The small island of Vigra is only around 20 square kilometres in size, but you'll still find plenty to keep you busy as you explore its hiking trails. Visit Vigra to discover the nearby charming city of Alesund or use it as a base for exploring Norway's fjords. You're bound to fall in love with this beautiful corner of Scandinavia.
Start by exploring Vigra itself. This is the largest island in the Giske community, and it's best known for its walking trails. You can wander around the coast, admiring the views across the fjords, or go inland. The trail to Molnesfjellet is particularly impressive, though it is very steep in places, so you may want to take it easy! Don't be surprised if you see locals running up and down the steep hills - it's a popular location for athletes in training.
Your adventure continues in Alesund, which is notable for its brightly coloured houses. It feels entirely different from any other city in Norway, and there's a reason for that. In the year 1904, a devastating fire completely destroyed Alesund, and the entire city had to be rebuilt. The locals took the opportunity to create something new and exciting. As such, the entire city is built in an Art Nouveau style. For the best views of this remarkable settlement, you'll need to climb up to the viewpoint at Fjellstua. Make sure you've got comfortable shoes on, as there are 418 steps to climb! The view is definitely worth it, though.
With car hire in Vigra, you can explore the other islands in the area. Godoy is worth a visit, particularly if you're looking to get off the beaten track. This quiet, peaceful island has an impressive lighthouse, which dates back to 1876. It's open to visitors, so you can climb up to the tower for great views across the coast. While there, you can also load up on delicious freshly made cakes that are sold at the lighthouse.
Car or van hire in Vigra will also let you discover the nearby mountains. If you're looking for a challenging hike, try Slogen. There are some great trails that run up this mountain, but be warned: you'll be walking alongside some extremely steep drops. If you're even slightly scared of heights, it's better to give this one a miss!
While in Vigra and the surrounding area, be sure to try the local delicacies. Inland Norway is best known for its game meat, with unusual dishes on the menu like reindeer or elk. However, you're in a fishing area, so it's time to dine on seafood! Try a hearty bowl of plukkfisk, which is fish and potatoes in a rich bechamel sauce. Creamy fish soups are also common and are a great way to keep warm in the harsh Norwegian winters.