Averøy: Coastal Route, Culture and History

Averøy brings together a striking coastal road, cultural and historical sites, and maritime heritage. The Atlantic Ocean Road connects Averøy to the mainland via seven bridges, with the route crossing a series of small islands. The road connection is therefore a defining landmark for a trip whose other themes range from church art and historic trails to rock carvings and lighthouses.

The Atlantic Ocean Road and outdoor activities

The Svevestien trail runs around Eldhusøya, one of the islands crossed by the Atlantic Ocean Road. From there, you can enjoy views of the road and the sea beyond. The trail offers views both of the road’s route and of its waterside surroundings.

The Atlantic Ocean Road is also part of National Cycle Route 1, which follows the entire Norwegian coast. For cyclists, the road connection is therefore also part of a nationwide coastal route. Visitors can fish from Myrbærholm Bridge, offering a specific activity alongside the views and cycle route.

Kvernes: Stave church and historic trails

Kvernes Stave Church is Norway’s only stave church built after the Middle Ages. Its interior features acanthus paintings and a model of the 32-gun frigate Nordstjernen. Its distinctive character is evident both in its historical period and in specific details of its furnishings.

Kvernes is also a stop on the Kystpilgrimleden, a pilgrim route from Stavanger to Nidaros. The route places the site along a trail with these two endpoints. In the Kvernes cultural heritage area, maintained paths with historical information lead through the site; more than 4,000 years of history can be explored there in about an hour. While the stave church is distinguished by its architecture and interior, the trails bring the history of the area to life.

Four or five summer concerts are held each year at Kvernes Church. If you would like to include a concert in your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.

Rock carvings and lighthouses

The rock carvings at Søbstadklubben depict whales, boats and birds. Unlike the stave church, with its interior furnishings, the focus here is on the motifs shown. Hestskjæret Lighthouse was first lit on November 1, 1879, to provide additional protection for shipping across Hustadvika. Its tower on Averøy is 20.3 metres high. The imagery at Søbstadklubben thus sits alongside a lighthouse with a clearly stated historical purpose for shipping.

Stavneset: Access routes and cultural landscape

Stavneset can be reached from Futsetra, the barrier and Øksenvågen; in summer, access by sea is also possible. On site, there are well-maintained paths and a bathing jetty. Check access details before your trip, especially if you plan to use the seasonal sea route.

The lighthouse, buildings and cultural landscape at Stavneset are intended for public use while also being preserved as a cultural heritage site. This specifies both their intended public use and the preservation of the ensemble as a cultural heritage site.

Discover more destinations: Vebenstad, Kjerkevågen, Kårvåg, Langøyneset, Averøy, Herøy, Sandøy, Hareid

Back to the main travel overview: More Og Romsdal.