Håmmårsbukta – Light, History, and Stillness by the Fjord

On the edge of Skatval, nestled between forest and fjord, lies Håmmårsbukta — a small bay with big atmosphere. With its quiet shoreline, open views across the Trondheimsfjord, and golden light at the end of the day, it’s a place that invites both reflection and creativity.

Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect exposure or someone just out for an evening walk, Håmmårsbukta is a spot where nature, history, and calm coexist beautifully.

A Place with a Past

Håmmårsbukta is not just a peaceful cove — it also holds historical weight. During World War II, the area was used by German forces as part of their coastal defense system. Remnants of bunkers and military infrastructure can still be found scattered along the shoreline and in the nearby woods.

These relics have slowly been reclaimed by nature, and today, the bay is better known for its recreational value than its wartime role. Locals use it year-round for walks, swimming, kayaking, and fishing — or just to sit quietly and take in the view.

Long Exposure in Golden Hour

This particular evening, I came with camera and tripod, chasing golden hour light and the quiet movement of the fjord. With a long shutter and some patience, Håmmårsbukta revealed itself in soft, dreamy tones — the water blurring into mist, and the last light stretching across the sky.

It’s a fantastic place for long exposure photography, especially if you’re drawn to subtle color transitions, slow motion, and coastal stillness.

What makes it special for photography:

• Wide, uninterrupted views across the Trondheimsfjord
• A variety of foreground elements — rocks, driftwood, reeds, and old structures
• A west-facing location that catches every sunset
• Historical textures that quietly blend into the landscape
• Low light pollution — ideal for both golden hour and twilight shooting

Tips for Shooting at Håmmårsbukta

• Bring an ND filter to shoot long exposures even before the sun sets
• Use shutter speeds between 1–10 seconds for silky water and soft reflections
• Don’t rush — let the light evolve, especially after sunset
• Try both wide landscapes and intimate detail shots
• If you arrive early, take time to explore the area on foot — the walking trails nearby are just as photogenic

📍 Where It Is

Håmmårsbukta is located on the Skatval peninsula, just a short drive from Stjørdal. There’s a small parking area, and a short path leads down to the beach and bay. It’s well-loved by locals but rarely crowded — a perfect place to slow down.

👉 View on Google Maps
Coordinates: 63.5622° N, 10.8133° E

Canon R6 + Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – 256mm – f/13 – ISO50 – 1/100sec

Canon R6 + Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – 150mm – f/13 – ISO50 – 1/250sec

Canon R6 + Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – 300mm – f/5.6 – ISO50 – 1/2000sec

Canon R6 + Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – 200mm – f/5.6 – ISO50 – 1/2000sec

Canon R6 + Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – 213mm – f/13 – ISO50 – 1/100sec