Råkvåg: The Bryggerekka and the History of Herring

Råkvåg brings together an impressive history of herring fishing, art, a fishing museum and a swimming spot in the heart of the village. The Bryggerekka is especially distinctive: it is home to the largest collection of herring warehouses outside Norway’s larger cities. The surviving row dates back to the prosperous herring fishery around 1600 and makes this tradition a central theme of a stay here. The Bryggerekka is signposted for visitors.

Herring fishing and historic Bryggen warehouses

Råkvåg’s industrial history is also part of its story. The Råkvåg Canning cannery was founded in 1914 and processed the “silver of the sea.” It operated for about 20 years. The old cannery is signposted for visitors. Those interested in the village’s history can explore it further at Salteriet Kulturbrygge: the building houses a fishing museum that tells the story of Råkvåg.

The Salteriet Kulturbrygge building was constructed in 1914 and was formerly known as Storbrygga. Herring was salted and cut up in the Brygge; nets and other equipment were also stored there. These different functions give the history of fishing a tangible dimension: alongside catching and processing fish, storing the tools of the trade was also part of everyday fishing life.

Another historic Brygge is Hasselvoldbrygga, one of the oldest in the Bryggerekka. It was probably built in 1770 or 1771 and was used for salting herring and storing nets. Stilleberget also has a connection to local history in its name: the site is named after Stille Johansen, who lived in Vågen around 1700. Stilleberget is near the Bryggen warehouses.

Art and experiences in Råkvåg

The village’s cultural life also includes the Bryggeutstillinga, a sales exhibition featuring art by local and national artists. A new Bryggeutstilling is held in Råkvåg every summer; each annual exhibition has its own theme and presents works by local artists and artists from other parts of Norway. If you enjoy discovering art, you can make time for these changing exhibitions in your travel plans rather than focusing your stay solely on the history of fishing.

The “Råkvåg anno 1930” programme also draws on the herring fishery and includes a shore-seine cast, cooking herring and a tasting. Concerts are held at the Skarven pub in Marthabrygga. Together with the museum and art exhibition, these offer a range of cultural ways to engage with Råkvåg, from local history to art and music.

Swimming spot and route to Råkvåg

If you would like to spend time by the water as well as visiting the Bryggen warehouses, you’ll find Øykskjæret in the centre of Råkvåg. It is the municipality’s swimming spot. There are rocky areas and a beach; depending on the water level, there is also some muddy ground and sandy beach. This changing terrain is a specific feature to bear in mind when choosing a swimming spot: the available shoreline is not all sandy beach.

A 10-kilometre route runs from Krinsvatnet along the Nordelva to the centre of Råkvåg. If you plan to take this route, bear in mind its full length; the distance given does not specify a walking time or difficulty level. This lets you include the route as a separate part of your day’s plans, while Øykskjæret and the Bryggerekka offer other ways to shape your stay.

Råkvåg as a holiday destination

When looking for a holiday apartment in Råkvåg, your interests can help you decide: the Bryggerekka, the fishing museum and the history of the cannery make for a culturally focused stay, while Øykskjæret and the 10-kilometre route offer other ways to experience the area actively. Marthabrygga has an 80-metre guest pier, as well as sanitary facilities, electricity and water. It is also a starting point for a walk along the Bryggerekka. These facilities belong to Marthabrygga, not to the amenities of a holiday apartment.

If you’re considering other places for your trip, you can also explore Sørfjorden, Rissa, Fevåg, Stadsbygd and Hasselvika.

Back to the main travel overview: Rissa.