Hjørundfjorden, Mountain-flanked fjord in Sunnmøre district, Norway
Hjørundfjord is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region that extends roughly 35 kilometers through Ørsta and Sykkylven and drops to depths over 400 meters in places. Steep mountain walls rise directly from the water along much of its length.
The region formed its own municipality from 1838 until 1964, when it merged with Vartdal and Ørsta into a larger administrative unit. This shift in governance affected how settlements developed and were organized around the fjord.
The name originates from Old Norse and may refer to a weapon, reflecting the region's Scandinavian language roots. Small villages along the shores still reflect how people historically lived and worked in close relationship with the water and mountains.
The villages of Sæbø, Urke, Øye, and Bjørke at the inner reaches of the fjord serve as good bases for outdoor activities and exploration. From these settlements, visitors can easily arrange hikes, boat trips, or water-based adventures.
The waters near Lygnstøylvatnet contain submerged mountain pastures, creating an underwater archaeological site accessible to divers. These sunken cultural landscapes tell the story of historical livestock farming practices in the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
