Korssund: Stone Cross, History and Hiking Trails

Korssund combines a striking stone cross with its history as an inn and post-change station, as well as a harbour for jekter and boats. Marked hiking trails in the area and the guest harbour add a practical perspective for a stay to this cultural and historical profile. This makes it possible to explore Korssund through its history as well as through hiking and its connection to boating.

The Stone Cross and Local History

The stone cross in Korssund is 3.84 metres high, making it one of the tallest stone crosses in Norway. Alongside this specific measurement is its historical context: the Korssund stone cross is generally dated to Norway’s official Christianisation period, from 950 to 1050. This dating gives a time period, not a single year of origin.

The area next to the stone cross is said to have been used as a marketplace. Thus, the dating of the cross and the possible former trading function of the neighbouring area stand alongside one another as distinct aspects of local history.

The History of the Inn and Transport

Korssund was already an inn station in the 17th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Korssund was described as an old, privileged inn and post-change station, as well as a necessary harbour for jekter and boats.

A specific example from the history of transport is the Fylkesbaatane timetable from 1877: Korssund was marked with an asterisk as a request stop. The ship stopped only if freight or passengers were bound for the place or coming from it. The stop therefore depended on whether the journey had a connection to Korssund.

Hiking and the Guest Harbour

There are marked hiking trails in the Korssund area. The Nordsjøløype and other well-maintained hiking trails are located near the guest harbour. For specific tour planning, check the current route and trail conditions, as maintenance and names may change.

Korssund guest harbour has around 30 berths. This approximate figure offers practical guidance for boat travellers; check availability before you arrive. The hiking trails in the area and the berths at the guest harbour are two distinct points of reference for planning your stay.

Further Perspectives in the Wider Fjaler Area

In the wider destination of Fjaler, another strand of transport history is represented by the Trondhjemske Post Road. The Dale–Leirvik section was built between 1801 and 1806 for weekly postal service; a total of 19 stone bridges were built along the route. It passes through a varied cultural landscape with numerous cultural heritage sites. In comparison with the historic shipping in Korssund, it illustrates a different aspect of postal transport: the route between Dale and Leirvik.

In Dale, in the wider Fjaler area, Klokkargarden, the childhood home of poet Jakob Sande, is the main base of the Jakob Sande Centre for Storytelling. Bestefarstaua at the centre houses a museum collection and an exhibition; Løa is a cultural venue for events, meetings and rentals. Literature and storytelling, the collection and exhibition, and the use of a cultural venue are distinct cultural highlights.

Vidsyn is also part of the wider destination of Fjaler: the day-trip cabin stands on Bygdeheia in Ytre Fjaler; from there, the view extends in every direction and across the sea to Alden. You can reach Vidsyn from Furset or Skor; there is parking at both starting points. As parking conditions may vary seasonally, check them before setting off.

The theatre festival in the wider Fjaler area takes place every year in September; specific programme dates vary. If this cultural event is important to your travel plans, check the dates for your chosen year.

Discover more destinations: Askvoll, Kvammen, Bulandet, Værlandet, Stongfjorden, Atløy, Holmedal.

Back to the main travel overview: Askvoll.