Stangvik: Wooden Church, Hiking Trails and Fjord Views

Stangvik brings together two themes to help you plan your trip: the history of Stangvik kyrkje and hikes through a landscape with fjord views. If you’re looking for hotels in Stangvik, these highlights can help you decide whether cultural history, hiking or both will shape your trip. A historic post road and a cycling network offer additional guidance.

Stangvik kyrkje: Building History and Tradition

Stangvik kyrkje was consecrated in 1897 and is considered the largest wooden church in Nordmøre. It originally had 600 seats. Its predecessor was a cruciform stave church, built in 1407 and destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning in 1783. The altarpiece, pulpit and church model from the earlier church building are preserved in today’s Stangvik kyrkje.

At the annual Whitsun service, people row to the church in old boats from several hamlets, among other traditions. Alongside the building’s history, this annual tradition and its connection to the hamlets are also in focus.

Hiking Trails and Getting Around

Storsetra is situated high up in an open landscape and offers views over the Stangvikfjord and Breifjord. The hike is suitable for families as well as for a training outing. From the ferry junction in Kvanne, drive about 6.5 kilometres towards Stangvika to reach the starting point of the Storsetra trail. Check road and parking conditions before setting off.

A flatter alternative route to Storsetra follows Stangviklivegen, a forest road along the hillside in Stangvika. Two different points of reference are therefore useful for planning: the drive to the trailhead and the flatter route to Storsetra.

Bøkeskogen is also one of the hiking areas in Stangvik. The beech forest was probably planted around 1887, adding a historical perspective to the forest theme. Svissholmen is protected for outdoor recreation with government funding and has a shelter with barbecue facilities. Check local conditions before your visit.

Post Road and Cycling Routes

The historic post road Den trondhjemske postveg runs from Stangvik to Vang skisenter near Kvanne. A cycling network about 15 kilometres long runs between Kvanne and Stangvika. Check its current condition and the local signage; the approximate length offers a guide for planning your trip.

Surnadal as a Wider Area

The wider destination of Surnadal has other standalone attractions. Svinviks arboret is situated between steep mountains and the Todalsfjord. Its collection includes 350 rhododendron species and hundreds of conifer species. There is a summer café there; check its seasonal opening before your trip. Vaulen is a government-protected local recreation area in Surnadal. Marked trails lead about four kilometres to Vaulen from the ends of the roads at Krokvatnet or Solåsvatnet. Renting Vaulen includes the use of a canoe and a boat.

Åsen bygdemuseum is also in Surnadal. This traditional open-air museum features buildings from different periods and local history collections. Visits are possible by prior booking and during events. The grounds are open at all times, even when the exhibitions are closed; check visiting conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Todalen, Surna, Surnadalsøra, Surnadal, Kvanne, Bølandet, Bæverfjorden, Settemsøran

Back to the wider travel overview: Surnadal.