The Fjord route
"Fjordruta" is the name given to the newest and most unique KNT (Kristiansund and Nordmøre Trekking Association) hillwalking trail through the mountains. All of 15 lodges are situated at suitable stages along the route of a delightful round trip in the districts of Aure/Tustna, Hemne, Halsa, Rindal and Surnadal. The unique experience of rambling across the mountain plateau, between the peaks, while looking out over the sea in the distance gives the trip a quality all its own. Most of the lodges are new, and one is actually on the fjord and includes a rowing boat and crab pots among its equipment. Fjordruta is suitable for the whole family and can be split up into pleasant day trips. Get in touch with the tourist office in Kristiansund for maps and more information.
If you would like to take a drive similar to "Fjordruta", take your point of departure in Kristiansund and drive along Highway 70 towards Krifast/Bergsøy. After the toll booth, drive along the E39 in the direction of Trondheim. Kanestraum - Halsa is a ferry trip across the beautiful Halsafjorden and through Halsa in towards Valsøyfjorden. A side trip on the county road to Valsøybotn gives you a point of departure for a day trip up into the mountains to Hardbakkhytta or Tverrlihytta and the "Geitbåt" Museum. The E39 continues along Vinjefjorden to Vinjeøra, a point of departure for day trips up to Sollihytta or Storlisetra. Continue a short distance along the E39 to the junction with Highway 680 and then on to Kyrkseterøra, where you will find good accommodation and cafés/restaurants. Highway 680 continues on towards Kjørsvikbugen and Tjeldbergodden, the large industrial plant that refines North Sea gas, producing methanol, LNG and other products. Drive towards the centre of Aure across Skardsøya through delightful countryside. In Aure, the large white church next to the old vicarage is a great attraction. Good accommodation and eating places. Continue towards Vinsternes, but don't forget to stop at Foldfjordstraumen, a strong saltwater current that follows the ebb and flow of the sea. There is a ferry from Vinsternes (take a side trip to Imarbu, a lodge situated on the seashore) to Aukan (where the new Imarsund bridge is being built). The road here follows the shoreline between the majestic Tustna mountains and Edøyfjorden up to Tømmervåg where the ferry takes you back to Seivika/Kristiansund.