotel with a restaurant and the swimming centre "Håp i havet" – quite literally a stone’s throw from the shoreline and a surprising splash of fun in this otherwise peaceful island world.

Ferry to Ona and Sandøy – an island escape on the Sunnmøre coast

For a true taste of coastal culture and calm island life, hop on the ferry from Finnøya to Ona and Sandøy – two of the most beautiful and distinctive islands north of Ålesund. It’s a journey through a stunning coastal landscape, all the way to the edge of the country.

Ona and Husøy form a traditional fishing village with deep roots. Wander between boathouses and narrow paths, with the wind in your hair and the sea as your constant backdrop. At the top of the island stands Ona lighthouse – an icon of the Norwegian coast.

Sandøy offers wide-open landscapes, sheltered coves, and an authentic island atmosphere – perfect for anyone looking to unwind and embrace the slower pace of life.

Activities and attractions

Amazing nature and activities to see and do in this region. The northern islands has everything for the whole family!

Håp i Havet - swimmingpool

Aqua park at Finnøya with fantastic view, children's pool, water slide, bubble bench and water stream. Sauna and steam bath.

Steffågarden on Ona

A croft on Husøya (Ona) from 1793. Visit Steffågarden and experience coastal cultural history from the outermost islands of Romsdal.

Leira by Sandøy

Sandøy has an idyllic island nature, with the open sea surrounding it. The island has some of Romsdal's coast's most beautiful sand beaches. There's a peaceful nature, 35 residents and a landscape with farms, cattle, horses and sheep.

Walk to Bjergane on Harøya

On the small hill Bjergane you get a lovely view towards the mountains on the mainland as well as the ocean.

The fishing village of Ona and Ona lighthouse

Ona is Norway's southernmost living fishing village. The island lies in the ocean gap at the Romsdal coast, and 16 people live here all year round.

Walk to Harøyburet

Harøyburet (156 m.a.s.l.) is the highest hilltop on the islands that earlier made up Sandøy municipality. From here you will get a wonderful view over the surrounding island community from south to north.

To runde pinner og Glade kopper Yarn shop

With our backs against the mainland, as far west as you can go off the west coast of Romsdal lays Ona, Norway´s southernmost genuine fishing station. Here you´ll find ´To runde pinner´; one of the smallest yarn shops in Norway. The yarn shop has also become a gathering place on the island, and you can come have a coffee and a nice chat. With only 17 residents on the island, the customers will mainly be tourists. In our shop we sell yarn from Du store alpakka, Rauma ullvarefabrikk and Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. You may also buy products from Halås Gardsutsalg, such as spices, yam, syrups and more. We also sell knit products made by us and if you want us to knit something for you we will be delighted to help. We have also designed a sweater, and the elements in the pattern got symbols from Ona - the lighthouse, seagulls, and fish nets. You can buy pattern and yarn packages from us or order a finished sweater. Once a year we arrange a knitting weekend here. We gather in our public hall, Stormly, where we also serve home made food to our guests. We also plan to arrange knitting weekends throughout the year. This will be offered to smaller groups. The focus will be recreation, lectures, knitting and having a nice time together.

Bike rental - Nybø Holiday House

Bike rental by Nybøen Feriesenter.

All activities related to Ona & the Northern islands

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Getting to and around Ålesund & Sunnmøre See the map

Sleep well

Finnøy Bryggehotell by Classic Norway Hotels

The maritime Finnøy Bryggehotell is situated right on the wharfside by the Atlantic Ocean, built in a historic trading station and fish landing facility.

Ona Havstuer by Classic Norway Hotels

Old trading place with 5 apartments with 11 rooms of a high standard located on beautiful Ona. Summer open restaurant.

Flatflesa Lighthouse by Classic Norway

Accomodation with guaranteed ocean view. Live in a lighthouse on a small cliff in the middle of the sea outside Harøy.

Nybøen Holiday House

Nybøen Feriesenter at Myklebust, Harøy, is now easily accessible via Nordøyvegen, which provides a mainland connection to several islands, including Harøy.

All accommodations related to Ona & the Northern islands

Upcoming events

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Runde and the coast of Sunnmøre

Outer, southern Sunnmøre is Ålesund’s unpolished and outgoing neighbour. An archipelago of small villages, communities and fantastic experiences.

Giske & Alnes

Experience life along the coast of Sunnmøre at close range, just as fascinating in summer and winter alike. Getting to Giske is easy, as is getting to other historic coastal destinations like Ålesund, Ona and Runde.

Ålesund town

From the lively cafés in Ålesund, it’s just 418 steps to the top of Aksla – and what a view! After the fire in 1904 fire, Ålesund was rebuilt in a playful Art Nouveau style, with towers, spires, and colourful facades. No wonder National Geographic has named it one of the world’s most beautiful port cities!

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