Fiksdal: Trollrunden and Church History

When choosing where to stay in Fiksdal, you can consider three distinct highlights: the history of Fiksdal Church, the family-friendly Trollrunden trail, and nearby Melen (Fiksdalshornet). The wider Vestnes destination offers additional cultural and hiking attractions. This helps you distinguish local highlights from regional destinations when planning your trip.

Church history in Fiksdal

Fiksdal Church is a long church dating from 1866. The pulpit and altarpiece come from the former Reknes hospital. The churchyard also dates back to 1866. Almost all the gravestones have been preserved and display a variety of styles. There is also a memorial stone by the church to 15 soldiers who took part in the Napoleonic Wars from 1807 to 1814.

The church’s history also includes two church stables. A stable dating from around 1914, which served churchgoers from Gjelsten, was moved to its current location by Fiksdal Church. Another stable was intended for churchgoers from Rekdal. Both were in use until around 1950. Together, these sites offer different insights into church architecture, gravestone design, remembrance, and the former use of the stables.

Exploring Trollrunden with children

Trollrunden is a family-friendly trail where young children can look for small and large troll figures along the way. The starting point is at a cattle grid in the village, next to a small parking area. The first section follows an asphalt road for about 400 metres. The route then turns right onto a forest trail marked “Trollrunda.”

To find your way, look out for the transition from the road section to the marked forest trail. Before setting out, check the current trail markings and parking arrangements: access and parking availability may change. The stated distance of about 400 metres refers to the first section along the road.

Melen nearby

The summit of Melen, also known as Fiksdalshornet, offers magnificent views. The terrain on the north and east sides of the summit is very steep. If there are children in your hiking group, keep a particularly close eye on them there. Assess the terrain and safety conditions on site; conditions at the summit may vary.

More cultural and hiking attractions in Vestnes

The following destinations are part of the wider Vestnes destination. The Tresfjord Museum officially opened in 1949 and has a pavilion with panoramic views of Tresfjord. If you are planning a visit, check current access arrangements.

The Trondhjemske postvei runs from Amdam over Ørskogfjellet and down to the centre of Vestnes. On the Vestnes side, it passes through forest and cultural landscapes, under the E39, and through modern residential areas. The route connects a historic road alignment with varied landscapes and settlements.

An overview updated in 2025 lists 19 Stikk-UT! hiking destinations in Vestnes; the number may change from season to season. The oldest of the three bridges across the strait to Flatevågen is also in the Vestnes settlement: it is a protected wooden bridge dating from 1844.

Discover more destinations: Tomrefjord, Selneset.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Vestnes.