Discover Holberg

For a trip to Holberg, the nearby Steinsøysundet–Hopen kayak route is a specific point of interest. The wider travel area of Smøla offers additional themes: island nature, land-based activities, and cultural history.

Nearby Steinsøysundet–Hopen kayak route

The Steinsøysundet–Hopen kayak route passes through a sheltered section with several small islands and abundant wildlife. It runs close to the shore, where there are fewer waves and more wildlife to see; the area is home to many otters and eagles. At the same time, a 200-metre section is exposed to waves, especially in northerly winds. It is best to pass through at low water. At high tide, you can paddle around Hopaøya along the route, and tidal currents may occur at certain times. Wind and water levels are therefore important factors when planning. Check the latest route information before setting out.

There is parking at the starting point in Steinsøysundet, along with a campsite with a lavvu, a gapahuk shelter, and kayak and equipment rental. In summer and on weekends, a café is also open; check its specific opening days before visiting. The route passes Smøla Havfiskesenter, where paddlers can use a floating dock or a sloped boat-launching ramp. It ends at a floating dock at Hopen Brygge. This makes it possible to distinguish the starting point, midpoint, and destination when planning the day.

On Smøla, Smøla Kajakk offers paddling courses, kayak rental, and guided paddling tours. Rental tours start at a sandy beach in the paddling camp. For an additional fee, they can also start in Veiholmen or at another location on Smøla. These options add different ways to paddle to your route planning.

Landscape and activities on Smøla

Smøla consists of thousands of small islands and skerries. Low, boggy ground and an open landscape where sea and sky meet define the scenery. The island is considered particularly well suited to cycling because of its flat landscape and long roads. There are 22 marked trails around the island for hiking; check the latest route information if you are planning a specific hike.

Birdlife is also part of the landscape: Smøla is thought to have the world's densest population of white-tailed eagles, with around 50 breeding pairs. This figure is approximate. It adds to the picture of an island region where open landscapes and wildlife watching play a role, although sightings on any particular trip cannot be predicted.

Cultural history and destinations on Smøla

Veiholmen is a fishing village on Smøla. Narrow lanes wind between old houses at the edge of the archipelago, close to the open sea. In the past, Veiholmen was one of Norway's largest fishing villages south of Lofoten; activity in the village has declined significantly. An important trading centre, military base, and cultural centre was located on Edøya.

Gurisentret is next to the ferry terminal on Edøya, where the express boat also stops. Gurisentret is home to Smøla's regional coastal pilgrimage centre. In 2012, the Kulisteinen 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 in Rosvoll; you can visit the Kulisteinen along the way.

Getting there and planning your route

Edøya is the first place visitors reach when arriving on Smøla. Express boats from Trondheim or Kristiansund arrive there; two buses continue across Smøla from there. Buses run to Veiholmen and the ferry terminal at Edøy. Route information is available in the Fram app. The drive from the ferry terminal on Edøya to Smøla Kajakk in Steinsøysundet takes 25 minutes, but this may vary depending on conditions. Check current connections and timetables for your specific trip.

Discover more destinations: Veiholmen, Korsvoll, Edøya, Smøla

Back to the overview of the wider travel area: Smøla.