Vinjeøra: History, Viking Finds and Fjord

Vinjeøra’s attractions range from an octagonal wooden church and historic trading buildings to archaeological finds. There is also a bathing spot by the river, and the Storlisetra cabin is nearby. When planning a trip, you can choose from a variety of themes, including local history, archaeology, water and trails in the surrounding area.

Church and trading history

Vinje Church was built in 1820 and is located in Vinjeøra. Its octagonal shape is a distinctive architectural feature: the floor plan has eight sides. The wooden church is automatically listed as a protected heritage site by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren). Its year of construction, building style and heritage status give your visit a clear historical context.

Another chapter in the area’s history can be seen at the old trading post, Bua, dating from 1895. It has a well-preserved, distinctively designed general store building. It can be opened on request and is open to everyone. If you would like to visit the building, be sure to take the request requirement into account when planning.

The burial ground and Viking finds at Skeiet

The burial ground at Skeiet in Vinjeøra was in use from around 550 to 950 AD. A particularly remarkable discovery there was a double boat burial. A woman from the 8th century was buried in a small boat with a cow’s head and two large bronze oval brooches. In the same grave lay a man from the 7th century with a boat, sword and spear. No such double boat burial had been discovered in Norway before this find.

The finds give the area a tangible archaeological dimension: one grave contains two burials dating to different centuries. The Voice of Norway app has an audio feature about remarkable Viking finds in Vinjeøra. There are also routes in Heim that you can follow on foot or by car and listen to along the way; the map feature guides you from point to point.

Storlisetra and the Fjordruta

The Storlisetra tourist cabin is near Vinjeøra; the walk from Vinjeøra to the cabin takes about 40 minutes. Most of the route to the cabin follows a forest track. The cabin is open year-round; as operating information may change, check the latest details before setting out.

The climb from Vinjeøra to the treeless mountain terrain takes about 40 minutes; this is separate from the walking time to Storlisetra cabin. Storlisetra is the eighth cabin on the Fjordruta if you start the route at Kristiansund Airport. The Fjordruta has SignaTur status.

River, harbour and events

Finstedet is a bathing spot on the Fjelna River near Vinjeøra. Vinjeøra boat harbour, a small marina with a few visitor berths, lies at the innermost end of the Vinjefjord. If you plan to arrive by boat, check berth availability in advance.

The Vinje Historical Society holds Bakardaga every year and the Buadag every summer in Vinjeøra. If one of the festivals is the reason for your trip, check the dates before planning. Another local feature is an intact bakery dating from the 1870s, with a restored historic baking oven. Baking takes place there several times a year.

When choosing your travel dates, it is helpful to note the difference between the events: Bakardaga takes place annually, while Buadag is held every summer. You can time your stay to coincide with either festival and visit the other attractions independently.

Discover more destinations: Kyrksæterøra, Hellandsjøen

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