‘When the storms rage, salt lies strewn across the islet. There’s so much of it that young people with dental braces have to keep their mouths closed so they don't rust!’ Few people know Veiholmen on Smøla better than Roald Danielsen. He is a self-taught guide and knows most of the stories about the fishing village, having lived there his whole life.
The age of fishing station owners has come to an end on idyllic Veiholmen, the biggest fishing village south of Lofoten. Now it’s the domain of the colourful fishing station guide Road Danielsen. He tells stories about a rough and ready fishing village where even dental braces rust. Check out the clips of the knowledgeable guide in action further down in the article.
You have to follow the road out at the ocean’s edge to get to Veiholmen. The road, which connects Veiholmen to the island municipality of Smøla crosses bridges, landfills and protective breakwaters. This journey is an adventure all on its own.
People still live in the rows of houses in the fishing village Veiholmen. Today, the village has around 300 inhabitants who make a living from fishing and tourism on this little island, or 'skjæret' (the skerry), as the locals call it. The summer months are particularly lively in the little fishing village at the very edge of Northwest.
There are clusters of old and new buildings, and you’ll find small museums and galleries dotted among them. Veiholmen also has several great restaurants and bars with a maritime theme. You can walk from one side of the island to the other on a cement road. It’s low-key and exotic at the same time. The sheltered and pleasant marina is a favourite destination among boating enthusiasts.
(Film in Norwegian language)
The little islet is the last strip of land against the sea. Its history is therefore marked by shipping disasters, dramatic shipwrecks and the many lives that met a watery grave out here at the ocean’s edge. These are some of the most dangerous waters along the coast. Seafarers meet challenges such as a myriad of rocks awash and thousands of islets.
'Many of the islets and skerries have been named after dramatic shipwrecks. But the wood and materials salvaged from these wrecks were sought-after building materials. There's no wood or timber out here.’ You can still see ship’s nails in the wood that has been used to build many of the houses,’ our guide Danielsen tells us.
The highest point on Veiholmen is a modest seven metres above sea level when the tide is out. This and being so close to the ocean mean that it is often ravaged by spring floods and storms. The salt that comes with the winter storms is a major challenge for houseowners. However, unlike many similar places, Veiholmen has never been abandoned. The locals are clinging on to tourism all the way out here at the ocean's edge.
(Film in Norwegian language)
Read more about these highlighted places and attractions in Northwest.
The ocean has a magical way of capturing our attention and Fjord Norway’s coast is no exception. Experience our sandy beaches, go surfing, try kayaking among a myriad of islands and reefs or just be present in the moment. Meet welcoming locals, taste fantastic seafood and share our passion for the ocean!
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