Hemnskjela Between Coastal History and Vettan

Hemnskjela brings together the history of former coastal forts and a hike to viewpoints overlooking the Trondheimsleia and Hitra. There is also the war memorial exhibition and Hemnskjelkaia, with its restaurant, pub and live music scene. When planning your trip, you can therefore make room for different sides of the area: a walk, a closer look at the fortifications or time at the quay.

Coastal Forts and Visible Traces of History

The former coastal fort on Hemnskjela comprised more than 100 different bunkers, accommodation rooms and gun emplacements. There were two coastal forts on the island, which at times were manned by as many as 600 to 800 soldiers. Many remains of the occupying force’s fortifications are still visible in the landscape and can be explored independently. The summit of Vettan is also home to the remains of a German bunker from the Second World War.

The Hemnskjela War Memorial Exhibition includes an outdoor exhibition that is open year-round. Another way to learn about the former fortifications is the “Krigshistorisk marsj” (Historical War March), a hike led by an interpreter from the Coastal Museum to selected locations on Hemnskjela. The route visits some of the surviving remains of the former fortified coastal fort. This differs from exploring the visible traces in the landscape independently.

Hiking to Vettan

Vettan is a hiking destination with views over the Trondheimsleia and Hitra. The trail starts at the car park by the MC House on Hemnskjela. It is about 2.1 kilometres each way and takes approximately 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. These details refer to the route to the destination and can help you fit the hike into your day.

The summit of Vettan is 164 metres above sea level and offers views in every direction. If you want to enjoy the elevation and the view of the surrounding area, you have a good reason to set aside time for the climb. The bunker remains at the summit also connect the outing with the island’s wartime history. This gives you two distinct interests to consider when planning your trip: a hike with views and a chance to explore the historical traces.

Stories Along the Trondheimsleia

The region’s history can also be discovered on the water. The historic RIB tour “Fortellinger i farta” (Stories on the Move) follows the Trondheimsleia, and its route includes Hemnskjela. Near Hemnskjela, the tour stops at Ystholmen. There, participants hear the story of the sinking of the yacht Naz Perwer, which had an Egyptian prince and princess aboard. As well as hiking to places on Hemnskjela, the tour along the Trondheimsleia offers a separate way to discover local stories.

Hemnskjelkaia and Getting There

Hemnskjelkaia on Hemnskjela has a restaurant, a pub and a live music scene. Food, cakes, coffee and cold drinks are available. This side of the area complements its history and landscape with food and music. If you would also like to make time for the offerings at the quay when planning your trip, you can consider this as a separate focus alongside hikes and historical experiences.

Hemnskjela is on County Road 714, also known as “Laksevegen” (the Salmon Road). The road runs from Hemnskjela through the underground Hitratunnelen, which opened in 1994, and continues to Sandstad. This information about the road connection can help you decide which experiences you want to shape your stay. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home on Hemnskjela, you can first consider whether you are most interested in the hike to Vettan, the coastal history, the tour along the Trondheimsleia or Hemnskjelkaia.

More destinations: Krokstadøra, Snillfjord and Sundlandet.

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