Weekend trip to the fishing village of Veiholmen & Haugjegla lighthouse.

Route: Smøla kayak - 6 km - Hopen - 8 km - Veiholmen - 5 km - Haugjegla lighthouse return

 

Take a trip to Smøla on a weekend with nice weather and paddle to the fishing village of Veiholmen on the first day and a quiet trip out to Haugjegla lighthouse on the second day. We recommend starting with us because then you will get tips for the trip. Here you can spend the night in your own tent or in a lavvo from Friday to Saturday. The first day you paddle Smøla kayak to Hopen and then the east side of the road between the municipal center of Hopen and Veiholmen, the second day you paddle the route to Haugjegla lighthouse from Veiholmen. A pleasant 6 km trip. Book with pick-up and we will transport the kayaks and you back to Smøla kayak.

​​​

Smøla kayak to Hopen (6 km)

 

The paddle trip takes place in a sheltered area with many small islands and rich wildlife. In summer, the route offers particularly beautiful sunsets and usually calm seas. The trip starts at the sandy beach at Smøla Kajakk and follows the shore for the least waves and easy navigation. The most exposed part is the approx. 200 meter long section called Sundkjeften, which can be rough with northerly winds and tides. After this, the rest of the route is easy and well protected.

Along the way, you pass small islands, Smøla Havfiskesenter and the possibility of a short detour to the gas station at Sætran. The trip ends at the floating pier at Hopen Brygge, marked by a black wave-absorbing pipe. If you pass the memorial to Oscar Tybring, you have come too far. The trip is paddled in the opposite direction on Sunday.

 

Hopen to Veiholmen, east side of the road (8 km)

​

The paddle trip goes from Hopen Brygge towards the fishing village of Veiholmen, on the east side of the road connecting the islands. We recommend paddling on the west side of Høye, and perhaps picking mussels when passing it. It is possible to cross under the Verjeskift Bridge and take the west side of the road north. Let the wind decide. A little north of the bridge is a public picnic area with benches and a gazebo. 

​

Just south of the fish reception, a gray building, is the second bridge where it is possible to cross the road. Good to know. The trip ends at the floating pier at the Hotranklakken parking lot on Veiholmen, where you will find accommodation, a grocery store, restaurants and characteristic white wooden houses. The route can be paddled in both directions, but weather and wind conditions should always be carefully considered. Smøla's archipelago offers plenty of landing opportunities and good chances of seeing white-tailed eagles. 

​

Accommodation on Veiholmen

 

There are several accommodations on Veiholmen, we recommend accommodation in the boathouse and the guesthouse at Moloen. Veiholmen pier and Havkroa are also very good alternatives. At Veiholmen camper parking you can pitch a tent, and then you have access to sanitary facilities. We are working on creating an overview of tent options near Veiholmen. 

​

Veiholmen to Haugjegla lighthouse (5 km)

​

A leisurely walk that starts and ends at the parking lot on Veiholmen. The walk takes you through the dense buildings in the historic fishing village and out into the archipelago towards the lighthouse. The area is protected by islets and reefs, but you have to cross an open stretch of sea of ​​approx. 200 meters right before the lighthouse which can be exposed to the weather, especially at low tide and westerly winds.

Upon arrival at the lighthouse you paddle through a narrow tidal river and can go ashore on the rocky rocks. Please note that the route back depends on the water level; At low tide, the narrowest passage is impassable, and you must paddle the same way you came.

Safety is important, as the weather changes quickly at the edge of the ocean. Always check the wind forecast, assess your own skills and notify others before setting out.

 

Accommodation, rest areas and provisions

 

Every island along the way is a potential rest area, but there is a designated place on Haugøya. 

​

It is possible to shop at Hopen. Comfortable accommodation before paddling can be found at Hopen Brygge, Lillenes rorbuer, Villsaugården, Betten rorbuer and Eco Camp Norway. Many choose to stay at the fishing village of Veiholmen. For an overview of all accommodation, see opplevsmola.com.