Experience Ytterøy – The gem of the Trondheimfjorden
Ytterøy is an island in the heart of the inner Trondheim Fjord, about 13.5 km long and 4.3 km at its widest. The total area is around 28 square kilometres, with a varied landscape. The highest point is Korshylla at 215 metres above sea level. The island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Levanger town centre.
Kathrine og Frode at Jørstadsøkaia with a view towards the Skarnsundbrua bridge. Photo: Steinkjerfotografen
Take the trip to Ytterøy – known as the gem of the Trondheimfjorden
Ytterøy is a beautiful island in the middle of inner Trondheimsfjorden, just half an hour ferry ride from Levanger city centre.
Once you roll your bike (or car) off the ferry, miles of adventures await you. The scent of the sea mingles with the fragrance of wildflowers. Here you’ll find beautiful cultural landscapes, rock carvings, walking trails and lovely beaches. The island is also home to the remains of Norway’s oldest mine – and it is the birthplace of the world’s strongest man.
Experiences by the ferry landing
The first thing you’ll see as you step off the ferry is the memorial for the Hokstad landslide of 1870.
During the night of 23 April 1870, a major landslide struck Hokstad Bay, claiming seven lives – among them three children from the English Blewett family, who lived near the Ytterøy mines.
Les mer om minnesmerket Hokstadraset 1870
Natt til 23. april 1870 gikk et stort ras i Hokstadbukta som tok sju menneskeliv, blant de var 3 barn fra den engelske familien Blewett bosatt i nærheten av Ytterøy-gruvene.
Det var flere beboelseshus som raste ut i sjøen, og disse var i hovedsak bygget i forbindelse med drift av kopper- og kisgruver på 1700- og 1800-tallet.
Det var totalt 7 omkomne hvorav 5 barn fra 2 familier. De omkomne var: Iochebed Ann Blewett, 2 mnd, Samuel Joseph Blewett, 3 år, Carstinus Brænne, 7 år, Mary Blewett, 9 år, Carl Oskar Brænne, 12 år, Lars Olsen Brænne, 42 år og Mariane E. Brænne, 46 år.
Det var alt i 1995 at Stiftelsen Ytterøy Bygdetun fikk reist en bauta i området til minne om leirraset. Denne står nå i nærheten av ferjeleiet på Hokstad.
Minnesmarkering 154 år etter (24. april 2024)
154 år etter raset, på dagen, kom Richard Blewett (61) hele veien til Ytterøy fra Australia. Hans oldefar het William, og var den gutten på 5 år som ble reddet ut fra massene av verksbestyrer Anton Sophus Bachke.
I anledning Richard’s opphold arrangerte Marcus Grande/Kvest’n Museum en minnemarkering. Her fikk han også møte etterkommere av oldefarens redningsmann.
Ytterøy’s history stretches back 5,000 years. It also has a rich mining heritage: the sulphur and copper pyrite mines operated from 1630 onwards, and you can still explore this history today at Berghaugen, just a short walk from Hokstad ferry quay.
Read more about Berghaugen -The History of Sulphur and Copper Mining at Ytterøy
Berghaugen – The History of Sulphur and Copper Mining on Ytterøy
The history of Ytterøy stretches back 5,000 years, and the island also has a long legacy as a mining community. The story of sulphur and copper pyrite mining, which began in 1630, can be explored at Berghaugen, just a short walk from Hokstad ferry quay. Along the trail through the mining area you will find information boards and displays.
Copper mining on Ytterøy dates back as far as the early 1500s, making these mines the oldest in Norway.
The copper and pyrite mines were worked, at varying levels of intensity, until 1861. There was strong demand for pyrite, and exporting to England became an important trade. In the peak year of 1867, 455 men were employed in the mines, producing 20–30% of the world’s supply.
Mining activity ended before the First World War (1912), but remnants are still clearly visible today in the form of ovens, shafts and mine entrances. Quarrying of limestone continued until around 1970.
Limestone on Ytterøy
The geology of Ytterøy reveals a large belt of limestone stretching east of Sandstadkammen on the island. This is one of thirty deposits registered in the Innherred region, though only a few are commercially viable.
