Festøykollen

Overview

Festøykollen, also called Romestrandshornet or Grødvarden, is the northernmost mountain in the municipality of Ørsta. Festøykollen is a significant landmark in the area where Hjørundfjord splits from Storfjord.
Although Festøykollen, with its 911 meters, is rather low compared by many of the other summits in this area, the view is magnificent. From the summit the view is only blocked by the mountains of Molladalen in the southern direction. Still, you have a panoramic view of some of the classic summits of Sunnmørsalpene, like Råna, Slogen and Hornindalsrokken. Looking from northeast to northwest, the view is characterized by the ever present Atlantic Ocean which dwells behind the lower mountains and the following islands.
Therefore, despite it's modest height and rather easy ascent, Festøykollen is truly a rewarding summit because of the view.

Getting There

For detailed description on how to reach Ålesund, please see information on the page on Sunnmøre.
From Ålesund follow E39 in the direction of Bergen/Volda to the ferry from Solevåg to Festøy. Take the ferry to Festøy. After the ferry, continue to drive in the direction of Bergen/Volda for about 3,5 km, then turn left towards Erdal. Follow this road up the valley for about 2 km until you reach a small bridge, parking immediately after crossing the bridge.

Routes

The normal route begins just north of the river you crossed before parking the car. The path through the forest is signed “Romestrandshornet” and is easy to follow. On about the height of 160 meters the path crosses the river on a small bridge continue following the path upwards on the south side of the river until you reach some small cabins and the old stone ruin of Gamlestøylen.
From here you will see the rest of the route. The path turns north and crosses a creek before it starts on the southwestern ridge. Follow this ridge to the summit.
This last part of the route, the southwestern ridge is easy rocky terrain. The section from the summit and down to Gamlestøylen gives some interesting skiing possibilities. But from Gamlestøylen and down it is too heavy forested to give a nice ski run.

Distance: about 3,5 km.
Vertical gain: about 800 m.

Festøykollen can also be reached from the eastern side, from Hjørundfjord. This route starts out from Skarbø by the fjord and goes up through the valley of Skarbødalen. The path passes the small lake of Sætrevatnet and continues up the east ridge to the summit.

Both routes are easy and they are about the same in distance and elevation. The normal route is maybe the easiest to locate and slightly less forested.

Images

View Festøykollen Image Gallery - 8 Images