Norddyrøy: Coastal Landscape and Island Trails

Norddyrøya is one of the two Dyrøya islands in the municipality of Frøya, lying west of the northern tip of the main island of Frøya. The Trøastrømmen Bridge connects Norddyrøya to Kvernøya. This geographical context helps place the island as a distinct part of the larger Frøya destination. The focus is on the landscape of Yttersida, the journey via Dyrøya, and a circular route to Langvarden and Brannøyhaugen.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The Dyrøya islands are connected to one another by bridges and linked by road to “mainland Frøya” via additional bridges. To drive to the circular route, take county road 714. After Vågan cemetery on Dyrøya, turn towards Norddyrøya; the signposted parking area is about 0.3 kilometres further on, on the right. Check the turning and parking instructions again before setting out, as access information like this may change. The Dyrøy ferry terminal is in the north of Norddyrøya. Ferries and express boats run daily from there to the outer island chain; routes 825/820 serve the terminal. If you are planning a crossing, check the current timetable before you travel.

Coastal Landscape on Yttersida

Norddyrøya is part of Yttersida, which is recognised as a particularly valuable cultural landscape. The area is a typical coastal cultural landscape, with numerous islands, islets and skerries; coastal heath characterises Yttersida. These two features describe different aspects of the landscape: the pattern of islands and skerries defines the coast, while the heath characterises Yttersida. This provides a way to place Norddyrøy within Frøya through its distinctive landforms.

Circular Route over Langvarden and Brannøyhaugen

The circular route visits the two high points of Langvarden and Brannøyhaugen on Norddyrøya; there is a bench at each. One bench along the route offers views of Setra, Stranda and the northern end of Holasundet. At low tide, you can explore Bessholmen and Bessholmsanden; this option depends on local conditions. Part of the tour follows the old road on Dyrøya. The route therefore combines the high points, named viewpoints and a historic stretch of road with the tide-dependent opportunity to explore the two places mentioned. The tidal option is a separate consideration when planning, as it is not available regardless of local conditions.

Technical Heritage

The Norddyrøy slipway (“slipa i Holet”) was operated exclusively by mechanical means, using old boat engines. This traditional method of operation adds a specific aspect of Norddyrøya’s technical heritage to the landscape themes. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose to focus on either the coastal landforms or the history of technical use.

More Destinations in the Wider Frøya Destination

Frøya offers historical attractions beyond Norddyrøy, too. Behind the town hall in Sistranda, you can walk along the Stone Age Trail (Steinalderløypa). The trail presents traces of settlement dating back approximately 11,000 years, among the earliest settlement finds in Norwegian history. On Sula, the Sula Chapel is an important site on the Coastal Pilgrimage Route (Kystpilegrimsleia) and Frøya’s oldest church site; its roots date back to the 15th century. These places on Frøya complement Norddyrøy’s coastal landscape and circular route with traces of prehistoric settlement and a church-history perspective.

Discover more destinations: Kverva, Mausund, Sistranda, Titran, Sula, Dyrvik

See the wider travel guide: Frøya.