Mining on Ytterøy has taken place for centuries, first for copper ore and later for pyrite. Pyrite extraction was especially extensive in the second half of the 19th century, until everything came to a halt in 1912.
Interest in the limestone deposits arose as early as 1892, when the Lønvik farm sold rights for extraction. Several parties became involved, before Meråker Smelteverk finally acquired the limestone. In 1918, operations at the Lønvik site began with a 700-metre cableway down to the sea and a long loading pier at Naustbukta. Work was tough and demanding – and not without risks to health and life.
At that time, the quarry was the only industry on this agricultural island. Around thirty men, most from small farms, found regular employment there. Many had a long journey to work, so accommodation was established near the site. A new quarry was opened during the war: the Sandstad field. A monumental concrete pier with silos was built into the rock by Norviksundet.
Limestone extraction ended in 1970. By then, 1.4 million tonnes of stone had been taken out, and the industry had lasted for 52 years.
A booklet about the limestone quarries of Ytterøy is currently in preparation – something to look forward to!
If you would like a guided tour to learn more about the island’s mining history, please get in touch.
Welcome!
Island with a rich history
Ytterøy bygdetun – open air museum – Open in July, rest of the year by request
Ytterøy Bygdetun museum
Ytterøy Bygdetun Museum offers a wealth of history. The farmyard is a traditional four-sided Trøndelag layout, unchanged since 1950, after five siblings lived on the farm until their deaths. Nothing has been added or removed. The museum also tells the story of the mines and of Jørstadsjøen steamship quay. There is also a living farmyard with animals, plus varied activities for children and adults throughout July. Light refreshments are available. Before Christmas, the museum also hosts the event Jul i Tunet/Christmas at the Farmyard.
Les mer Ytterøy Bygdetun
Founded in 1994, Stiftelsen Ytterøy Bygdetun the Ytterøy Bygdetun Foundation took over the protected farm of Bjørvik Øvre.
Ytterøy Bygdetun is a unique, authentic farmstead from the 20th century, typical of Trøndelag.
Buildings, rooms and objects remain accessible and welcoming to visitors.
Museum open in the summer season
Discover the farm’s history, old traditions, and varied exhibitions, all presented by our friendly summer hosts who will guide you around. You’re also welcome to visit the animals and take a relaxing break in the barn, where food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The museum also preserves and shares the history of Berghaugen, sulphur and copper mining on Ytterøy, as well as Jørstadsjøen steamship quay.
How to get here
Ytterøya can be reached by ferry from Levanger town centre. The local heritage farm (Bygdetunet) is located 8 km from the ferry landing.
See here for ferry times
Would you like to visit the museum or other parts managed by the Foundation outside the summer season? Feel free to get in touch, and we’ll arrange a programme that suits you.
📞 Tel: +47 902 03 496
📞 Tel: +47 913 79 904
Ytterøy Bygdetun museum also shares the fascinating history of Berghaugen – he history of the sulphur and copper works on Ytterøya and Jørstadsjøen Dampskibskai (which is also owned by the Foundation).
Kvest’n museum
If you are hungry for more history, visit Kvest’n Museum, located in the former vicarage. Here a large exhibition tells the story of Ytterøy, including Norway’s oldest mines. At its height in 1867, the copper mine was Norway’s largest workplace.
Legend has it that Gustave Eiffel ordered copper from Ytterøy for the Statue of Liberty in New York. Exhibits also cover the war years on the island, the history of the vicarage, and the life of Stor-Henrik, the giant of Ytterøy.
Read more about Kvest'n museum and Summer kiosk
Tel: 47685869
Kvest’n Museum on Facebook
Museum in the Old Vicarage on Ytterøya, Levanger
A privately owned collection now open to the public.
Knowledgeable guides share stories of local events and history, from the Viking Age to the present day.
Escaperoom in the old vicarage/ presteboligen
ou and your group of friends can enjoy a unique escape room adventure in the historic vicarage on Ytterøya.
