Discover Edøya

Edøya brings together trails, coastline and cultural history. The hike to Skutneshaugen starts at Gurisentret, Korsvollstranda is a sandy beach on the island, and Edøyskipet commemorates a rare archaeological discovery from the pre-Viking Age.

Getting here and starting points

Within the broader Smøla destination, Edøya is the first place visitors reach. Express boats from Trondheim or Kristiansund arrive at Edøya; from there, two buses continue across Smøla. If you use these connections for your trip, check the current timetables.

The hike to Skutneshaugen begins at Gurisentret; the walk starts after arriving on Edøya. The “Smøla rundt” cycling tour also begins on arrival at Edøya, where express boats and ferries dock. Check local trail conditions before hiking, and plan transport timetables separately from the tour.

Coast and trails

Korsvollstranda is a sandy beach on Edøya. Visitors must park their cars at the Edøy ferry terminal or at Gurisentret. Check local parking conditions before your visit so you can account for this required parking location in your plans.

The Kulturminneløypa trail runs from Edøya via Kuli; on the island, it follows the northern side. Together with the hike to Skutneshaugen, it offers another way to include a trail with a specific starting point on Edøya in your plans. Find out about local trail conditions before hiking.

Gurisentret and activities

Gurisentret is a regional coastal pilgrimage center at Edøy harbor. Within the broader Smøla destination, Smøla—with Gurisentret at Edøy harbor—is one of the key locations along the Kystpilegrimsleia. The center also houses an aquaculture visitor center with exhibitions and activities about salmon farming. Gurisentret therefore offers both a connection to the coastal pilgrimage route and specific activities related to aquaculture.

The mobile app experience “Uvirkelig virkelig” is set on Edøya and tells a story that begins at the end of the Viking Age and continues to the present day. It uses 3D footage of live actors, photogrammetry and 3D modeling of cultural monuments. Another activity at Gurisentret is the mobile outdoor puzzle trail “Reisen til Edøystjerna,” which is offered for the whole family.

During the “Skattejakt” activity, visitors can search with metal detectors on the beach or in the area around Gurisentret. During the summer season, contact the staff and, if possible, make an inquiry in advance.

Archaeology and cultural history

Edøyskipet is a rare archaeological ship burial from the pre-Viking Age, discovered on Edøya. Edøy gamle kirke is a stone church with an elongated floor plan, probably dating from around 1190. It is located at the Edøy ferry terminal on the island of Smøla, was protected in 2002 and is still in use.

Edøystjerna, an unusually well-preserved star-shaped burial monument, is located near the church. The archaeological sites and the church represent different historical evidence: a pre-Viking ship burial, a stone church probably dating from the late 12th century, and a star-shaped burial monument.

The open-air play “Fru Guri av Edøy” is well known and popular; its story is set in Edøygarden in the 12th century. The play is associated with Gurisentret, and performance dates vary by season. There will be no performances in 2026. Following the improvements planned for the amphitheater in 2026, a new performance is expected to be possible in 2027. Check the 2027 program before your trip.

Edøya within the broader Smøla destination

Within the broader Smøla destination, Edøya was an important trading center, military base and cultural center. The wider destination’s landscape is also distinctive: Smøla consists of thousands of islets and skerries; low, marshy terrain and an open landscape where sea and sky meet define the scenery. With its flat terrain and long roads, Smøla is especially well suited to cycling.

The cultural heritage of the broader Smøla destination includes the Kulisteinen. In 2012, it was included as one of 60 documents in the Norwegian Documentary Heritage register. The stone is considered one of the earliest records of the Christianization of Norway and the first known written use of the name “Norway” on Norwegian soil.

Discover more destinations: Holberg, Smøla, Veiholmen, Korsvoll.

Go to the overview of the broader destination: Smøla.