Barstadvik: A valley between mountains and coastal paths

Barstadvik lies in a valley with good farmland on the valley floor and high mountains on both sides. There are also various paths to choose from: a route along the Storelva, the Fjøremoro coastal walk, and the path to Lyngesætra. This means you can choose between riverside scenery, the coast, and a destination with visible traces of earlier use during your stay.

Between the valley floor and high mountains

The contrast between the cultivated valley floor and the mountains shapes the character of Barstadvik. Nearby Molladalen also has an alpine landscape: it is a side valley of Barstaddalen, surrounded by sharp, jagged peaks that are often frequented by mountaineers. When choosing a holiday apartment, if your main consideration is the surroundings, you can ask yourself whether the valley, the coast, or landscapes like these should feature more prominently in your holiday. The places described represent different interests, not a set itinerary.

Along the river or towards the coast

The Storelva route follows the river for its entire length and has very little elevation gain. It is considered easily accessible for all age groups and can be used at any time of year. The bridge on the E39 is a possible starting point. You can park for the route in the gravel lot by Barstadvik school; there is no parking fee. This makes the riverside route a practical option if you are looking for a path with little elevation gain.

Fjøremoro offers a different kind of walk. This short coastal walk follows a gravel path to a more uneven shoreline. The parking area for this walk is by Coop Barstadvik. There is also a beach at Fjøra. If you are planning a stay with coastal walks, you can enjoy both a short walk with changing surfaces and the beach as a separate option.

Elvaråsa and Lyngesætra

Elvaråsa is suitable for walking and cycling, has no elevation gain, and is considered undemanding. Half the route runs on asphalt through the residential area and the other half along a good hiking trail. It can be used at any time of year; there are no tolls. Elvaråsa is considered an ideal hiking trail for families, children, and adults. The change from paved surfaces in the residential area to a hiking trail helps you assess the type of route before planning it into your holiday.

The path to Lyngesætra is clearly marked throughout with red signs. You can park for this walk at Barstadvik school or at Olavs plass; both car parks are clearly visible in the centre of Barstadvik. The walls of an old summer cowshed still stand at Lyngesætra. There is a lovely view from there, as well as a place to sit. This makes the route a walk with a specific destination, where the landscape and the surviving cowshed walls reveal different aspects of the place.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

Barstadvik is on the E39 at Vartdalsstranda. To continue on to Ålesund, you can take the ferry from Festøy to Solevågen. The activities described offer different options when choosing a holiday home or holiday apartment in Barstadvik: a walk along the river, cycling or hiking on Elvaråsa, the coastal walk, and Lyngesætra. Consider which of these experiences matters most to your trip and choose your accommodation accordingly.

More places to discover: Storestandal, Øye, Sætre, Vartdal, Sæbø, Ørsta, Norangsfjorden, Bjørke.

Go to the main travel overview: Ørsta.