Frei: Nature, Trails and Culture

Frei offers several starting points for planning a trip: peaks and hiking trails, lakes and beaches, as well as a place of cultural and historical significance. Freikollen combines sweeping panoramic views with opportunities for winter sports when snow conditions are good. Bolgvatnet is known for its paved path, cycling and opportunities to launch kayaks. Freistranda and Knudtzonlunden complete the picture with a family-friendly beach and cultural history.

Freikollen and hikes on Frei

At 629 metres, Freikollen is the highest peak in the municipality of Kristiansund. On clear days, the panoramic view stretches from the skerries and sea in the north far into the mountains in the south. When snow conditions are good, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing is possible on Freikollen. Snow conditions are the decisive factor for these activities.

The hike “Frei – From Knudtzonlunden to Rastarkalv” starts in the car park between Frei Church and Kirkeveien. For the route to Freikollen from Prestmyra, a route listing updated in July 2022 gives a distance of 1.56 kilometres each way and a duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes. A description updated in August 2024 takes the 4-Fjell Frei circular route over four peaks: it can be hiked almost year-round, is about 14 kilometres long and takes approximately five to six hours. The hikes described therefore differ in format: a route from Prestmyra and a circular route over four peaks.

Utsikten is a family-friendly, easy hike in the middle of Freiøya. It follows a developed forest path and is possible in both summer and winter. Different factors may therefore guide your choice of hike: the peak route from Prestmyra with specific distance and duration details, the circular route over four peaks, or Utsikten’s developed forest path.

Bolgvatnet: lake, path and recreation

Bolgvatnet lies in the middle of Freiøya, 64 metres above sea level, and is the largest lake in the municipality of Kristiansund. The lake is a state-secured outdoor recreation area. A paved path follows the former main road by the lake and continues to the residential area of Storbakken. The entire path offers good opportunities for cycling. There are also good opportunities to launch a kayak at Bolgvatnet.

Visitors wishing to explore the area on foot or by bicycle will find a specific route at Bolgvatnet, with cycling possible along its entire length. Launching a kayak is another recreational option mentioned at the lake. These activities are distinct from the peak hikes on Frei and should not be combined into a single route.

Beach and summer swimming

Freistranda is a state-secured, family-friendly beach on Frei. It is close to Frei Church and the historic site of Rastarkalv, and is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle and by car. The starting point for the hike “Frei – From Knudtzonlunden to Rastarkalv” is also between Frei Church and Kirkeveien; the information specifies that the car park is the beginning of the hike.

Kjerringvatnet, on the south side of Frei, offers another option for relaxation and swimming. The hike there passes through a natural setting; the lake is suitable for relaxation and swimming in summer. The route description, updated in May 2022, explicitly associates these summer activities with Kjerringvatnet. Freistranda and Kjerringvatnet are therefore two distinct places to visit if a beach or swimming in a lake is relevant to your trip planning.

Cultural history around Knudtzonlunden

Knudtzonlunden, formally Birkelund, was established in 1874 by Nicolay H. Knudtzon III. The site is of considerable cultural and historical value and is subject to strict preservation regulations. Today, Knudtzonlunden serves as a meeting place for business, culture and events, as well as for the bank’s own activities.

Freimarka is also among the topics related to recreation and the outdoors on Freiøya. The local outdoor recreation association is developing the area as a recreational and outdoor space and is working on trails. Frei therefore offers nature and recreational opportunities alongside a site of cultural and historical significance. If you are looking for a hotel in Frei, you can start planning your trip by considering whether peak hikes, lakeside paths, beaches and summer swimming, or cultural history are your priorities.

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

To the wider travel overview: More Og Romsdal.