Surna: Local History, Art and the Route to Roparen

Surnadalsøra is a former village centre in the heart of Nordmøre. Its houses stand close together along a street reminiscent of a cobbler’s lane, with the river on one side and the forest on the other. The place combines a distinctive settlement pattern with protected architectural heritage; art venues and the starting point of a hike add further interests for visitors.

A townscape shaped by three historical periods

Under Norway’s Planning and Building Act, Surnadalsøra is formally protected for conservation. Its protected buildings are divided into three areas: buildings from 1850 to 1900, buildings from 1900 to 1938, and the area rebuilt after 1938. Several clearly distinct building periods therefore shape the townscape, rather than it being attributed to just one era.

The area rebuilt after the fire includes the garage and workshop building of Surnadal Billag, characterised by simple functionalist architecture. This example connects the history of reconstruction with a specifically named building and a clearly identified architectural style. Both the different periods and the architecture of the later section are therefore important for understanding the protected buildings.

Art and crafts in Surnadalsøra

Surnadal Billag houses an art centre with studio, workshop and exhibition activities. In the past, Surnadal Billag hosted around twenty artists from around the world and served as a venue for workshops, exhibitions and concerts. The current description of the art centre thus sits alongside its former cultural uses, without suggesting that the historical events are part of a current programme.

Surna Kunst og Håndverk is located in the old Samvirkelaget building in Surnadalsøra. Ceramic artist Marianne Fjærvik also runs a workshop in Surnadalsøra, where she makes ceramics under the brand “Amfora Design”. These examples add different forms of local art and craft activity to the architectural history: an art centre, an arts and crafts presence in the old Samvirkelaget, and the ceramic work of a named artist.

Hike to Roparen

The hike to Roparen starts in Surnadalsøra, on the eastern road to the prayer house. The route description was updated on 16 May 2022; check the details locally before setting off. This makes it possible to plan a trip around either local history or a hike with a named starting point.

More places to explore in the wider Surnadal destination

Other places in the wider Surnadal destination offer more options for days focused on nature and culture. Svinviks arboret lies between steep mountains and the Todalsfjord and has 350 rhododendron species as well as hundreds of conifer species. There is a café there in summer; check seasonal opening before your trip. Vaulen is a state-secured recreation area in Surnadal. Marked trails lead from the road ends at Krokvatnet or Solåsvatnet about four kilometres to Vaulen. Renting Vaulen includes the use of a canoe and a boat.

The Åsen bygdemuseum in Surnadal is also a traditional open-air museum, with buildings from different periods and local history collections. Visits to the exhibitions are possible by prior booking and during events. The grounds themselves are open at all times, even when the exhibitions are closed. This means access to the grounds is different from visiting the exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Bølandet, Todalen, Bæverfjorden, Surnadal, Kvanne, Settemsøran, Torvik, Stangvik

Back to the main travel overview: Surnadal.