Bruhagen – School History and River Landscape

Bruhagen combines a distinctive school history with a river landscape that stretches as far as the brackish-water bay. Bus connections and a short walking trail also offer practical guidance for planning your trip. Bruhagen is also regarded as a modern centre for culture, sport and activities; meeting places are part of its profile too.

History in the area and its surroundings

Varde was completed in 1920 and served as a school until the 1970s. The building is a regionally significant monument to school history and is one of the few preserved school complexes in Møre og Romsdal. Bjørsholbua in Bruhagen dates from 1922 and was built in the style of the period as a combined residence and commercial building. While Varde represents the history of schooling, Bjørsholbua combines residential and commercial use in one building.

Settlements and activity areas from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the pre-Reformation period are automatically protected in the Bruhagen area. Nearby, at Storvatnet, Gammelfossen is a regionally significant monument to the history of technology and industry. The site includes a large mill complex, residential buildings, a birdhouse and a garden.

River landscape and nature

The Strømselva flows from Storvatnet through a small wetland and agricultural land before reaching Bruhagen. In Bruhagen sentrum, it flows into Straumsvågen, a brackish-water bay with a narrow connection to the sea through Kristvika. Thus, the described river course extends from wetlands and farmland to brackish coastal waters.

The Strømselva is part of a watercourse with anadromous fish and populations of freshwater pearl mussels. The dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii is also said to have been observed several times along the Straumselva near Bruhagen. The river and surrounding nature provide opportunities to enjoy nature, relax, play, and observe wildlife and plant life.

Walk and practical information

A short Stikk-UT! hike in Bruhagen follows the Straumselva and passes the Bedehuset. The route goes through a green oasis with birdsong and plants and animals by the river. The trail is prepared for walking; it can be muddy on wet days, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Seasonal trail preparation and conditions may change. Check the latest conditions before setting out.

Bruhagen has good public transport connections. FRAM bus route 501 runs between Kristiansund, Bruhagen, Ba and Kårvåg; route 503 runs between Bruhagen, Kvernes and Kårvåg. For both routes, the timetable applies from 17 August 2026 until further notice. Check departure times before travelling.

In the wider destination of Averøy

The wider destination of Averøy also offers more cultural and nature experiences. Visitors can fish from Myrbærholmbrua. The Svevestien trail runs around Eldhusøya, one of the islands crossed by the Atlanterhavsvegen, and offers views of the road and the sea beyond. Averøy is connected to the mainland by seven bridges that cross a chain of small islands. The Atlanterhavsvegen is part of National Cycle Route 1 along the Norwegian coast.

Kvernes is home to Norway’s only stave church built after the Middle Ages. Its interior includes acanthus paintings and a model of the 32-gun frigate Nordstjernen. Kvernes is also a stop on the Kystpilgrimleden, which runs from Stavanger to Nidaros. In the Kvernes cultural area, signposted trails with historical information cover more than 4,000 years of history in about an hour. Four or five summer concerts are held each year at Kvernes Church; check the programme for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Frei, Tingvoll, Midsund, Aukra, Kristiansund.

Back to the main travel overview: More Og Romsdal.