Veiholmen to Hauggjegla lighthouse

Far out in the sea, the fishing village of Veiholmen is surrounded by a magnificant archipelago. The islets and reefs break most of the waves, allowing you to paddle through calm waters, despite the waves. Veiholmen has a grocery store, restaurants and cafés, a pub, a museum, overnight accommodations and idyllic white, wooden houses.

This route will lead you between houses, islets, reefs and narrow alleyways. It is easy to come ashore on the sloping rocks near the lighthouse.   The route starts and ends at the floating dock by the parking area. You will first paddle into the harbour of Veiholmen and out at the other end. The route closely follows the shoreline and leads you eventually to the breakwater that protects the boathouse and other houses on Veiholmen. The sea lane leads along the breakwater, but it is so narrow that you can paddle outside it. There is little boat traffic here. Leave the sea lane at the north end of the breakwater and paddle in a direct line towards the Hauggjegla lighthouse.   On the way to the lighthouse, try to find a narrow passage at Seneholman. After passing these, you will come to a partially open stretch of sea. There may be rough waters for about two hundred metres , so you will have to assess the waves. If the waves are too high, you may not want to take a chance on the final stretch and instead take a break on one of the surrounding islets. The final part of the route will be no trouble during summer and if there is little wind. NB! Be aware that the waves will be at their highest at high tide and with westerly winds.  After this there will be some open area where you can paddle into a tidewater river, which will lead you into a type of nature pool. It is easiest to go ashore on the sloping rocks between the boathouse and lighthouse. It's only a hundred-metre walk to the lighthouse. In summer, there is often a floating dock at the boathouse, but make sure you don't block boats from docking.   If you embark on the route during spring or summer, you will likely find that the area is teeming with bird life. Populations of common eiders, terms and Eurasian oystercatchers have increased in the area around Veiholmen after Smøla was successful in reducing the mink population that preys on hatchlings before they are old enough to fly. Northern gannets and cormorants are also often spotted.   Be aware of your skill level here as the weather changes quickly and the wind can suddenly become strong. Check the wind warnings in the weather reports and let others know where you're going. 

The route starts and ends at the wharf by the parking area of Hotranklakken when coming to Veiholmen. The parking area has a public toilet in the centre before you arrive at the store and Veiholmen wharf.