Stårheim: Mountain Trails, Water and Local History

In Stårheim, mountain trails meet water-based activities and a layered local history. You can choose from short walks, hikes to peaks and summer pastures, time by the water and traces of the past. So when planning a holiday apartment in Stårheim, it’s worth first asking which of these sides of the place you want to shape your vacation.

Mountain trails, from short walks to the summit

Many hiking trails lead to summer pasture cabins and mountain peaks; most are well marked. A trail to Naustdalskamben starts at Stårheim Stadium and is marked blue all the way to the summit. The mountain lies roughly between Stårheim and Haugen. From there, the view stretches to the centre of Nordfjordeid and across the Nordfjord. Blåfjellet is considered the longest hike in Stårheim and offers a 360-degree panoramic view, including towards Sunnmøre.

For a shorter walk, consider Sethaugen: the trail is short and offers a view over the village and the fjord. This makes it easy to distinguish between the options when planning your time: Sethaugen is a short walk, while Blåfjellet is the longest hike in the area. Markings and trail conditions may change, so keep them in mind when planning.

Family-friendly options also have different things to offer. The access route for the hike to Bauvatnet branches off from National Road 15, 100 metres east of Stårheim Church, towards Remmedalen. The trail has only a gentle incline; at the water, you can swim and catch small crustaceans. Fannstøylen is a family-friendly summer pasture area and also a starting point for several hikes.

Water by the river and lakes

You can walk through the valley along the Stårheimselva. Fishing in the river is free, and there are also several swimming spots. Water and access conditions may vary. At Løysingevatnet, you can swim and fish. These bodies of water offer different activities: the river is suitable for walking, fishing and swimming, while the lake also offers swimming and fishing.

Church, monument and local history

Today’s Stårheim Church is considered the third church on this site and stands on the same foundations as its predecessor, on the road by the fjord. A high church or private chapel was probably built at the old chieftain’s seat of Stofreimr in the early 12th century. The word “probably” reflects the historical interpretation: the early building history is not presented as certain.

The Orheim Stone, a monument to Matias and Marie Orheim, stands in the churchyard south of Stårheim Church. It was created by sculptor Anne Grimdalen (1899–1961). Suffefjæra lies east of the church and offers another specific local landmark to help you find your way.

The history of Røedsetra and Røedsdammen also tells different stories about the area. A short path leads to Røedsetra, a large summer pasture cabin associated with secret local celebrations of Norway’s Constitution Day on 17 May during the war. Røedsdammen is linked to the history of the area’s first power station: the farms below it received enough electricity for one light in each barn.

Choose your vacation rhythm as a starting point

When looking for a holiday apartment in Stårheim, your preferred daily activities can help you decide. For families, Bauvatnet and Fannstøylen are two family-friendly options with different features: at Bauvatnet, the gently sloping trail and activities by the water are the main attractions; Fannstøylen combines the character of a summer pasture area with several hikes. If you’re planning to use the Stårheim–Isane ferry for your journey, check the timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Torheim, Eid, Hennebygda, Holmøyane, Haus, Nordfjordeid, Heggjabygda, Kjølsdalen.

Back to the main travel overview: Eid.