The Regional Coastal Pilgrim Centre at Smøla (RPS Smøla) is established at Gurisenteret on Edøy island, which is strategically located along the Coastal Pilgrim Route.

The centre’s role is to coordinate development along the route. It provides facilitation, assistance and support to pilgrims, businesses, organisations and stakeholders at key locations in Møre og Romsdal and Trøndelag. We work to revitalise this historic main route and to create a smooth, coherent journey incorporating various modes of travel by land and sea.

Regional Cooperation and Partnerships

RPS Smøla is built on a broad partnership involving Trøndelag County Council, Møre og Romsdal County Council, Smøla Municipality, and Nordmørsmusea. The centre’s task is to coordinate and further develop collaboration between counties, municipalities, outdoor organisations, destination companies, museums, the Church of Norway and other stakeholders.

The centre’s resource group consists of regional partners representing and safeguarding the four pillars of the initiative: nature and environment, business, church and culture. The centre is also an active participant in the national pilgrim initiative, whose vision is: A journey that moves you. Promoting sustainable lifestyles and contributing to local and regional value creation are key objectives. The Norwegian routes form part of the European Cultural Routes network—an extensive national and international collaboration.

Key Sites

The Coastal Pilgrim Route (Kystpilegrimsleia) consists of 25 key sites. The Coastal Pilgrim Centre at Smøla has a particular responsibility for coordinating and collaborating with the following:

• Herøy, including Herøy Old Church Site and Herøy kystmuseum
• Borgund
• Giske
• Veøya in Molde Municipality
• Kvernes on Averøy 
• Smøla, including Edøy Old Church and the Kuli Stone
• Hitra, including Dolm Medieval Church and the trading post at Hopsjø
• Frøya, including Sula
• Ørland Church and Austrått Manor in Ørland Municipality
• Rein Abbey and Museet Kystens Arv in Indre Fosen Municipality
• Nidaros Cathedral and Nidaros Pilgrim Centre