Hemnskjela: Coastal Forts, Vettan and Trondheimsleia

On Hemnskjela, a hike with expansive views and the history of the former coastal forts are among the defining experiences. Other highlights include visible fortification remains, an open-air exhibition open year-round, and tours on land and water. When planning your trip, you can choose between a hike, coastal history, a RIB tour along the Trondheimsleia and the dining options at Hemnskjelkaia.

Hiking to Vettan

The trail to Vettan starts at the car park by the MC-huset on Hemnskjela. It is about 2.1 kilometres each way; at a relaxed pace, the hike takes around 45 minutes. The summit is 164 metres above sea level and offers views in every direction, across the Trondheimsleia and towards Hitra. The remains of a German bunker from the Second World War are also located at the summit. The hike therefore combines panoramic views with a tangible trace of wartime history.

Coastal forts and war memorial exhibition

The former coastal fort on Hemnskjela comprised more than 100 different bunkers, accommodation rooms and gun emplacements. There were two coastal forts on Hemnskjela, which at times were manned by up to 600 to 800 soldiers. Many remains of the occupying force’s fortifications are still visible in the landscape and can be explored independently.

The Hemnskjela War Memorial Exhibition includes an open-air exhibition that is open year-round. On the “Krigshistorisk marsj” (Historical War March), a guide from the Coastal Museum leads a hike to selected sites on Hemnskjela. The exhibition and the hike focus on different things: the open-air exhibition is the focus here, while the hike offers interpretation at selected sites along the route.

Tours on land and along the Trondheimsleia

“Fortellinger i farta” is a historical RIB tour along the Trondheimsleia; its route includes Hemnskjela. Near Hemnskjela, the tour stops at Ystholmen. There, participants hear the story of the sinking of the yacht Naz Perwer, which carried an Egyptian prince and princess. While the “Krigshistorisk marsj” leads to selected sites on land, this tour focuses on the coastal route by water. If you are planning to take part, check the dates of the guided hike and RIB tour in advance.

Food and travel

Hemnskjelkaia on Hemnskjela has a restaurant and a pub, as well as a live music scene. The offerings include meals, cakes, coffee and cold drinks. If you are going for a particular dish or music event, check the offerings and programme in advance; menus, availability and individual events may change.

Hemnskjela lies on County Road 714, also known as “Laksevegen”. The county road runs from Hemnskjela through the underground Hitratunnelen to Sandstad; the tunnel opened in 1994. For navigation, you can use either name: County Road 714 or Laksevegen.

Hitra in its regional context

On Hitra, the landscape ranges from coastal scenery and mountains to thousands of fishing waters; Hitra also has an archipelago of islands and skerries. A separate exhibition, “Ringer i vannet” (Ripples in the Water), is located at the Hitra express boat terminal. It explains the effects of Norwegian aquaculture on nature, society and public administration.

Discover more destinations: Krokstadøra, Sundlandet, Snillfjord.

Return to the main travel overview: Snillfjord.