Discover Stordal

In Stordal, historic buildings, waterside trails and winter cross-country ski tracks come together. The Stordal Valley stretches from the Storfjord to Vad, where it divides into two valleys. This gives you a range of themes to consider when planning your trip, from local building and crafts history to excursions into the surrounding landscape.

Church, village museum and furniture-making tradition

Rosekyrkja, Stordal’s old church, dates from 1789. Its white, octagonal structure and especially lavish interior furnishings define the character of this historic building. Its simple form and rich decoration create contrasting impressions.

Stordal’s village museum includes Løsetstova, a dwelling house from the late 18th century. Another museum building is a storehouse that was moved from Utigard in Busengdal. Its structural components date from the 17th century. The two buildings therefore represent different building types and dates: Løsetstova is a dwelling house, while the older storehouse preserves parts from an earlier century.

Furniture-making is also part of the area’s cultural identity: Stordal is known as Sunnmøre’s furniture-making village, with a long tradition of production. This craft adds another aspect of local history to the historic buildings.

Trails and activities by the water

Elvaforbygninga is an easy trail with a gentle incline that follows the Storelva. It can be used year-round, but is not cleared in winter. If you use a wheelchair, you can start the route at the Kvammen Bridge; ground conditions may vary. If you plan to walk the trail in winter, take into account that it is not cleared and check the current conditions.

Moloen offers a different setting: this easy, accessible trail is in the town centre and runs over asphalt and gravel. There is also a purpose-built seaside bathing area at Moloen, towards the Stordalselva. Moloen also has a facility for fishing. The trail, bathing area and fishing opportunity each offer their own reason to explore this part of the town centre.

The Litlevatnet hike leads to a lake with a shelter and fire pit. Along the way, you pass the mysterious Trollkyrkjegarden. The route thus combines a named feature along the way with a destination by the lake. Conditions and availability of the facilities may change; check before your outing.

Valley views, river and winter cross-country ski tracks

Varden is the peak above Stordal, offering views across the valley and through the Storfjord. Here, the focus is on the view from above. The Stordalselva, by contrast, is known as a salmon river. It offers good public access for salmon fishing. Before fishing, check the local rules and conditions.

In upper Stordal, there are kilometres of well-groomed cross-country ski tracks in winter. When planning, it is useful to distinguish these tracks from Elvaforbygninga: the tracks are groomed for cross-country skiing, while the easy trail along the Storelva is not cleared in winter. This makes it easier to take account of the different information about winter activities and trail conditions.

For the broader travel overview: Stordal.