Ulstein: Coast, Archipelago and Mountain Plateaus

Ulstein combines a coastal flatland with long, shallow beaches and steep mountain slopes. These rise to mountain plateaus 300 to 500 metres high. The landscape therefore ranges from flat coastal areas to distinctly higher terrain. If you want to choose between beaches, sea and mountain scenery for your holiday, Ulstein offers a variety of options to consider when planning your trip.

Coastal Landscapes, Birds and Geology

Nature also reveals its many facets. Ulstein’s bird list includes 226 species, including 123 confirmed breeding bird species. The birdlife is therefore a distinctive part of the region’s natural character. Eclogite occurs extensively at the surface in Ulstein, including on Borgarøya and Dimna. Those interested in geology can encounter this rock at several named locations; islands, coastal areas and higher plateaus also form part of the landscape.

Flø lies along a stretch of coast exposed to the open sea. There are white sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets. Roppesanden offers a place to swim on a white beach beside turquoise water. These two descriptions of the beaches give you different reasons to include the coast in your holiday plans: Flø is known for its open-coast character, while Roppesanden specifically offers a place to swim.

On the Water and on Land

When kayaking, you can choose between green fjords with the Sunnmøre Alps as a backdrop, the archipelago off the centre of Ulsteinvik, and the open sea near Flø. These settings are quite different: fjord scenery, islands and open coast each provide a distinct setting for the activity. Kayak tours and courses can be booked through Seakayak. Ulstein also offers opportunities for sea and freshwater fishing.

Borgarøya is another way to explore the island landscape. The historic trading post lies in the archipelago near Ulsteinvik and is accessible only by boat. There is a municipal landing stage on the island. In some years, a café operates in the old trading house during the summer. The boat journey and the island setting are key features of a visit.

Culture, Art and Local Experiences

Ulstein Church is an octagonal wooden church built in 1849, with 400 seats. Its octagonal shape and wooden construction give it a distinctive architectural character. The Studio Hugo Opdal art gallery in Flø has exhibited works by artists from Norway and abroad. Go With the Flø brings together art, music and fashion in a festival format. Ulstein therefore offers a range of cultural interests, including church architecture, visual art and an event that brings together several artistic and cultural disciplines.

At the Andreasgarden Gjestetun farm in Flø, visitors can experience local food and culture. This adds a glimpse of local cuisine to the region’s landscape and cultural offerings. If your trip includes a range of interests, you can consider this alongside beaches, kayaking, fishing or art as a focus of its own, without structuring your entire holiday around a single activity.

Choosing Ulstein as a Holiday Destination

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ulstein, you can start by considering which experiences you want to focus on: swimming at the beach, the open coast near Flø, kayaking in different landscapes or cultural discoveries. For families looking to combine different interests, the range of nature, water and culture offers a variety of themes to enjoy together during your holiday. Ulsteinbadet is designed to be accessible and includes, among other facilities, a dedicated therapy pool with a wheelchair ramp. This particular facility may be an important factor in choosing a destination for visitors who value accessibility.

For further guidance, see the local pages for Haddal and Ulsteinvik. Other places to explore include Skodje, Averøy, Herøy, Sandøy, Volde and Smøla.

For an overview of the wider region, see: More Og Romsdal.