📞 To book or enquire, call: +47 476 85 869
Marcus at Kvest’n museum Photo: Explorative AS
North-Europe’s largest and oldest ash tree. Photo: Explorative AS
Ytterøy church
Built in 1889, Ytterøy Church is typical of its time. The site itself at Eid is much older, and evidence suggests that a church has stood here since Christianity first reached Norway.
On the old churchyard stands the memorial of Eidsvoll representative Captain Georg Ulrik Wasmuth, who died in autumn 1814 at the age of just 26. He led the 1st Trondheim Regiment and represented the military at the signing of the Norwegian constitution.
Here you will also find Northern Europe’s largest and oldest ash tree.
Read about the "Bell Stone" not far from the church
The Bell Stone (Klokkesteinen) – Located by the roadside not far from the church, this ancient standing stone (bauta) rests atop a burial cairn dating back to the Late Iron Age. The stone bears runic inscriptions from the younger runic alphabet, although only a few of the characters remain legible today.
Local tradition holds that “when the church bells ring, the stone turns.”
Jørstadsjøen Steamship Quay
This quay, built in 1930, is the last remaining steamship quay in the Trondheim Fjord. It was used by passenger boats serving the fjord. Now owned by Ytterøy Bygdetun, the quay is open to visitors, with restored equipment and information boards explaining its history.
The waiting room, once a cotter’s cottage, offers insight into the lives of local tenant farmers. The quay is also available for hire for events.
Read more about Jørstadsjøen Steamship Quay
Jørstadsjøen Steamship Quay – A Unique Heritage Site in the Trondheim Fjord
Built in 1930, Jørstadsjøen Steamship Quay is one of the few remaining steamship piers in the Trondheim Fjord. It once served as a docking point for passenger boats operating in the region. Today, the quay is owned by the Ytterøy Bygdetun Foundation.
The waiting room is a former crofter’s cottage, and its modest size offers insight into living conditions during the industrial period of the 1800s.
The quay is open to all visitors. Informational signs detailing the history of the site have been installed, and original equipment used at the quay has been restored and returned to its place. The main focus is on self-guided learning through signage, but the site also welcomes spontaneous visitors and can be rented for events.
Visitors to Jørstadsjøen Steamship Quay can throug information posters or guided tours can learn about:
- The History of Jørstadsjøen Steamship Quay
– The history of the quay facility
– The use of buildings and the surrounding area
– Local culture connected to Jørstadsjøen - The History of Other Quay Facilities on Ytterøya
– Hokstad Quay: facility history and use/transport
– Naust Quay: facility history and use/transport
– Shipping harbours:
– – Hokstad – mining quay – export of copper/sulphur
– – Lønvikbukta – mining quay – export of limestone
– – Norviksundet – mining quay – limestone export harbour
– Others – quay facilities established for commercial purposes without scheduled traffic - The history of quay facilities elsewhere in the Inner Trondheim Fjord
- The history of companies/shipping lines that have operated boats in the fjord, and the participation of Ytterøya residents
- The history of the fjord as a transport route, independent of quay facilities and scheduled boats
- The history of boat/shipbuilding – slipways
- The history of the fjord/sea as a source of livelihood
Welcome!
SDS Hansteen ved Jørstadsjøen Dampskibkai
Stor-Henrik
Stor-Henrik – The Giant of Ytterøy
Meet Henrik Brustad (1844–1899), known as “Stor-Henrik” – at 226 cm tall and able to lift 500 kg, he was reputed to be the world’s tallest and strongest man. He worked with Barnum’s Circus in America, lifting 300-kg barrels of molasses single-handedly and even raising grown men above his head.
In 1946, Ytterøy Youth Association raised a memorial stone in his honour, which you can still see on a tour of the island.
Creative Ytterøy
Ytterøy is home to many creative souls, running businesses within glass painting, roe deer hide products (Rådyrdama – – visit Marit Elin in her workshop), and woodturning – a real treasure trove for anyone interested in arts and crafts.
Make sure to stop by the inspiring interior shop Bua Dekor(their online store has been named the best in Norway several times). They also offer wellbeing evenings and “girlfriends’ nights” on request.
