Discover Nes: Hiking Trails, Coastal Views and Culture

Nes offers different perspectives on landscape and history: a hike leads from Nes kirke to the Gapahuk Nes shelter, an 85-kilometre cycling loop connects several places, and the wider destination of Ørland adds nature and cultural attractions. This lets you shape your trip around the themes that interest you most.

Hiking from Nes kirke

Nes kirke was built in 1878. From there, the hike to Gapahuk Nes follows forest roads and trails through gently rolling terrain. The shelter is basic; the route from the church is approximately 2 kilometres long. From Gapahuk, you can see the island group of Tarva and Valsfjord. Along the way, the historic starting point, the transition between forest roads and trails, and a destination with expansive views come together.

From the Gapahuk Nes route, you can continue to Duhallaren cave and enter it. Another extension leads to the Second World War aircraft wreck at Tønnølsfjellet. Both destinations add their own focus to the hike: Duhallaren is a cave, while the wreck recalls the history of the Second World War.

Tønnølsfjellet can also be approached via different described routes. For this route, turn off near Nes kirke and follow the gravel road to the waterworks at the end of the road. An alternative access point begins in the area around Nes in Risvika: there, a well-marked trail leads through varied terrain. Located near Nes, Tønnølsfjellet is 374 metres high and offers views of the open sea and Nes.

Explore Nes by bike

The 85-kilometre cycling loop from Bjugn sentrum via Lysøysundet and Vallersund to Nes connects these places. On the ride to Nes, you can take detours from the main road to fjord and shoreline areas with attractive beaches for a break. This brings two very different route options together: the approximately 2-kilometre route from Nes kirke to Gapahuk Nes and the 85-kilometre cycling loop. These descriptions cover different kinds of outings, from a walk to a shelter to a loop through several places.

Nature attractions in the wider destination of Ørland

The wider destination of Ørland includes other natural areas. The Hovsfjæra bird sanctuary is one of Ørland’s four protected wetlands and has international Ramsar status. Grandefjæra Nature Reserve has Norway’s largest tidal flat. Its mosaic includes mudflats, ponds, sandy and rocky shores, seaweed ridges and seagrass meadows. The area is particularly well equipped for birdwatching, with viewpoints at Grande, Hoøya and Rønsholmen. Eidsvatnet bird sanctuary is a worthwhile destination, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. Ørland’s natural attractions therefore range from protected wetlands and tidal landscapes to birdwatching during migration.

Austråttlunden and Austrått Fort are also located in the wider destination of Ørland. Austråttlunden is a protected landscape area with species-rich deciduous forest, distinctive flora and fauna, and large oak trees. A designated walking trail is 3.5 kilometres long. Historically, the area was the hunting ground and manor park of Austråttborgen. Austrått Fort is a former German fortification with a five-storey gun turret. The “Fosen Krigshistoriske Samlinger” exhibition covers the occupation years in Fosen. A guided tour lasting just under an hour goes underground through the entire gun turret, the power station and the crew quarters, which could accommodate up to 200 people. Check tour dates and availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vallersund, Oksvoll, Bjugn, Botngård, Lysøysundet.

Return to the wider travel overview: Bjugn.