Surnadal: Nature, Trails and Culture

Svinvik Arboretum lies between steep mountains and the Todalsfjord. Its botanical collection includes 350 rhododendron species and hundreds of conifer species. Rhododendrons and conifers are distinct focal points within the collection. The arboretum also has a summer café; check its seasonal opening dates before your trip.

Trails and nature in Surnadal

Vaulen is a state-secured local recreation area in Surnadal. Marked trails lead about four kilometres to Vaulen from the ends of the roads near Krokvatnet or Solåsvatnet. The approximate trail length gives you a planning guide, while the named starting areas offer two specific access points. Renting Vaulen includes canoe and boat hire. If you plan to use this service, check the rental information in advance.

Honnstadknyken, also called Knyken, rises to 1,071 metres above sea level in central Surnadal. Todalen is an access point for the trail to Trollheimen. These natural attractions complement Vaulen in different ways: at Vaulen, the marked trails, starting areas and approximate distance are specified, while Todalen is highlighted as an access point.

Art, literature and local history

Kallastuå at Telesbøen in Surnadal is an art museum and gallery named after the late visual artist Kalla Skrøvseth. If you plan to visit Kallastuå during your stay, check the current opening details in advance. Kleiva, above Skei, was the home of village poet Hans Hyldbakk. The two places offer different cultural highlights: Kallastuå is a museum and gallery, while Kleiva is linked to the poet’s former home in a particular place.

The Åsen bygdemuseum at Eidet is a traditional open-air museum in Surnadal, with buildings from different periods and local history collections. The buildings and collections bring together different aspects of local history. Visits are possible by advance booking and during events. The grounds are open at all times, even when the exhibitions are closed. This distinction is useful for planning: the museum can be visited by advance booking or during events, while the grounds remain open when the exhibitions are closed.

More to explore in the wider destination of More Og Romsdal

The wider destination of More Og Romsdal also offers distinctive nature and culture. The Atlantic Road is a National Scenic Route, running across eight bridges from Kårvåg on Averøya to Vevang on the mainland. Between Bud and Kristiansund, it offers a continuous experience of coast, culture and history. Trollstigen winds through the steep mountainsides of Romsdalen in eleven hairpin bends, connecting Åndalsnes and Valldal. The Geirangerfjord was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 as part of the West Norwegian Fjords landscape; large parts of the fjord and its surroundings are designated as a protected landscape area. More Og Romsdal therefore brings together a coastal route, a road through steep mountain slopes and a protected fjord landscape as distinct travel experiences.

Discover more destinations

Surnadalsøra, Surnadal, Bæverfjorden, Bølandet, Settemsøran, Kvanne, Stangvik, Torvik, Surna, Todalen

For the wider travel overview: More Og Romsdal.