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Sande is idyllically situated on the coast of Sunnmøre, with views straight out to the open sea. The municipality is spread across several islands, with Larsnes as its administrative centre. In Sande you'll find Dollsteinhola cave on the island of Sandsøya – probably the largest and most distinctive mountain cave in Norway. The area also offers mountain hikes such as Nupatinden peak (242 metres above sea level) and Veten viewpoint, both with views across islands and open sea.

Sandesambandet, the ferry route linking Larsnes, Åram, Voksa and Kvamsøya, connects the islands, while county road 61 across Gurskøya island links Sande to the Hareidlandet peninsula and onward to Ålesund via the Hareid–Sulesund ferry connection. This makes Sande a great base for experiencing the open sea up close, while the rest of Sunnmøre remains within easy reach.

Sande has a close-knit community across its islands, with an active outdoor life and a local community shaped by fishing and the sea. Its history stretches far back – Dollsteinhola is mentioned in written sources several hundred years old, and legends about the cave live on to this day. Here you'll encounter a side of Sunnmøre where nature and the sea still set the pace of everyday life.

Things to do in Sande

From the legendary Dollsteinhola cave to mountain hikes with sea views from Nupatinden peak and Veten viewpoint – here's a selection of experiences in and around Sande.

Dollsteinhola cave

Dollsteinhola cave

The caracteristic mountain Dollsteinen is situated at the most westerly point of Sandsøya, its steep sides facing the sea. On the south side, approximately 60 meters above sea level, is the entrance of the Dollstein cave, Dollsteinhola, probably the largest and strangest mountain cave in Norway. The cave is widely famous from far back in historic times. Legend has it that a man named Orm Torolvson from Ireland came to take vengeance for the killing of his foster brother, Asbjørn Prude, from Hordaland who was killed by the giant Bruse in the Dollstein cave. Earl of the Orkneys, Ragnvald Kale, visited here in the beginning of the 12th century. According to the legend he swam across the water at the bottom of the cave. Dollsteinhola is also mentioned in the Encyclopedia Britannia before 1800. Legend also has it that the cave runs under the ocean to Scotland. Excavations have proven that the cave  for some time in history has been inhabited by people. From the farm of Skare a marked path leads along the shore across somewhat rough terrain. Out here the open sea provides breath-taking experiences in rough as well as in calm weather. The trip down the inside of the cave is for most parts all right, but to cross the rock-covered slopes one has to climb as well as crawl. Visitors should not suffer from claustrofobia, nor should one need too much space in general. Good/solid shoes are needed as the terrain is rough and at times wet. Due to the crawling your clothing in general should be suitable for becoming wet and dirty.

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