At Gammelbanken Bruktskatter you’ll find charming little treasures – perfect to bring along in your holiday suitcase.
Bua dekor – Interior design and webshop
Priya on a bikeride around Ytterøy – the gem of the Trondheimsfjorden
Gorgeous nature
The island also boasts a fantastic birdlife, lovely bathing spots, a fitness stairway and picnic areas, a marina, and even a visitor garden. At Kjerkgrindshaugen visitor garden, you can enjoy a guided tour of their beautiful grounds. They also welcome groups for Garden Tea with refreshments – all by advance booking (tel. 90046243).
Dragåsen Sports Ground and Ytterøy School offer great spaces for physical activity and play. In winter, Dragåsen has an illuminated ski trail.
How about an overnight stay in a glass igloo with breathtaking views of the Trondheim Fjord? At Ytterøy Eye , you can immerse yourself in tranquillity and nature while enjoying spectacular views over the fjord, Mosvik, and Skarnsundet.
Experience Ytterøy by bike
Ytterøy is a fantastic destination for cycling enthusiasts – whether you’re travelling from afar or exploring as a tourist in your own municipality or region. If you haven’t brought your own bike, you can hire an e-bike on the island, or through the Innherred Tourist Office, which can deliver e-bikes or regular bikes to the ferry terminal by arrangement.
Bike hire:
Skjørstad Bil – E-bike hire / advance booking: +47 901 89 705
Vandsvik Mek Verksted – E-bike hire / advance booking: +47 74 08 98 87>
Suggested cycling routes:
The cycle loop (Sykkelrunden): 17,5 km
Ytterøy Roundtrip: 27 km
Hiking suggestions
Summit hike to Bølåskammen: (210 m a.s.l.) – the island’s second-highest peak, included in Ti På Topp Levanger’s medium-difficulty hikes.
Kabelvikaalso part of Ti På Topp Levanger. Information about the programme is available at Coop Marked by the ferry terminal.
Ytterøens B&B have created a booklet with 14 different hiking routes and destinations.
- Hiking Ytterøy: Marka – Korshylla – Sandstad – Sandstadkammen – Marka (summer and winter trail) – 12.5 km
- Korshylla – mountain peak (215 m a.s.l.)
- Lillemarka – viewpoint (175 m a.s.l.)
- Marka – parking area – trail signs by RV135 and information board
- Rønningen
- Sandstad – starting point for the Marka – Korshylla – Sandstad hike
- Sandstadkammen – mountain peak (204 m a.s.l.)
- Storhaugen – Viewpoint
Levende lokalsamfunn
Ytterøy is a lively island community, home to farming, fishing, a grocery shop, car workshop, boat services, microbrewery, church, school and nursery, health centre, café, post office, and a marina. Today, the island has around 500 permanent residents, a number that grows significantly during the summer months. There are about 160 holiday homes on Ytterøy.
As a visitor, you’ll have every chance to mingle with the locals. Stop by Janphen kafe og catering, the island’s meeting place, where you’ll be served delicious food and drinks – with a tempting focus on Asian flavours.
Perhaps you’ll enjoy it here so much that you’ll want to stay an extra night or two? Accommodation options include the historic Ytterøy Vicarage, Ytterøens B&B, or Ytterøy Overnatting. See the full list of options below.
Accommodation on Ytterøy
Ytterøy Prestebolig: Accommodation, function venue, and parking with a path leading down to the sea. Tel. +47 90142867
Ytterøens BnB – Book your stay via AirBnB
Ytterøy Eye: Glamping with stunning fjord views
Ytterøy Overnatting: Tel. +47 90079681 | booking@ytteroy-overnatting.no
Travelling with a motorhome or caravan? You’ll find camping and motorhome pitches at Ytterøy Marina (Småbåthamn). Tel. +47 90945960
Experience packages for groups
Here we present four tailor-made packages – perfect for groups of friends, companies, or associations who want to experience this pearl of the fjord.
Welcome to Ytterøy!
