Nesjestranda: Island History and Trails by Vikvatnet

Boat trips from Nesjestranda take you to the nearby island of Veøya, whose history dates back to the earliest settlements. Trails also invite you through the forest, along a lake and up into rocky terrain. Choosing this destination for your holiday lets you decide between exploring cultural history on the water and discovering the area on foot.

Veøya: History and Cultural Heritage Sites

In the Middle Ages, Veøya developed into an important centre of power in Romsdal. The island was home to a Thing assembly site and a trading post. Guided visits include a tour of archaeological finds and historical events; the programme also features the unique 12th-century stone church and the vicarage. This makes Veøya a special destination for anyone wishing to combine a trip through Romsdal with historical discoveries.

The Veøya Rundt kayak tour also takes you from Nesjestranda to the island’s cultural heritage sites. The old Veøy Church and the old vicarage are recommended stops ashore. In Nesjestranda, there is a parking and launch site for this tour below the road, just after the tunnel towards Sølsnes. This means you can reach the island not only by boat or on a guided visit, but also by kayak.

Plan a Boat Trip to the Island

Nesjestranda is a departure point for boat trips to Veøya. Outside the scheduled services, you can rent a boat there to reach the island. Experience operating a motorboat is required. Wind and wave conditions in the area can change quickly during the crossing; everyone on board a rented boat must wear a properly secured life jacket. These conditions are worth considering when deciding whether a guided trip or a self-guided outing is a better fit for your journey.

Trails near Berg and Vikvatnet

The route to Vass-skaret starts at a car park near Berg. From Riksvei 64, take the turn-off near the former Nesjestranda secondary school onto Bergsvikveien. The route runs from Berg along the southern shore of Vikvatnet and continues uphill to Vass-skaret. The transition from lakeshore to ascending trail gives this hike a different character from a route that runs mostly along a road.

The route to Skålsetra also starts in Berg. From Riksvei 64, turn off near the former Nesjestranda secondary school, follow Bergsvikveien for about 1 km and park at the start of the cross-country ski trail. The route passes through easy terrain; in summer, the ski trail follows a road used by vehicles. If you are looking for a route with this described terrain, you could consider Skålsetra.

Forest, Marshland and Views near Skåla

Kammen, near Skåla, is close to Nesjestranda. The varied hike passes through forest, along a forest road and a trail, and over marshland. The final section crosses rocky ground, where the landscape opens up. From Kammen, you can see Molde, Bølsøya and the islands. With its changing trail sections and described views, this hike differs from the routes near Berg.

Veøya, too, offers nearby opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The island is designated as a protected landscape area. Cultural heritage sites, a visit to the island and hikes offer different options: when planning your holiday, decide whether you would rather spend your days exploring Veøya’s history or following trails through the landscape.

Other places at this level: Bolsøya, Hjelset, Sekken, Kortgarden, Skåla, Molde.

Go to the main travel overview: Molde.