Måløy – The Best Street Art in Norway
Måløy, a small fishing town on the west coast, is actually one of the best places in Norway for street art!
Located on the west coast of Norway, Måløy is an important fishing town and port area. The town was founded in the 19th century based on the rich nearby fisheries and has slowly transitioned into a base for the oil and gas industry. However, Måløy is also surrounded by some spectacular scenery and has some interesting places to visit.
Latitude: 61.9 degrees north
Population: 3,282
Hottest Month: August
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: December
Kinn Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Måløy
The Måløy Raid Center tells the story of Operation Archery, a significant Allied military raid carried out during World War II. Interactive exhibitions explain how Norwegian resistance fighters and Allied forces attacked German positions in the area during 1941. The museum offers insight into both local wartime experiences and Norway’s broader role during the conflict. Historic photographs, artefacts and personal stories bring the dramatic events to life.
Perched on a remote and windswept peninsula, Kråkenes Lighthouse offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in western Norway. Visitors can stay overnight inside the historic lighthouse building while watching Atlantic storms roll across the ocean. The surrounding cliffs and walking trails provide excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. During calmer weather, the lighthouse area becomes peaceful and atmospheric with endless sea views.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Kannesteinen is one of western Norway’s most unusual natural rock formations, shaped over thousands of years by waves, ice and wind. The mushroom-shaped stone stands dramatically along the coastline near Måløy and has become one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. Visitors can walk directly out onto the smooth coastal rocks surrounding the formation while enjoying views across the Atlantic Ocean. The area is especially striking during sunset or stormy weather when the sea becomes more dramatic.
Refviksanden is considered one of Norway’s finest beaches, known for its long stretch of pale sand and turquoise water framed by mountains and rugged coastline. Despite its northern location, the beach is surprisingly popular for swimming during summer months. The surrounding area offers scenic walking trails, camping and opportunities for surfing and kayaking. On clear days, the coastal scenery feels almost tropical despite the cool Atlantic climate.
Vestkapp is one of Norway’s westernmost mountain plateaus and offers spectacular panoramic views over the Norwegian Sea. The drive from Måløy passes dramatic coastal landscapes and small fishing communities before reaching the summit viewpoint. On clear days, visitors can see far across the open ocean and surrounding fjords. The area is especially popular during sunset and storm-watching season.
Accessible by boat from nearby Selje, the ruins of Selja Monastery sit on a remote island surrounded by steep cliffs and sea views. The Benedictine monastery dates back to the 12th century and is connected to the legend of Saint Sunniva, one of Norway’s earliest saints. Visitors can explore stone ruins, caves and hiking paths while learning about medieval pilgrimage traditions. The island combines history, spirituality and dramatic coastal scenery.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Måløy
The Rv15 is a fantastic highway to know when road-tripping through Western Norway. The major tourist roads in some way connect to the Rv15, which runs from Otta in the east to Måløy on the west coast. The scenery is dramatic; steep mountain peaks, gorgeous fjords, and historic valleys. There are a number of important historic sites here, such as Lom Stave Church and the Viking discoveries near Nordfjordeid, so be sure to take your time and enjoy all the possible detours. While an ancient road has been here for hundreds of years, the modern road was completed in stages between the 1920s and the 1990s. Part of the highway replaces the historic trade road Gamle Strynfjellsvegen, which today is a tourist road.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Måløy
Måløy has long been shaped by the sea, with fishing and maritime trade forming the foundation of local life for centuries. The town developed as an important fishing harbour due to its strategic location along Norway’s rugged west coast. Coastal communities in the area depended heavily on cod, herring and other fisheries, while boats connected isolated settlements along the fjords and islands. Harsh weather conditions and the open Atlantic created a resilient maritime culture that still influences daily life today.
During World War II, Måløy became internationally known following Operation Archery in December 1941. Allied and Norwegian forces launched a surprise raid against German military positions in the town, damaging infrastructure and boosting resistance morale across occupied Norway. The operation remains one of the most important wartime events associated with western Norway and is remembered through museums and memorials in the region.
In modern times, Måløy has continued to evolve while maintaining strong ties to fishing, shipping and coastal traditions. The town has also grown as a destination for travellers seeking dramatic scenery, lighthouses and authentic coastal culture away from Norway’s more crowded tourist routes.
Modern life in Måløy revolves around fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries, alongside growing tourism connected to the surrounding coastline. The fishing fleet remains highly active, and seafood production continues to play a major role in the local economy. Visitors often notice the strong connection between the town and the sea, from fishing boats in the harbour to seafood restaurants and coastal traditions.
Tourism in the area focuses on nature experiences, quiet coastal living and outdoor activities rather than large-scale development. Travellers are drawn by beaches, storm-watching, hiking and scenic road trips along the western coast. The town itself has a relaxed atmosphere with small cafés, local shops and strong community identity shaped by generations of coastal life.
Residents enjoy close access to dramatic natural scenery, with mountains, beaches and ocean viewpoints only minutes from the town centre. Seasonal events, maritime traditions and outdoor recreation remain central to community life. Despite its remote setting, Måløy feels welcoming and deeply connected to Norway’s coastal heritage.
Fly: The nearest airport is Ørsta–Volda Airport, while larger regional airports are in Ålesund and Florø. From there, travellers continue by car, bus or ferry through the fjord and coastal regions of western Norway.
Drive: Driving is one of the best ways to reach Måløy and explore the surrounding coastline. Scenic coastal roads connect the town with Bergen, Ålesund and the wider Vestland region. The journey includes fjords, bridges, tunnels and dramatic ocean views throughout western Norway.
Ferry: Norled operates express boats from Bergen. Måløy is a port of call on Norway’s coastal ferry, with both the northbound and southbound ferries stopping in the early hours of the morning.
A car is the easiest way to explore Måløy and the surrounding coastal attractions. Public buses connect nearby villages and towns, though services can be limited outside larger routes. Many scenic spots such as beaches, lighthouses and hiking areas are best reached by car or guided tour. The town centre itself is compact and easy to explore on foot.
You can find an overview of shops here: https://opplevmaloy.no/visiting-maloy/
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Snorre Sjømat is a seafood bar and a very popular place to eat in town.
Reasonable Restaurants
Kraftstasjonen is a bistro that specialises in seafood, though they have other options too.
High End & Unique Eats
Camping
Steinvik Camping is close to Måløy and overlooks the ocean.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Torget Hotel is a stylish hotel in what used to be a canning factory.
Thon Hotel Måløy is the main chain hotel in town. It’s centrally located and has nice, modern rooms and a great breakfast.
High End & Unique Properties
Kråkenes Lighthouse is a high-end guesthouse for those who want a unique place to stay.
Måløy, a small fishing town on the west coast, is actually one of the best places in Norway for street art!
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