Fiksdal: Troll Trail and Church History

In Fiksdal, discoveries range from the long church dating from 1866 to a family walk where children look for troll figures. Nearby, the summit of Melen (Fiksdalshornet) offers views; its steep north and east sides deserve particular attention. This gives you local history, a child-friendly walk and a mountain destination as distinct focal points for planning your trip.

History at Fiksdal Church

Fiksdal Church is a long church dating from 1866. The pulpit and altarpiece also tell a story that reaches beyond the village: both come from the former Reknes hospital. The churchyard also dates from 1866. Almost all the gravestones have been preserved and showcase changing design styles—a glimpse of how forms and memories have changed over time.

A memorial stone at the church commemorates 15 soldiers who took part in the Napoleonic Wars from 1807 to 1814. There are also traces of the former route to church: a church stable for churchgoers from Gjelsten, dating from around 1914, was moved to its present location by Fiksdal Church. Another stable served churchgoers from Rekdal; both stables were in use until around 1950. Together, these details connect the church with the people who came to worship from different places.

Troll Trail with children

Troll Trail is a family walk where young children can look for the small and large troll figures placed along the path. This gives the walk a specific activity to enjoy along the way: it is made interesting not only by its destination, but also by the figures along the route. For families who would like to include a shared activity like this in their trip, it is a clearly defined option in Fiksdal.

The walk starts at a cattle grid in the village, next to a small car park. The first section follows a paved road for about 400 metres; the route then turns right onto a forest path marked Trollrunda. Check the current markings and parking situation before setting off. These details help you find the starting point, but do not specify how long the walk takes.

Melen nearby

The summit of Melen (Fiksdalshornet) offers wonderful views. At the same time, the terrain on the north and east sides of the summit is very steep. If you include Melen in your plans, assess the local conditions for yourself and pay particular attention to any children in your hiking group. This makes the mountain experience quite different from the Troll Trail: the focus here is not on finding figures, but on the views from the summit and taking care on the steep terrain.

Fiksdal as a place to search for a holiday rental

When choosing a destination, consider whether you want the Troll Trail and church history to shape your trip, or whether you would also like to include nearby Melen. Fiksdal is a suitable place to search if you want to focus on the local attractions; the mountain adds a destination nearby to your plans.

More to explore in the wider Vestnes destination

Vestnes also has its own cultural and scenic highlights. Tresfjord Museum officially opened in 1949 and has a pavilion with panoramic views of Tresfjord. If you are planning a visit, check the current access arrangements in advance. Another historic route is the Trondhjemske postvei: it runs from Amdam via Ørskogfjellet and down to the centre of Vestnes. On the Vestnes side, it passes through woodland and cultural landscapes, under the E39 and through modern residential areas.

In summer, Vestnes offers activities on the water at Kråkvika: canoes, SUP boards and life jackets are available to borrow free of charge, and the offer is open to everyone. You can collect the key during library opening hours; the equipment is in the boathouse. As this is a seasonal offer, check whether it is available during your visit before making plans. These options are part of the wider Vestnes destination and should be distinguished from Fiksdal’s local attractions.

Discover more destinations: Tomrefjord, Selneset, Rekdal, Vikebukt, Vestnes, Sørsylte.

Back to the wider travel guide: Vestnes.