Discover Veiholmen: A Fishing Village with a Maritime History

Veiholmen is a fishing village with a built heritage closely connected to its harbour and fishing. Angelhusnaust is located in the middle of the harbour. On arrival in the fishing village, you can see three boathouses standing side by side, which represent the village’s building tradition as an original cultural environment. This group of buildings brings together a harbour setting, fishing and traditional architecture in one place.

Harbour and Fishing History

From the early 19th century until it was adapted for motorised vehicles in the 1950s, Angelhusnaust was used as a quay, boathouse and store for fishing equipment. Its history therefore spans a long period and several harbour functions. Brenneriet points to another aspect of the history of fishing: originally, it was a fish-oil refinery dating from the 1880s; in 1995, it was taken over by Veiholmen Fiskesamvirke. On Smøla, Veiholmen was once one of Norway’s largest fishing villages south of Lofoten, but activity in the village has declined significantly.

Buildings and Settlement Pattern

The Sanden property in Veiholmen comprises five buildings, preserved as they were during the lifetime of the last owner. At Angelhusnaust, by contrast, the focus is on its former functions as a quay, boathouse and store. The two sites illustrate different aspects of architectural history: the preservation of a group of buildings and the long-term use of a harbour building.

In the historic settlement area known as “Været,” the houses stand close together, so the layout of the buildings, as well as the individual structures, shapes the village’s character. The statue “Feskarkjerringa” stands in the middle of the settlement. It depicts a fisherwoman with a young boy and a cod. The OlsenNaustet restaurant is located in Veiholmen in a renovated old boathouse, whose beams date back to the 1770s.

Kayak Tour or Walk

A guided sea-kayaking tour lasting two and a half to three hours goes around Veiholmen, which is surrounded by islets, skerries and open sea. The route also passes through narrow channels, where there is a good chance of spotting white-tailed eagles, eider ducks and terns. On foot, a walk leads to the Valen skerries off the outer part of Veiholmen. It offers views of the sea, Haujegla Lighthouse and the sunset over the sea. The activities offer different perspectives: kayaking focuses on the channels and possible birdwatching, while the walk offers sea views, the lighthouse and the evening light.

Festival and Road Connection

The Småbåtfestivalen takes place in Veiholmen every year around the turn of August and September. Veiholmen is connected to Smøla’s main island by road. This connection includes bridges, causeways and protective breakwaters.

Smøla as a Regional Setting

On Smøla, the landscape is shaped by low-lying, boggy terrain and open surroundings where sea and sky meet. Smøla consists of thousands of islets and skerries.

Discover more destinations: Edøya, Smøla, Korsvoll, Holberg

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