Hitra: Island World, Coastal Trails and Cultural Heritage

An archipelago of islands and skerries gives Hitra its distinctive geographical character. The landscape ranges from coasts and mountains to thousands of fishing waters. The Feskarbonde tradition also tells the story of life on Hitra, by and with the water: it brings together farming and fishing. As a result, exploring the island means encountering both natural and cultural landscapes, as well as stories about how the coast has been used.

Coastal Trails, Waters and Hiking Destinations

Hitra has four nature reserves. Various trails offer more ways to experience the landscape, though they do not all offer the same things. A gentle 2.9-kilometre one-way walk leads to Margrethes Minde, a hiking cabin operated by Hitra Turlag. Historic stone walls and a restored old milk cellar remain at the site. Ulvøystien offers a different experience: it is about six kilometres long, runs along the outer coast and can be walked as a loop. These details help you understand the route length and type; choose the one that best suits your plans.

The five-kilometre trail from Fillan via Blåskogstien ends at Blåskoghytta and is suitable for hiking and cycling. Blåskogvatnet, by the cabin, is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. The waters around Aunøya are used for recreational fishing, paddling and rowing; the area is protected as a recreation area. This means you can choose between trails leading to a destination, a coastal loop and activities on the water.

Dolm kirke and the Cultural Landscape

The medieval Dolm kirke is one of the oldest buildings on the Trøndelag coast still in use. It and Handelsstedet Hopsjø are important stops along Kystpilgrimsleia. A historic cultural landscape surrounds the church and is well suited to walks; information boards explain the area at several locations. Dolm vicarage garden and its associated cultural trails are open to everyone year-round. Check for any temporary notices before your visit.

For a closer look at the church and garden, Kystmuseet offers guided tours of both. The museum is based on Hitra and is the municipality’s local museum. This makes it possible to combine several interests on the island: a walk through the cultural landscape, a visit to a historic building that is still in use, or a guided tour related to both sites.

Aquaculture, Museum and Local Information

The “Ringer i vannet” exhibition at the Hitra express boat terminal in Sandstad explains the effects of Norwegian aquaculture on nature, society and public administration. If you would also like to learn about the subject on site, you can consider Kystmuseet’s guided tours: they depart from the terminal and take visitors by boat to a working aquaculture facility. Check the current tour times before making plans.

The Hitra tourist office at Kystmuseet offers hiking tips and information about buses, boats and other regional transport. Fishing licenses for all zones on Hitra are also sold there. As services may change, check what is currently available if you have a specific need. Hitra Gårdsmat offers a tasting of various cheeses made there; check the current booking arrangements in advance.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

The Kystekspressen express boat service, Route 800, regularly connects Trondheim and Kristiansund with Hitra, Frøya and the outer island chain. As timetables are important for planning, check current services before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Korshamn, Dolmøy, Kvenvær, Melandsjøen, Kjerringvåg, Hamarvik, Sandstad, Knarrlagsund, Hitra, Hestvika

For the overview of the wider region: Sor-Trondelag.