Geography — where Smøla lies
Smøla is a flat island in the Atlantic off Norway's west coast, between Kristiansund and Trondheim. The southernmost of the three large islands Hitra, Frøya and Smøla — at 274 km² one of the largest in Norway.
The island sits in the region of Møre og Romsdal. Smøla is exceptionally flat: its highest point reaches just 63 metres. This topography makes the island the ideal home for what was once Norway's largest onshore wind farm — and for long cycling trips along the coast.
Birds — sea eagles at the top
Smøla hosts the highest sea-eagle density in Europe. The white-tailed eagle, with a wingspan of up to 2.65 metres, breeds here in dozens of pairs on the skerries and steep coasts of the island.
Beyond the sea eagle, birdwatchers observe eider ducks, oystercatchers, loons, cormorants and puffins. The foundation "Smøla Naturopplevelser" offers guided sea-eagle safaris that we are happy to book for you.
Did you know? At the Smøla wind farm in 2020 it was scientifically demonstrated that painting a single rotor blade black reduces bird strikes by 70% — a finding now cited worldwide.
Veiholmen — the fishing village
Veiholmen sits on a tiny group of islands north of the main island — connected by a road of bridges, causeways and breakwaters. Once the largest fishing village south of Lofoten, Veiholmen is today a lively village with active fishing, small cafés and the classic Norwegian coastal architecture.
Veiholmen is Smøla in miniature — once you've walked among the colourful wooden houses, you understand Atlantic life.
Skerries & Islands — the sea's second home
The coastline is framed by a wide skerry garden — more than 5,000 small and tiny islands. Vegetation shifts from west to east: the wind-blown west coast stays low, the east turns increasingly forested.
In summer the skerries can be explored by kayak, small boat or organised tours — many islets are uninhabited and reachable with a short hop.
Four seasons — four Smølas
Spring · May – June
First midnight sun from mid-May. Birds return to the skerries, water temperature slowly rises, the first fishing boats head out. A calm, clear pre-season before peak time.
Tip: May is the best time for birdwatching — all species breed in parallel.
Summer · June – August
Main fishing season: cod, halibut and pollock are in the main currents. 20 hours of daylight, warm days, mild nights. Best time for hiking, kayaking and skerry tours. Popular weeks are often booked months ahead — early booking pays off.
Tip: Mid-June to mid-July is "true" midnight sun — the sun never sets here.
Autumn · September – November
Northern lights season begins in mid-September as nights grow darker. Clearer views, calmer fishing (pollock shoals!), cool temperatures. For many regulars the most beautiful season — less bustle, deeper colours, often the first aurora sightings.
Tip: Travel around full moon for especially dramatic polar nights.
Winter · December – February
Stillness, long polar-night days, frequent aurora — for guests who seek the rugged, honest Norway. Shorter daylight (3–5 hours in December), mild temperatures thanks to the Gulf Stream (rarely below -5 °C).
Tip: On request we arrange snowshoe tours in the polar night.
Activities in detail
Fishing
Cod (Norwegian: torsk), halibut (kveite), pollock (sei) and pollack — all year round. Summer is peak season. From the boat in the currents off the island or from the pier. Rental boats with echo sounder, chart plotter and reserve tank.
Hiking & Cycling
Smøla's flat topography makes the island ideal for cycling. Marked coastal paths, observation towers along the wind farm, trails through heathland and moor.
Kayak & Skerry Tours
Guided skerry tours in sheltered bays — for beginners too. Independent trips with rental kayaks in good weather.
Sea-Eagle Safari
Guided 2-hour boat tour with local wildlife guides. Guaranteed eagle sightings in the May–September season. We coordinate the booking for our guests.
Golf on the Atlantic
Smøla Golf Club operates a 9-hole course directly on the Atlantic coast — one of the most north-westerly golf venues in Europe. Season June–September.
Weather & Climate
Smøla lies in the Gulf Stream — winters stay mild, summers cool. Wind is everywhere, but the rough climate is exactly what makes the island so clear and honest.
| Month | Avg. temp. | Rain | Sunshine / day |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 °C | ○○○ | 3 h |
| April | 5 °C | ○○ | 8 h |
| June | 11 °C | ○ | 20 h (Mitternachtssonne) |
| August | 13 °C | ○○ | 17 h |
| October | 7 °C | ○○○ | 7 h |
| December | 1 °C | ○○○ | 4 h |
○ wenig · ○○ mittel · ○○○ viel
Practical info on site
Mobile & Internet
4G/5G across the whole island via Telenor & Telia. Wi-Fi in every accommodation.
Shopping
Coop Extra and Joker supermarkets in Hopen (main village). Selection comparable to Germany.
Money
Card payment everywhere. Cash only at ATMs in Kristiansund (mainland) or Hopen.
Power
230 V, German plugs — no adapter needed.
Emergency
112 (police), 113 (ambulance), 110 (fire). Medical practice in Hopen.
Language
We speak German, Norwegian, English, Croatian. English will get you through everywhere on the island.