Volda's main geographical feature are two fjords, Austefjorden and Dalsfjorden, which traverse the municipality in a south-southeastern and southern direction, respectively. It is also mountainous, particularly south of these two fjords.
Volda is bordered by Vanylven to the south-west/west, Herøy and Ulstein (only by sea) to the west, and Ørsta to the north and east. To the south it is adjacent to Sogn og Fjordane county.
The dominant centre, both in terms of population and administration, is Volda, in the northernmost part of the municipality. Other population concentrations include Mork, Folkestad, Fyrde, Steinsvika, Lauvstad, Bjorkedal, and Straumshamn.
Volda is primarily known for strong cultural heritage and academic traditions. A private library at Egset, the first rural of its kind in Norway, is said to have inspired the young Ivar Aasen in the 19th century. Volda landsgymnas (established 1910) was the first Norwegian secondary school outside a major city. Among the most important institutions today is the Volda University College.
Volda University College is one of 25 university colleges in Norway. Volda University College enrolls about 3,000 students and specializes in education of teachers, animators and journalists.
Volda also hosts a national documentary film festival as well as an annual student festival. The festival, Den Norske Dokumentarfilmfestivalen is usually held in late April.
Volda is the place you will never forget. We are situated on the north west coast of Norway, surrounded by spectacular fjords and mountains.
