Discover Holberg: Kayaking and culture in the Smøla travel area

When planning a trip to Holberg, it is worth looking at the immediate surroundings and the wider Smøla travel area. Nearby, the Steinsøysundet–Hopen kayaking route passes through a sheltered stretch with small islands and diverse wildlife. Planning a stay therefore involves weighing up a few options: would you like to get out on the water, explore the landscape, or include cultural sights in the region?

Kayaking route in the immediate area

The route runs close to shore, where there are fewer waves and more wildlife to see. The area is home to many otters and eagles. A 200-metre stretch is exposed to waves, especially in northerly winds; it is best to cross it at low tide. At high tide, you can paddle around Hopaøya along the route, though tidal currents may occur at certain times. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping these different water conditions in mind.

At the starting area in Steinsøysundet, there is parking, a campsite with a lavvu, a gapahuk shelter, and kayak and equipment hire. A café is open in summer and at weekends; check the specific opening days before visiting. The route passes Smøla Havfiskesenter, where paddlers can use a floating dock or a sloped boat launch. It ends at a floating dock at Hopen Brygge.

Getting to Smøla and finding your way around

The drive from the ferry terminal on Edøya to Smøla Kajakk in Steinsøysundet takes 25 minutes, though this can vary depending on conditions. Express boats from Trondheim or Kristiansund arrive at Edøya; from there, two buses continue across Smøla. Buses also run to Veiholmen and the ferry terminal on Edøya. Route information is available in the Fram app. Bus routes and timetables may change, so it is helpful to check the latest information before travelling.

At Smøla Kajakk, rental trips start at a sandy beach in the paddling camp. For an additional fee, they can also start in Veiholmen or elsewhere on Smøla. In addition to guided paddling trips, Smøla Kajakk offers kayak hire and paddling courses. This gives you the choice of planning a trip yourself or joining a guided activity during your stay.

Landscape and trails on Smøla

Smøla consists of thousands of islets and skerries. Its landscape is characterised by low-lying, boggy terrain and wide-open areas where sea and sky meet. Smøla is thought to have the world’s highest density of white-tailed eagles, with around 50 breeding pairs. This regional landscape offers a different focus from the sheltered island passages along the kayaking route.

Smøla’s flat terrain and long roads are particularly well suited to cycling. There are 22 marked hiking trails around the island; this number may change, so it is worth checking current route information before setting out. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Holberg, you can take these differences into account when planning your trip: the kayaking route is nearby, while cycling and hiking opportunities are part of the wider Smøla travel area.

Edøya and culture in the Smøla travel area

Edøya was an important trading centre, military base and cultural centre. Gurisentret is next to the ferry terminal, which is also served by the express boat; it is home to Smøla’s regional coastal pilgrimage centre. Just outside Gurisentret, there is a small beach for swimming and catching crabs.

A recommended cultural heritage route runs from Edøya via Kuli to the shelter at Rosvoll. Along the way, you can visit the Kulisteinen. In 2012, it was included as one of 60 documents in Norway’s documentary heritage register. The stone is considered one of the earliest records of the Christianisation of Norway and the site of the first known written use of the name “Norway” on Norwegian soil.

Regional food culture can also be part of your trip: at Villsaugården on Smøla, visitors can sample local products made from wild sheep meat in the farm shop and restaurant. This can help you decide what to focus on when choosing a holiday rental in Holberg: paddling nearby, or culture, scenery and other discoveries in the Smøla travel area.

Discover more destinations

Korsvoll, Veiholmen, Edøya, Smøla

Go to the main travel overview: Smøla.