Midsund municipality has approximately 2.000 inhabitants and covers a area of 94,7 km2. The municipality of Midsund comprises the island of Otrøy and Midøy, and the islets of Dryna, Magerøy and Tautra. All of the islands, except Tautra, are joined by bridges. The mountains dominate end cover as much as 80 % of Midsund. The district of Midsund offers fascinating hikes on mountains that rise dramatically out of the ocean.

Traverse the narrow edge of Rørsethornet or view the magnificent Romsdalsfjord from the peak of the Midøya Island. The highest mountain top is Opstadhornet, 740 metres above sea level. Fishing and fish-farming, agriculture and mechanical industries are the corner-stones of local business. The climate can change abruptly from hot summer days to autumn gales with rain and sleet. Midsund, the municipal centre, is also the service centre with bank and postal services, hair-dresser, places to eat, grocery stores, a petrol station etc.

The geography of municipality means that most activities relate to the sea or the mountains. You will get bites whether you fish in the sea or in one of the nine lakes. Boats of varying types and sizes can be hired from any of the places that offer accommodation. There is ample opportunity for walking in the mountains. You can explore one of the valleys at your leisure or climb a summit.

In both cases you will have a wonderful experience of being close to nature. Enjoy Norwegian spring flowers, a warm summer day, a colorful autumn or snow clad peaks. For excitement and a fine view you should go walking on Rørsethornet or Oppstadhornet, both of which offer beautiful views. From these summits you can see for miles and miles far beyond the Midsund borders.

Finds from Bjørneremshellarane on Midøya indicate that the first Romsdal settlers probably lived here. Franskhellaren at Dryna served as hiding place for four Frechmen during the War from 1944 to 1945. The stone wall on Midøya formed the border between Sweden and Denmark / Norway from 1658 to 1660. The mill house in Heggdalsvik dates back to 1880, and served a farm. It was restored in 1980.

In the southwest part of Otrøya we find several interesting mountains, Klausethornet 669 metres and Digergubben 527 metres.

In the west part of Otrøya we find the mountain Bløkallen 522 metres the mountain is the island. The ocean is on one side – the Romsdalsfjord on the other. The peak offers a marvellous view of the Romsdal alps, here from an outpost in the west. The hike offers great variety, beautiful small lakes as well as steep cliffs.

This is perhaps the most beautiful trip in the area. This is hiking “on the ocean”. The trip offers a traverse over a narrow ridge (but easy and safe) that leaves Besseggen in the famous Jotunheimen far behind. The trail to Rørsethornet 659 metres is steep, but good and reasonably dry. Then the traverse over the ridge, and over easy slopes to Ræstadhornet 729 metres. The ridge is narrow, with steep sides into the ocean on one side and a valley on the other. This is where you have to use the local hiking rule of not stopping before the next step seems impossible.

THE FRENCH CAVE (FRANSKHELLEREN at DRYNA)

The French cave 4-500 metres trom the Dryna ferry terminal. The name derives from me French prisoners-of-war who escaped from the Germans and lived here in secrecy during the winter of 1944/45. The grotto provides a striking view over the Atlantic and numerous islands.

THE BJØRNEREM CAVES (BJØRNEREMSHELLEREN)

The Bjørnerem caves on Midttya. 200 metres trom the main road, RV 668. The very first people in Romsdal are thought to have lived in these caves. Archeological remains show that me site was good for hunting and fishing. Amongst the findings was the skeleton of a bear – hence the name Bjørnerem. (bjørn = bear).

THE OLD FRONTIER

A small stone monument marking the mid-17th century between Sweden and Demmark / Norway. Signs by the RV 668 at Midøya.

THE MILLHOUSE at HEGGDALSVIKA

Restored millhouse from the 1880s. Well marked by the County road 202 in Sør-Heggdal at Otrøya.

FISHING

The municipality can offer opportunities for deep-sea diving, riding, cycling, deep-sea fishing etc and there are many fine spots for swimming.