Facing the ocean, on the west coast of our region lies the island of Runde. The small island has no more than 150 inhabitants, but from February to August every year the nesting season takes place and more than 500.000 birds gather on the island.
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The bird mountain is the southernmost in Norway, and is the largest sea bird location in Scandinavia. All the regular species of bird mountains are registered here, included puffin, kittiwake, awk, guillemot, Northern Gannet, Northern Fulmar and shag. Runde is the real essence of a bird mountain.
The brand new Runde Miljøsenter (Environment Centre) is an international research and accommodation centre which offers extensive updated information on climate research. As it is located in a protected and extremely vulnerable nature area on Runde, the distinctive building contains the latest and most innovative environmental technology, with focus on environmental-friendly construction materials, energy efficiency, water saving technology and recycling of waste and effluent water. This has created a world-class environmental building. The centre is a natural starting point for visitors seeking spectacular holiday experiences, in combination with knowledge and information from international environment, bird life and ocean researchers. Runde Tourist Information is situated in the centre, and is open from 1st of May to 25th of August.
At the north-western edge of the island lies Runde Lighthouse, which besides the lighthouse itself contain some small houses. An ideal spot for a breath of fresh air or even a place to spend the night with the big ocean as the nearest neighbour!
Make the trip to the bird mountain to a real and rare experience by walking along well-marked paths or join one of the boats giving you the opportunity to see the bird mountain from the sea. If the weater allows it, you can also be so lucky as to join a trip into the magnificent blue Runde caves.
Runde is also called "the treasure island", afther the large gold finding from the Hollandic ship wreck "Akerendam", which sunk in 1725. Both before and after the gold discovery during the 1970s, Runde has been reckoned an eldorado for divers, with clear water, outstanding animal- and plant life and lots of ship wrecks.
This coastal area is also well suited to sailing and surfing, and the torn landscape gives large opportunities of variation when it comes to wind strength.
The area is also fantastic for fising, from shore as well as from a boat. Several fish species have their spawning areas near by - the chance of getting a big one on your hook is good!
Read more of the different articles on Runde here:
The unique bird life
Discover Runde from the sea side
Hiking and mountain trips for everyone
The gold and silver treasure from Akerendam
How to get to Runde?
Where can you stay?