Inhabited continuously since the Stone Age, Hitra is a large island located where the Trondheim Fjord meets the Norwegian Sea. It’s home to the densest population of red deer in Northern Europe and a large number of Old Norse sheep, while it also plays a significant role in Norway’s salmon farming and crabbing industries.
Things to do in Hitra
You can learn about Hitra’s coastal communities and aquaculture industries at the Kystmuseet i Sør-Trøndelag, which is located in the village of Finnan. It occupies a former dairy where you’ll find recreated period rooms decorated with historical artefacts and accompanied by audio bites that allow Hitra’s residents to tell their own stories. The Russian Shipwreck” exhibit details the tale of a naval vessel that ran aground off the coast of Hitra in 1760.
For sweeping views across Hitra, climb to the top of Tonningen mountain, which is instantly recognisable due to its steep slopes and flat peak. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Haugjegla Lighthouse, a red-and-white landmark that rises atop a skerry on the northern coast of Smøla island.
Another natural attraction not to miss on Hitra is Hestneshula, a 10-metre-deep cave that was excavated in 1909 and revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the Stone Age. After exploring the cave, you can follow the steep trail that leads to the top of Hestnesfjellet, which rises 160 metres above the north-west corner of the island.
Getting around Hitra
Hitra is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Trondheim and Trondheim Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. In addition to the tunnel that connects to the mainland, there is another that links Hitra to the neighbouring island of Frøya. Catamaran services between Trondheim and Kristiansund stop on Hitra. "