Smøla: Coastal culture between moorland and sea

On Smøla, open landscapes meet the coast: low-lying, marshy expanses stretch to the horizon, where sea and sky meet. Thousands of islets and skerries shape the character of this destination. The wildlife also makes the island remarkable: Smøla is believed to have the world’s densest population of white-tailed eagles, with around 50 breeding pairs.

Landscape, protected area and trails

The Sør-Smøla Landscape Conservation Area is located on Smøla. Before visiting, check for current information about the protected area. The flat landscape and long roads make Smøla particularly suitable for cycling. There are 22 marked hiking trails around the island. Check the current route information before setting out.

Edøya: Arrival and cultural orientation

When arriving on Smøla, Edøya is the first place visitors reach. Express boats from Trondheim or Kristiansund arrive here; two buses run onward from Edøya across Smøla. We recommend checking the current timetables for onward travel. The Gurisentret is located on Edøya next to the ferry quay, where the express boat also docks. The Gurisentret houses Smøla’s regional Coastal Pilgrim Centre.

Edøya was an important trading centre, military base and cultural centre. The Kulisteinen is an important record of the island’s history: in 2012, it was included as one of 60 documents in Norway’s Documentary Heritage Register. It is considered one of the earliest records of the Christianisation of Norway and the first known written use of the name “Norway” on Norwegian soil.

A recommended cultural heritage route runs from Edøya via Kuli to the shelter at Rosvoll; you can reach the Kulisteinen along the way. As route details may change, check the current route before setting out. Edøystjerna is also one of Edøya’s notable historical remains. It is unusually well preserved and carefully assembled. Its three arms extend from a central point; its diameter is eight metres.

The outdoor performance “Fru Guri av Edøy” has been staged at the Gurisentret’s open-air amphitheatre since 2009. Just outside the Gurisentret is a small beach suitable for swimming and crabbing.

Kayaking, cycling and hiking

Smøla Kajakk runs paddling courses, rents out kayaks and offers guided paddling trips. Rental trips start from a sandy beach at the paddling camp. Alternatively, for an additional fee, they can start in Veiholmen or elsewhere on Smøla. If you would like to use one of these alternative starting points, factor the additional fee into your plans.

Cycling and hiking offer other ways to explore the island. The flat landscape and long roads are particularly suitable for cycling. The 22 marked hiking trails run around the island; the cultural heritage route from Edøya via Kuli to Rosvoll combines the route with a visit to the Kulisteinen. This lets you choose between cycling, marked hiking trails and a route focused on cultural heritage.

Veiholmen, Sanden and local cuisine

Veiholmen was once one of Norway’s largest fishing villages south of the Lofoten Islands. However, activity in the village has declined considerably. The Sanden property in Været comprises five buildings and belongs to the Smøla Museum, which is part of the Nordmøre Museum. At the Villsaugården farm, visitors can sample local products made from wild sheep meat in the farm shop and restaurant.

When looking for a hotel on Smøla, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: kayaking and cycling, hiking trails, cultural history or local cuisine. This helps you plan around the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Holberg, Smøla, Veiholmen, Edøya, Korsvoll, Herøy, Fræna, Rindal

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