🏡🌄 Sunnmøre: a cottage by the fjord with internet — how to choose and stay connected

Are you going ‘there’ for a month or two and want a cabin by the water with no surprises when it comes to connectivity? Let's break it down: where to look for cabins in Sunnmøre, how to check the internet before booking (and how to play it safe), what you need in your workspace, everyday essentials, and short 60-90 minute trails for after work.

🗺️ Geography and seasonality — where to look by the ocean/fjord

Hyttes are more common on the islands around Ålesund (Sula, Giske, Godøya) and along the inner fjords (Storfjorden, Hjørundfjorden). For everyday errands, the proximity to Ålesund and the FRAM bus/express boat lines is convenient: it is best to check departure times in their trip planner and app.

If part of your route involves a ferry, many crossings on the ‘west coast’ run late into the evening. Example: Sulesund–Hareid (hub south of Ålesund) has late departures until 23:30 in the 2025 seasonal timetables.

📶 Internet and coverage — how to check the speed before booking

1. Ask your host for proof: a screenshot of Speedtest (during the day and in the evening) and a photo of the router/modem (model).
2. Connection type: ‘fiber/optisk’ (best), ‘coax’, or mobile 4G/5G. The region is covered by TAFJORD/Nordvest Fiber (Altibox partners) — ask who the provider is for the address.
3. Coverage map: check the location on Telia Dekningskart and Telenor Dekningskart (filter 5G/4G). This will give you an idea of whether you will be left without signal in ‘dead zones’.
4. Minimum standard for video calls: aim for ≥100/20 Mbps on fibre or stable 40–60 Mbps on 4G/5G with a good uplink (≥10 Mbps).
5. Cable to the table: ask for confirmation that there is an Ethernet socket/cable — this will save you if the Wi-Fi is unreliable.

🔄 Plan B — eSIM/modem, offline windows and ‘safe havens’

• eSIM/modem. Have a second operator and enable ‘hotspot’ in case of failures. Telia/Telenor has extensive 4G/5G coverage in Sunnmøre (check their maps).
• Alternative locations for calls: in the centre of Ålesund — Ålesund bibliotek (free Wi-Fi; in summer — reduced hours, check specific dates) and Pir Cowork with meeting rooms available upon reservation.
• Evening logistics: if you need to go into town after 6 p.m., check the FRAM planner (buses/boats) and, if necessary, the nearest ferry schedule.

💻 Work space — workplace and ergonomics

• Desk and chair. Full-size desk (not a coffee table), normal chair, desk lamp, 2–3 sockets near the desk.
• Lighting/heating. Natural light during the day, local lamp in the evening; check the type of heating (panels/underfloor heating) and consumption — this affects ‘utilities included’.
• Noise. Make a 5-minute test call from the room on a weekday evening (6–8 p.m.) with the window open — you will immediately get a feel for the acoustics.
• Cable. Ask for a long Ethernet cable — it is often available from the provider along with the router.

🛒 Household details — laundry, parking, shops

• Washing/drying. Check whether there is a washing machine/dryer or drying room.
• Parking. If you are taking your car for the weekend, ask about guest parking at the hut/waterfront.
• Shops. In remote bays, the market may have shorter opening hours and be closed on Sundays — plan your shopping for weekdays (or in Alesund on the way to the co-working space/library).
• Travel passes. If you travel to the city frequently, consider FRAM zone and period tickets — they are sometimes cheaper than single tickets.

🥾 After-work routes — short trails/viewpoints, 60–90 minutes

• Aksla (Fjellstua) — a city ‘loop’ route on gravel with lighting, about 1 hour; views of the islands and harbour, starts right in the centre. A great option when you're short on time.
• Sukkertoppen (Hessa) — short but steep climb; the trail is slippery/muddy after rain in places. Plan your footwear and allow enough time to descend before dusk.
• Tip: check the tracks and conditions on UT.no, and in uncertain weather, choose well-lit and non-slippery options.

🌧️📋 Bad weather checklist: backup plan for calls

• Pir Cowork (meeting rooms/day passes).
• Ålesund bibliotek (free Wi-Fi; check seasonal hours).
• FRAM planner — see how to get there and back in the evening.

📝 Mini checklist (quick route)

• Determine your location: closer to Ålesund and FRAM routes/ferries — less risk of getting ‘stuck’ in the evening.
• Ask your host for Speedtest (2 screenshots) + router model + connection type; check the location on Telia/Telenor maps.
• Take a second operator's eSIM and an Ethernet cable as a backup.
• Take a photo of your workspace: desk/chair/lamp/sockets.
• Plan your ‘evening’ trails: Aksla (≈1 hour, with lighting); Sukkertoppen — only in dry weather and before dusk.

The cottage by the fjord in Sunnmøre is ideal for ‘deep’ work, provided you check the connection and logistics in advance. Take your camera, get eSIM insurance, keep a library/co-working space as a backup plan — and you'll have a focus during the day and a short ‘scenic’ hike in the evening.