- Address: Fv18 170 6096 Runde, Norway
In the Norwegian county of Mere og Romsdal there is an unusual round island of Runde (Island of Runde). All of its territory belongs to the same name Ecological Center (Runde Miljøsenter), which is famous for nesting a large number of different birds.
general information
The island of Runde is located on the west coast of the country in the commune of Kherey. He crosses the Runne bridge with neighboring settlements: Alesund , Ersta, Volda, Ulsteinvik, Fosnavog. This area is famous for snow-covered steep cliffs and long fjords .
The total area of Runde is 6.2 square meters. km, and the highest point is at an altitude of 332 m above sea level. On the island, according to the last census in 2011, 102 people officially reside, but in fact this figure is several times larger. Local residents are mainly engaged in tourism or work at a research station where observations of bird life are being conducted.
What is Runde famous for?
Travelers come here to see and photograph a variety of birds. There are 80 species of birds and 200 migratory species on the island.
What else is the island known for:
- It is home to almost all species of sea birds with a total population of up to 700 thousand individuals. On the island live: guillemots, fools, northern gannets, kittiwakes, skuas, gags, cormorants, eagles, etc. Especially there are many of them on the rocks during the nesting period: from February to August.
- "A highlight" of the island of Runde is a small bird with sad eyes and a large orange beak, which is called the Atlantic puffin (puffin). It is considered a symbol of the area, and its photo is decorated with advertising booklets and souvenirs.
- Near Runde in 1725 sunk trading Dutch ship Akerendam, which carried silver and gold coins. Since that time, divers have caught more than half a ton of jewelry, and how many still remain on the seabed - nobody knows. Today, for a fee, diving enthusiasts are allowed to dive in these places in search of treasure. Those wishing to dive with each passing year become more and more, because one ancient ducat is estimated at $ 1000.
What else can you do on the island of Runde?
The research center has several directions, including:
- Information conferences, on which travelers have the opportunity to get to know the life of birds.
- Excursions , designed and equipped with special routes to the most picturesque places. Collapsing from them is not recommended, so as not to disturb the birds. By the way, during their marriage period, tourists are not allowed to enter.
When you are going to visit the island of Runde, grab bread, grains or fruits with you, so as to draw local inhabitants closer to you. Come here better in the season of hatching eggs or after dinner, when the birds return to the nests.
The island of Runde has a very bright and beautiful nature: snow-covered rocks, unusual plants. In the north, beyond the mountain peaks, you can see the outlines of the city of Alesund, and in the southern part you can see the panorama of the island of Nerlandsoy. From the local lighthouse you can see the most picturesque landscapes.
Where to sleep?
If you want to stay overnight on the island of Runde, enjoy the night silence of nature, watch the birds (in the evening there are especially many), see the sunset or meet the dawn, then you can stay at the hotel at the Environmental Center or break a tent in the campsite. Places must be booked in advance.
How to get there?
From the nearest major city of Alesund to the island, you can reach the Runne Bridge on the Rv61 and E39. The distance is about 80 km. Here you will get and with an organized excursion, which is carried out on motor boats.