Aure: Coastal Culture, History and Fjord Landscapes

Aure offers something for a range of travel interests: a large wooden church with a dated altarpiece, collections on coastal culture, historic sites on islands, and fjord and hiking landscapes. When planning your stay, you can focus on history, views, fishing or outdoor activities.

Coastal Culture and History

Aure kyrkje dates from 1924 and is the largest wooden church in Møre og Romsdal county. Its altarpiece is dated to 1460.

Kofoedsamlinga also tells a story of everyday life: part of the collection is displayed in a dedicated room in the old vicarage in Aure. It comprises old household items and tools donated to the municipality of Aure by midwife Astrid Kofoed. The collections at Kråksundet Sjøbruksmuseum focus on something else. The equipment and objects there document coastal culture and the boat Geitbåten.

Important finds from settlements of the Fosna culture, dating back around 10,000 years, have been discovered in Dromnes. Solskjelsøya offers a different historical connection: the island is known from Snorri's saga as the place where Harald Hårfagre fought two battles against local chieftains in 863. Dromnes and Solskjelsøya lead to different chapters in Aure's history—from early settlements to the battles recounted in Snorri's saga.

On the outer side of the island of Skardsøya, Stützpunkt Melland was built in the winter of 1943/44 as a coastal fortification by the German occupying forces. Today, Støttepunkt Melland is an easily accessible excursion destination in Aure. Husfesta, meanwhile, is an abandoned coastal farm at the tip of Ertvågøya, with old houses and a cultural landscape; the easiest way to reach the farm is by boat. Aure's old municipal building was relocated and converted into a café and art gallery by Aure Kunstlag.

Fjord Landscapes and Views

A wildlife protection area borders the Mellandsvågen nature reserve. Foldfjordstraumen is one of the strongest saltwater currents in Northern Europe. There are also good shore-fishing spots along the current. This part of Aure therefore offers both natural and scenic features and a specific opportunity for anglers.

The viewpoint at Brekka is accessible by car, bicycle and skis, and has a picnic area. From there, the view stretches across Årvågsfjord and the many fjords and high mountains in Aure. A signposted road leads to another viewpoint at the Tjeldbergodden industrial complex.

Hiking, Skiing and Fishing

The marked Fjordruta runs from east to west through Aure. It is 260 kilometres long and includes five DNT cabins. A trail also leads from Dromnes to Storfonna. Storfonna was listed as a StikkUT destination in 2020.

There are two described locations for cross-country skiing: Aurdalen, near Aure sentrum, has a lit and groomed trail; another lit and groomed trail is on Tustna at Sør-Halsnes.

When fishing, it is also worth taking note of the specific locations. Fishing licences for the waters in the Klakkan area are sold. At Todalselva, there is a self-service kiosk by the bridge at the river's starting point, where fishing licences are sold. Foldfjordstraumen has shore-fishing spots, while at Klakkan and Todalselva you can buy fishing licences.

Which themes you choose to combine is up to your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Tustna, Kjørsvikbugen, Mjosundet, Lesund, Aure, Hals, Våg, Foldfjorden, Vihals.

For the main travel overview: More Og Romsdal.