[IMPORTANT: READ ACCESS INFORMATION and don't climb on the forbidden boulders!]
Vingsand is indisputably one of Norway's best bouldering destinations. Not only the quality of the boulders make this a must-visit area for boulderers, but the scenery and wild nature also make for a unique bouldering experience difficult to compare to any other place in the world.
The bouldering in Vingsand is physical. Common features are good holds on perfectly shaped gneiss and granite. The boulders often encourage athletic climbing, don't be surprised if you find yourself doing a 180 and top out with toe-hooks on the lip of a roof. Exposed rocks requiring finger-strength and technique are also frequent.
The weather is, contrary to Trondheim, often very nice. And if you're unlucky and get caught in a storm, there is always some cave you can hide inside. Shirtless local climbers can be spotted in Vingsand caves in -10°C in January, but the best season is from March to October. Make sure you bring some mosquito-protection if you're visiting during summer though.
The mainland bouldering is not very localized, and a car is required to get around to most places. But if you are a crazy-person it is actually possible to take a bus to Vingsand. Bus 350 goes from Trondheim to Osen (https://www.atb.no/getfile.php/1329023-1547552158/Rutetabeller/V%C3%A5r%202019/AtB_rute_350_01.01.19.pdf) and bus 597 goes from Osen to Vingsand (https://www.atb.no/getfile.php/1317829-1531311366/Rutetabeller/Host18/AtB_rute597.pdf).
There is enough bouldering on the mainland to satisfy most visitors. However, traveling by boat to Helvika or Ramsøya is definitely recommended due to the quality of boulders found in these areas. The same goes for Skjærvøya and Hepsøya, which has seen some recent development, but there are still lots of stuff to be established at these islands. A boat can be rented for approximately 500 NOK plus gas expenses, at "Vingsand Rorbuer" and "Osen Fjordcamping". Contact the owners to check if there are some available. Get familiar with safety rules before venturing out into the sea. Daily passenger boats go from Sandviksberget Hurtigbåtkai to Ramsøya, Helvika, and Skjervøya (https://en-tur.no/nearby-stop-place-detail?id=NSR:StopPlace:42003). Make sure you catch your ride back if you attempt this!
Camping outside in Vingsand is ok. Norway has some regulations in regards to how long you're allowed to have a tent set up in one place, but as long as you are respectable and not disturbing any local inhabitants, this should not be a problem. If you're keen to set up a tent, the parking spot for the "Diamond Area" is recommended. Here you will have flat ground, a short distance to your car and a great view. N.B!! Put your tent up behind the small hill surrounding the parking so you are a bit out of sight and leaving room for other cars. Another option is to set up camp in Håmannvika. Here you will have access to an outside toilet, "Gapahuk," beach and barbeque (bring your own coal). If you choose to camp here, do not sleep inside the Gapahuk. Put your tent up on the grass a reasonable distance away from it. A pro tip for climbers wishing to reduce the cost of your visit is to bring a fishing rod to try your luck at living of mother nature.
The most central in-house accommodation (and nicest) is at "Vingsand Rorbuer." They have two apartments, housing 7 and 9 guests each. Rates are changing based on season. Contact information can be found on their website http://www.vingsandrorbuer.no/. There are also other options in vingsand as well as some airbnbs.
Another option is to rent a cabin at "Osen Camping." This is also an excellent option. The accommodation fee depends on what type of cabin you rent but is generally a bit cheaper than the previously mentioned option. Contact information at https://osen-fjordcamping.no/. They have small cabins for 4 persons, big cabins for 6-7 people and you can also park your van or motorhome here.
Your shopping needs are satisfied at Coop located in Osen, a 10-minute drive from Vingsand.
Please read the access description for the area before climbing. We all want to enjoy the climbing at Vingsand for the foreseeable future. Say hello to the locals and show that you are just a friendly nature enthusiast wishing the best for everyone using the area.
