Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Nestled in the in the Norangsdalen Valley, right on the fjord, Oye Norway is a quiet town off the beaten path of most travellers. The region offers incredible opportunities for hiking in the Sunnmore Alps and is the perfect place to spend a few days. We spent a few nights in Oye Villege Norway at the Hotel Union Oye and enjoyed hiking, fishing, and the incredible views of the fjord.
After the last few days in Geiranger and Loen, we enjoyed the quiet of Oye Norway.
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Where Is Øye Norway?
Øye is a small village located in western Norway, tucked deep into the Norangsdalen Valley. It sits at the eastern end of the Hjørundfjord, surrounded by steep mountain peaks, waterfalls, and narrow mountain roads. The drive to Oye is half the adventure!
Øye is about 2 hours from Ålesund by car and roughly 2.5 hours from Geiranger, making it an easy addition to a Norway road trip. The village is also close to several scenic mountain passes, including the famous drive through Norangsdalen, one of the most beautiful valleys in the region.
Because Øye is remote and surrounded by fjords and mountains, you really need a car to reach it.
Why Visit Øye, Norway?
If you are looking for a stunningly beautiful destination in Norway that doesn’t get the crowds but offers incredible hiking, Oye needs to be on your list. The town is charming and authentic and is the perfect stop on a Norway road trip.
Oye is truly one of the hidden gems in Norway.
Best Things to Do in Øye, Norway
Stay in the Hotel Union Oye
One of the main reasons we visited Oye was to stay at the incredible Hotel Union Oye. This was a complete splurge for us but this incredible hotel offers a historic experience. There are a number of rooms and outbuildings, incredible dining, a lovely garden, and they can help organize a number of activities in the are.
Hotel Union Øye opened in 1891 and quickly became one of Norway’s most legendary mountain hotels. Built as a retreat for travelers , the hotel was prefabricated and shipped to Øye by boat before being assembled at the edge of the Hjørundfjord.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hotel Union Øye attracted an extraordinary list of guests. European royalty, including Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and Queen Maud of Norway, stayed here while exploring the surrounding fjords and mountains. Other uests included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Henrik Ibsen, Karen Blixen, and Edvard Grieg, many of whom now have rooms named in their honor.
Explore Norangsdalen Valley
The drive to Oye is amazing. The road funnels down the Norandsdale Valley with lakes, waterfalls and plenty of places to stop. It is one of the longer valley drives in Norway and would also be a fantastic bike ride. The Norangsdalen scenic drive will take you down route 655 which goes through Oye and ends in Urke. From here you can continue on by ferry.
Hiking Around Øye
There are some absolutely incredible hikes in the Oye area. We only had time to do a few hikes, but there are trail throughout the Norandsdale Valley that have attracted hikers and adventurers for centuries. Some of the most popular hikes include:
Easy Walks & Short Hikes
- Norangsdalen Valley Walks
Difficulty: Easy
Gentle walks along the valley floor with waterfalls, lakes, and dramatic mountain walls. Perfect for stretching your legs without committing to a long hike. We walked along the valley the first day we arrived on some of the many trails that criss cross Oye. - Lake Lygnstøylvatnet (Lyevatnet)
Difficulty: Easy
A short, mostly flat walk to a unique partially submerged lake formed by a landslide. A great stop for photos and a relaxed stroll. This is in the valley on the way to Oye and makes a good stopping spot on your drive. - Urke Village and River Walk
Difficulty: Easy
This is a short walk right from the little village of Urke. Walk up the trail alongside the river as far as you like or cross the bridge and return down the road to make a short loop.
Moderate Hike
Urkeegga Ridge
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
A popular viewpoint hike with steep sections and rewarding panoramic views over the fjord and surrounding peaks. Dave, Hadley and Finley did this hike as a one way from Urke to Oye and it remains one of the top hikes of their life.
Challenging Mountain Hike
- Slogen (1,564 m)
Difficulty: Challenging
One of the most famous hikes near Øye. Steep, exposed in places, and best suited for experienced hikers. The summit views over the Hjørundfjord are exceptional.
Fjord Views and Boat Trips
Located right on Hjørundfjord Norway, another way to enjoy Oye and Urke is on the water. You can rent kayaks through Hotel Union Oye, or book a guided tour (this is the tour that people recommended to us).
We didn’t have time for a kayak, but Freja, my dad and I wandered down to the water for an outdoor lunch at Basecamp Hjørundfjord – Kaihuset Urke. We arrived right as they were opening and the owner brought us a fishing pole. This was the highlight of my dad’s entire Norway trip as he and Freja pulled a few pollock out of the fjord. I highly recommend stopping here for a drink or meal.
Best Time to Visit Øye, Norway
The best time to visit Oye Norway is in the summer time when you have complete access to the mountains without snow. Fall offers even fewer crowds, but in the winter the valley is snow covered and there is limited access.
Where to Stay in Øye
While we thoughouly recommend stating at the Hotel Union Oye, there are several other (more budget friendly) options in the area as well as some cabins and camping. Urke camping is a good option with fantastic views.
Where to Eat in Øye
Just like lodging, places to eat in Oye Norway are somewhat limited. The Hotel Union Oye offers several options for dining that are all excellents and Basecamp Hjørundfjord is a great option for something less formal right on the water.
The Urke Landhandel in Oye is a small store that offers some basic food items.
Our Øye Itinerary
We visited Oye at the end of our 8 day Norway Itinerary right after spending time in Loen with a stop in Hellesylt. It was the perfect way to end our itinerary and we drove from here to Alesund.
After the scenic drive to Oye down the Norangsdalen Valley with some stops to see the sunken lake, we checked in the Union Oye Hotel. A few of use took a long afternoon walk in the Valley for some views over the fjord and some waterfalls. We ended the night with a great meal at the hotel and enjoyed their late night story telling.
The next morning we divided for some hikes. Dave, Finley and Hadley left from Urke and hiked the Urkeegga Ridge and returned to Oye. This was an incredible hike. Meanwhile, Freja, my dad and I did the river walk in Urke and then spent some time fishing and eating lunch at the Basecamp Hjorundfjord. In the afternoon while my dad got some rest Freja and I hiked a short section of the trail that leads up to Slogen. The trail offered some great views and a steep little climb.
After another great dinner, and a late night walk to the fjord, we turned in for the night. The next morning we ended up heading to Alesund in the morning. We could easily have spent another night and day in the area.
FAQs About Øye, Norway
Is Øye worth visiting?
Oye is absolutely worth visiting if you are looking for a quieter destination with gorgeous mountain and fjord views.
How long should you stay in Øye?
We stayed 2 night which was great for doing one long hike and enjoying the peace. If you want to do several hikes in the area you should plan 3-4 nights.
Can you visit Øye without a car?
You need a car to enjoy Oye. There is limited public transportation to Oye. It is possible to reach Oye via ferry.
Is Øye crowded?
No, Oye is not crowded and is a great destination if you are looking for a quieter part of Norway with gorgeous fjords and stunning mountains.
