Surnadalsøra: Village History and Art

Surnadalsøra combines the history of a former village centre in Inner Nordmøre with a local history protected as a cultural landscape. The area is designated as a cultural landscape of regional importance and is protected under the Norwegian Planning and Building Act. This offers a clear focus for planning your trip: village history and built heritage sit alongside an art scene that has also found a home in repurposed buildings. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in a place shaped by culture, these themes can help you get a sense of Surnadalsøra.

Traces of village history

Historical landmarks include Raulåna, a formally protected cultural monument classified as a residence and post office. Another period is represented by the garage and workshop building belonging to Surnadal Billag. It is part of the plain, functionalist section of the protected building ensemble, which was rebuilt after the 1938 fire. These examples illustrate different aspects of the area's history: the former functions of residence and post office, and the understated design of a building ensemble. Together with settlement that has developed over generations, local traditions, and village history, they offer a cultural perspective on Surnadalsøra that extends beyond a single building.

If you are travelling with children, the different uses offer concrete starting points for conversations about local history: Raulåna as a residence and post office, the garage and workshop building at Surnadal Billag, and art production in the old Samvirkelaget building. This makes it possible to explore former functions and present-day cultural activities as different facets of the place.

Art in repurposed buildings

Surna Kunst og Håndverk is located in the old Samvirkelaget building. In the workshop, ceramic artist Marianne Fjærvik makes ceramics under the brand name “Amfora Design”. Surnadal Billag adds another dimension as an artist residency and project space in a former bus station that has been converted into studios and project spaces. It has hosted solo exhibitions, educational workshops, concerts, and performances.

Øramartnan in the old village centre

Øramartnan takes place every year in the old village centre of Surnadalsøra. The event brings the quay to life with trading, music, food, and dancing. The 2024 edition is also described as stretching along the road: the stalls were set up on both sides of the road through Surnadalsøra. Items on offer included handicrafts, food, drinks, second-hand goods, and books.

Local places to stay

Strandagården, with its landing place, is now used as accommodation for art students and artists exhibiting at Surnadal Billag. Hammerstuene is a restaurant with overnight accommodation; from the dining room, you can look out over the river and the sea. Both provide insight into local connections between accommodation, art, and food, but they represent different types of accommodation.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Surnadalsøra, consider which focus you want your trip to have: protected village history, art in repurposed buildings, or the annual Øramartnan. This will help you choose a place based on the cultural themes that interest you locally.

More local pages

Torvik: Torvik, Todalen: Todalen, Surna: Surna, Stangvik: Stangvik, Settemsøran: Settemsøran, Kvanne: Kvanne, Bølandet: Bølandet, Bæverfjorden: Bæverfjorden.

For the main travel overview: Surnadal.