Discover Jøa: Trails, heritage and coastal culture

On Jøa, hiking trails, archaeological sites and cultural attractions come together in one destination. When planning your stay, you can decide whether you’d like to spend most of your time outdoors, explore traces of earlier settlements, or focus on literature and music.

Getting there and finding your way

The Seierstad–Ølhammeren car ferry connects Jøa to the mainland at Namsos via the Rv 777. The crossing is 680 metres long and takes five minutes. Jøa can also be reached by express boat from Namsos. As timetables and other route details may change, check the operator’s latest information before you travel.

Hiking trails and viewpoints

On the west side of Jøa, Jøatrappa climbs 1,030 steps and offers views across the Namdalen coast. It connects with Eventyrstien, a five-kilometre developed mountain hiking trail. The two figures provide different points of reference for planning: the number of steps for Jøatrappa and the trail length for Eventyrstien.

In Rakkavika, a 1,200-metre gravel path is accessible on foot, with a pushchair, by bicycle and by wheelchair. Rakkavika is also a fishing and hiking area with benches, a barbecue area and viewpoints. Another mountain hike leads from Dunafjellet to Ramnfjellet, where the summit offers views in every direction. If you’re interested in paddling, Brakstadsundet has a designated kayaking route. Deer are often seen in the fields along Jøa’s roads.

Archaeology, museums and literature

Fosnes bygdemuseum near Dun comprises several buildings and a collection of old and more recent objects. Benches and tables in the outdoor area make it a good spot for a picnic. Jernaldergården Janheim is at Tranås, in the western part of Jøa. Traces from the Iron Age there include stone heaps and burial mounds, as well as the remains of a longhouse more than 50 metres long.

The Hov farm by Hovsjøen is another historic site: an old settlement with a large burial ground and numerous long and round burial mounds. Torvmuseet is a reconstructed peat-cutting area with information boards. The sites therefore show different things, from burial grounds and house remains to a reconstructed working landscape.

A marked hiking trail leads to Kjelvika. This is where Odin, the literary character created by Olav Duun, experienced his childhood land of adventure. The trail thus combines a hike with a direct connection to Duun’s literary world.

Farming, food and events

At Dun Andelslandbruk, participants take part in seasonal planting, weeding and harvesting, and the harvest is shared among them. At Matgarasjen, food is prepared from scratch, using local ingredients wherever possible. Faksdal Brygge is a historic meeting place on Jøa, where coastal culture and good food take centre stage.

The Jøa maraton is held every summer. The race programme includes a quarter marathon and a half marathon; there is also a full-distance cycling marathon, in which participants can use an e-bike. Scenelangs Jøa is a four-day music festival featuring jazz, singer-songwriter music and opera. If you’d like to plan your trip around an event, check the latest dates and programme.

For the broader travel overview: Fosnes.