Osen: Rock Art, Coastal Trails and Culture

Osen lies on the coast of Trøndelag. Coastal walks, trips into the forests and mountains, and fishing in the fjord connect the area closely with its landscape. The area also features Stone Age rock art, the history of coastal farmers and striking cultural monuments. When planning your trip, consider what interests you most: a hike with a specific destination, a visit to historic sites or time spent by the coast and fjord.

Rock Art and Cultural History

The rock art site at Strand is a Stone Age cultural monument that is open to visitors. It features eight figures, including a naturalistic depiction of a 2.9-metre-long pilot whale. The whale figure offers a vivid connection to the coastal world. The site of Osen's last mill is at Kvennfossen on the Skipelva. Halvikhula at Svesfjord offers a different highlight: the cave has a cathedral-like opening about 100 metres wide.

Svesøya also combines a precise geographical location with a distinctive natural history. The 160 daa island lies at the outer end of Svesfjord in the northern part of Osen and has been recognised for its ornithological conservation value. In Vingsand, you can visit Osen Bygdatun in the heart of the village during summer and learn about the history of coastal farmers. Dinner and coffee are also available. Check visiting times and opening arrangements in advance.

Architectural landmarks include Osen Church, a wooden long church built in 1877. Bjørnørspelet is performed at a Bygdetun in Vingsand in summer; check the specific performance dates. A deep-sea fishing festival is held annually in Seter. Before your trip, find out about the current edition and its dates.

Hiking between the Coast, Forest and Mountains

There are a variety of landscapes and destinations for hiking. The circular route from Osen via Lakrillan to Øyan follows roads and trails through marshland, forest and mountain terrain. The Håmannsvika–Estenvikhallin route in Vingsand combines a hike with cave bouldering. There are several signposted spots along Gammelveien; from one viewpoint, you can see as far as Halten in clear weather.

Sandvatnet has a designated recreation area with a fire pit, benches and a camping site. From there, a trail of about 3 kilometres leads to the small mountain lake Skåna. The options differ both in terrain and destination: the circular route passes through a variety of landscapes, while the trail from Sandvatnet leads to a named lake. Check the condition of the facilities and seasonal trail conditions locally.

The hike to Gjeltheia starts in central Osen and follows Sørmelansveien. Access to the mountain road is blocked by a barrier; you must park at the junction before setting out uphill. These access conditions may change seasonally, so check them before your hike.

Getting There and Accommodation

Osen can be reached via the Fv715 coastal road, by express boat from Trondheim, or by flying to Trondheim Airport Værnes and continuing by car. Check timetables and service information before travelling. At Buholmråsa, guests can stay seasonally in the lighthouse keeper's house or the assistant's house; confirm availability before your trip.

Buholmråsa Lighthouse was built in 1917 on Sønnaholmen, a few kilometres outside Sætervik in Osen. A stay there can therefore be linked to a specific chapter in coastal history. Whether you plan to spend your time exploring cultural sites, hiking or enjoying activities on the fjord, Osen offers a range of clearly distinct options.

Discover more destinations: Steinsdalen, Hitra, Midtre Gauldal, Malvik, Oppdal, Hemne, Holtålen, Melhus

Return to the main travel overview: Sor-Trondelag.