Runde Miljøsenter

The Northern Fjords


This international research station is dedicated to studying Runde's birdlife, a testament to the island's importance in the ornithological arena. There's a small exhibition on the centre's work and you can take a birdwatching trip (3400kr for up to 12 people) in the company of one of the centre's biologists.

Accommodation is available here if you want to make an extended birdwatching stay (single/double 900/1500kr, five-bed apartment 2000kr).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Northern Fjords attractions

1. Godøy

11.86 MILES

The furthest offshore island from Ålesund, Godøy has a real off-the-map feeling, especially in the depths of winter. There are some great walks here, and…

2. Giske

14.18 MILES

There are two main reasons to visit Giske: its ornate 12th-century church, a lovely structure built largely of marble, and the Makkevika marshes, a prime…

3. Atlanterhavsparken

14.73 MILES

At the peninsula's western extreme, 3km from the town centre, this aquarium can consume a whole day. Be introduced to the North Atlantic's teeming…

4. Ålesund Church

16.31 MILES

Built of solid stone in 1909, Ålesund's parish church has a strikingly wide chancel, every square inch covered in frescoes over the wide sweep of its…

5. Valderøy

16.43 MILES

On the island of Valderøy, the Skjonghellaren caves have revealed bones of Arctic fox, sea otter and ringed seal, plus evidence of human occupation at…

6. Fishing Museum

16.51 MILES

The 1861 Holmbua warehouse (one of the very few buildings to survive the 1904 fire) has exhibits on the development of fishing across the centuries and…

7. KUBE

16.53 MILES

Ålesund's primary contemporary art space highlights Norwegian artists, as well as hosting the occasional design- and architecture-focused show. The old…

8. Jugendstil Senteret

16.53 MILES

The city's unique architectural heritage is documented in a former pharmacy, the first listed Jugendstil monument in Ålesund. Apart from the building's…