Take a flight to the picturesque setting of Kristiansund, a charming maritime town situated north of the country - population 22, 937 - and prepare for a unique adventure to the island of Smola. The islands of Kristiansund provide a beautiful backdrop upon your arrival. The town's population is spread out across its three main islands - North Country, Kirkland and Gomalandet and Innlandet. The glistening harbour and bustling local fisheries evoke the history on which the town was created. The shipping routes in and out of the harbour present a flavour of the way of life in one of the most relaxed northerly destinations in Norway.
After carefully exploring this charismatic area, it is time to make your way to the secluded island of Smola. A passenger ferry from Kristiansund transports visitors to Smola. There is also an express boat service between Kristiansund and Trondheim which calls at Smola. From the onset the spectacular scenery and tranquillity of the island is most noticeable. The low-lying land ensures unspoilt views of the Norwegian landscape.
The beauty of this island is that there is a sense of true wilderness, disconnected from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Smola's location, situated on the cusp of the Atlantic Ocean - with its next port of call being Greenland - creates a humbling link between man and nature. With a sparse population of just 2, 119, Smola is an island that allows you to relax and explore at your own pace. This untouched gem is also host to numerous breeds of birds, making this the ideal spot to seek out wildlife amidst a habitat of pure serenity.
The numerous beautiful fresh water streams provide the perfect opportunity for the keen fisherman to maintain their pastime. The waters accommodate both trout and fly fishing coupled with the calm nature of the island, providing an idyllic setting to live out your holiday. Interestingly, set among the decadent islets and reefs lies one of Norway's biggest wind farms. The construction, built in 2005, was the biggest in Europe at the time of its unveiling. The glacial carved shorelines allow you to wander along the coast line and divulge the island, complete with over 5,000 smaller islands. With over 40% of the islanders employed in fishing, fish farming and related business; it is clear that the island's tourism is most certainly geared towards this recreation.
Smola's Sea fishing centre provides the perfect base for a sea-fishing holiday. Situated on the north of the island, the ‘Havfiskesenter' provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This resort allows you the freedom to explore the island as you see fit. The centre supplies boat hire enabling you to embark on a special expedition of Smola, whilst casting out into the depths of the sea. With a variety of different fish prevalent, deep sea fishing allows the chance to land some of Norway's largest Cod, Halibut and Pollack. During your time out at sea you will almost certainly use Norway's finest fishing tackle, Solvkroken. This innovative package ensures a trouble-free and profitable experience. There are facilities for filleting and freezer storage on site, allowing ample opportunity to bring your finest catch back to dry land and feast upon.
The Sea fishing centre boasts an impressive array of Norwegian style cabin accommodation, with individual self-catering apartments allowing you to curl up in a cosy environment following a hectic day. Traditional grass roofs and impressive wooden panelling and flooring create a luxurious environment - awarded 5* by the Norwegian tourist board - in an area of natural beauty. The opportunity to pull back the curtains each morning and take in the vast Atlantic and the glorious Norwegian landscape is an enviable experience.
Another unique addition to the Sea fishing centre is the resort's very own course and conference centre. This area is delegated to companies and organisations who wish to work away from the confines of the business quarter, whilst sampling the delights of Smola's unperturbed lifestyle. Another fine aspect of the Sea fishing centre is its sociable and amenable public house. The opportunity to discuss and divulge information following a day's fishing is another welcoming experience as part of your stay in Smola.
The spacious, tidy and welcoming accommodation ensures that your experience at the Sea fishing centre is an enjoyable and fruitful one. As well as having a number of off-shore activities, the resort provides on-shore entertainment, with cycle hire gifting you a free reign around the island. A nine-hole golf course is available further west of the island and its challenging woodland course further highlights the natural beauty of the coast-line. A visit to Smola and its inviting Sea fishing centre is an enriching experience and one of the hidden gems of the Norwegian seas.
