Godøya

From Alesund, Godøya is a high island on the western skyline, sticking up out of the Atlantic. It's separated from everything else by at least a mile or two of open water. It would make a nice boat trip from downtown on a nice day. Or you could just drive.

Of course, the road isn't terribly direct, as it has to cross three other islands even before it reaches Godøya. One of the crossings is a bridge, but the other three are tunnels, two of which reach more than 400' below sea level. I have no problem dealing with the idea of a tunnel underneath the Hudson River, but the idea that you might drive to a small, rural island surrounded by deep water, is still a struggle. It took us less than 20 minutes (longer on the way back after a long wait for construction).

The Alnes Lighthouse sits at the north tip of Gudøya Island. Which requires yet another 1-2 mile tunnel under the main peak on the island - this one a one-lane road with turnouts. I expected a pretty lighthouse and a great view of the ocean when we pulled into the parking lot. Maybe even a truck selling ice cream and souvenirs. But I didn't expect an architecturally interesting cafe and a small underground art gallery.

There was a nice beach, too.