Stemshesten Hiking Trail

Stemshesten and its neighboring peaks dominate the landscape near Farstad, rising steeply above the coastline. A trek up here provides a whole new perspective of the area with a natural aerial view of the Atlantic Ocean Road. The hike provides a steady climb, gaining about 500 meters in elevation over less than 3 kilometers.

For a longer and more challenging hike from the same trailhead, consider Melen.

Stemshesten is located along Norwegian Scenic Route Atlanterhavsvegen. The large mountain is hard to miss once you near Farstad on Road 663. Look for the turn off to Stemmavegen. Follow the road to the shooting range and park there.

From Molde, travel north on road 64 to Vevang. Turn left on to Road 663.

From Kristiansund, follow road 64 west. Join the scenic route in Kårvåg and after passing over all the bridges and through Vevang, continue straight on road towards Farstad.

From the parking lot, continue along the dirt road to the right of the shooting range. This road leads steeply up until you reach a stream. Just to the right of the stream, follow the trail uphill.

Eventually, the trail will make a sharp right turn towards Stemhesten, which is now directly ahead of you. Continue past the peak to the masts where you can get wide views of the Atlantic Ocean Road and surrounds.

• Free parking

There are varied lodging options along the Atlantic Ocean Road, with some stunning locations available.

Håholmen Havstuer is a hotel, restaurant, and pub occupying the former fishing village of Håholmen. Situated on a tiny island, the hotel is accessed by boat from Geitøya Island on the Atlantic Ocean Road.

Not far from Farstad Beach is Hustadvika Guesthouse where every room comes with a sea view.

The Atlantic Road Cabins (Atlanterhavsveien Sjøstuer) in Kårvåg offer fully self-contained cabins and camping.