4.6
(657)
3,536
hikers
14
hikes
Hiking in Runde Dyrelivsfredning offers coastal landscapes, dramatic bird cliffs, and a diverse archipelago. This island region, located at the ocean's edge, is known for its heathland and marsh nature reserves. The terrain includes well-maintained paths, some with stone slabs and wooden planks in marshy areas, and routes with varying elevation gain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.8
(323)
1,459
hikers
6.52km
02:28
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(18)
49
hikers
6.37km
02:12
260m
260m
This moderate 4.0-mile hike on Goksøyr Island offers puffin viewpoints and scenic ponds within a wildlife sanctuary.

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4.8
(166)
1,041
hikers
3.65km
01:19
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(28)
135
hikers
7.96km
03:12
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(25)
128
hikers
16.8km
05:06
440m
440m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around Runde Dyrelivsfredning
This island is not a highly touristic spot so it is not crowded. You can still find many locals. Heavy uphill to reach the upper part. You can perform a 7km loop in the upper part of the island. Wild. Awesome view. Breathtaking view on the Norway Sea. Also, there is a nice camper spot at the arrival to the island. The area is not perfectly prepared for mountain bike, so be extremely respectful of hikers. We do not want this path to be banned for bikes.
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Beautiful view on the way back at night
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In the evening from 8 p.m. the puffins return from their hunt at sea
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Beautiful hike to the bird cliff on Runde - the focus was on the puffins. After an extremely steep climb, which is paved, we follow a well-paved hiking trail to the bird cliff, where the puffins have their breeding grounds. The best time is from 6 p.m. onwards, as this is when they return from the sea and feed their young. We were able to observe several puffins with fish in their beaks.
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Great nature, beautiful hiking trails and good views of the birds.
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Beautiful nature with magnificent views in all directions. The path up to the island is steep and easy to walk.
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The puffins come home between 7 and 9 p.m., binoculars are essential to be able to observe gannets and sea eagles!
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Runde Island is located on the west Norwegian coast in the Møre og Romsdal county, southwest of Ålesund.
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Runde Dyrelivsfredning offers a selection of 14 hiking trails, catering to various fitness levels. These include 1 easy route, 12 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring there's a suitable path for most hikers.
The hiking season generally extends year-round. However, for optimal birdwatching, especially to see the famous puffins, the peak season is from April to August. During this time, you can observe them returning to their burrows at Lundeura in the evenings.
Yes, Runde offers trails suitable for families. While specific 'easy' routes are available, many moderate paths are manageable for active families. The paths often feature stone slabs and wooden planks in marshy areas, making them accessible while protecting the environment.
The region is a protected wildlife area, particularly known for its birdlife. While dogs are generally allowed on trails, it is crucial to keep them on a leash at all times to protect the sensitive bird colonies and other wildlife. Always stay on marked paths.
Runde Dyrelivsfredning is renowned for its abundant birdlife, including puffins, kittiwakes, skua birds, gannets, white-tailed eagles, razorbills, and murres, especially on the dramatic bird cliffs. You might also spot seals in the surrounding waters and sunning themselves on beaches.
Yes, there are several circular routes. A popular option is the Rundebranden and Sandshornet Loop, a moderate 4.0-mile hike that includes puffin viewpoints and scenic ponds. Another is the Old Water Mill with Grass Roof – View of Goksøya loop from Runde, which offers coastal scenery.
Parking is generally available at the main starting points for trails, such as in Goksøyr. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked to accommodate hikers visiting the island's attractions and trailheads.
Along the trails, you can find several points of interest. The Gannet Colony Cliff offers excellent birdwatching. You can also visit the Old Water Mill with Grass Roof and the Ruins of Old Mountain Huts, which provide a glimpse into the island's history. The View of Goksøya is another scenic highlight.
The trails in Runde Dyrelivsfredning are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal landscapes, the dramatic bird cliffs, and the well-maintained paths that protect the vulnerable ecosystem.
Yes, Runde Dyrelivsfredning offers 1 easy route, alongside many moderate options that can be suitable for beginners or those preferring a less strenuous walk. These paths often involve a slightly steep start but then flatten out, providing stunning views without extreme difficulty.
To protect the sensitive birdlife and natural reserves, visitors are strongly encouraged to stay on marked paths. The trails often feature stone slabs and wooden planks in marshy areas, which help prevent hikers from getting wet and protect the vulnerable ecosystem. Always carry out what you carry in.
While the focus is on nature, Runde does have some amenities. The Runde Environmental Centre offers insights into the island's birdlife and history. For accommodation, the Runde Lighthouse and its keeper's dwelling serve as a cabin for the Norwegian Trekking Association, offering an overnight stay opportunity.
Yes, it is possible to reach Runde Dyrelivsfredning via public transport. For example, you can find information about round trips with express boat and public bus from Ålesund to Runde Bird Island on external tourism sites. For more details, you can check resources like Visit Norway.


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