Island Runde-South Sweden June 20, 2026

Today is Midsummer in Norway, and we are enjoying it with a trip to the Hjørundfjord. We travel to Ørsta, then over a mountain pass to Standal ferjekai at Hjørundfjord. From there, we drive along the Hjørundfjord to Barstagvika, Vartdal, Liadal, Ørsta, and back to Runde. A recommended route, featuring steep mountains, fjords, and plenty of agriculture.

The Hjørundfjord is a fjord in the traditional district of Sunnmøre in the Norwegian province of Møre og Romsdal. It is primarily located in the municipality of Ørsta, with part of the fjord mouth belonging to the municipality of Sykkylven and the innermost part of the fjord belonging to the municipality of Volda. The 20-kilometer-long fjord is a sidearm of the larger Storfjord. The villages along its shores include Molaupen, Hundeidvik, Trandal, Sæbø, and Store-Standal.

The Hjørundfjord is surrounded by the Summør mountains, with peaks such as Skårasalen and Skopphorn rising up to 1700 meters (5600 feet) above the fjord. Both shores of the fjord are densely wooded, which is due to the abundant rainfall in one of the rainiest fjords in the world.

In the evening, we will once again observe the puffins for the last time, combining it with a short hike to the Runde lighthouse (only up to the cliff).

The Runde Fyr is a historic lighthouse on the western Norwegian bird island of Runde. It was put into operation in 1767 and is the fourth oldest lighthouse in the country. The current concrete structure dates back to 1935. The lighthouse is situated on the northwest tip of the island and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

 Built in 1935 as a successor to the older light from 1767.

 Since 2002, the lighthouse has operated fully automatically, leading to the withdrawal of the last keepers.

 The former keeper's house now serves as a self-service accommodation for up to 24 people.