Kjerrgarden: Hiking and Cultural Landscape

Kjerrgarden combines a hiking route to Kjerrgardstårnet with a distinctive agricultural cultural landscape. When planning a trip to Kjerrgarden, you can therefore take both the hike and the history and character of the landscape into account. For further excursions, you can also look to Askøy as a wider travel destination.

Hiking route to Kjerrgardstårnet

The Kjerrgarden hiking route starts at the parking area at the timber storage site of Kjerrgarden Skogeigarlag. From there, it leads to Kjerrgardstårnet and then back to the starting point via forest roads and trails. The route thus forms a loop with a clear destination and return to the starting point. As parking conditions may change, check the municipality’s latest information before setting out.

The tower stands on Kjerrgardsåsen at 120 metres above sea level and marks the highest point in the area. From its summit, there are wide views across the landscape of Askøy; it also gives an impression of just how heavily wooded the island is. How far you can see depends on the weather and vegetation. Kjerrgardsåsen has long been a hiking destination for local residents.

Agriculture and cultural landscape

Kjerrgarden is one of the largest and most extensive contiguous agricultural areas in Askøy municipality and includes numerous cultural heritage sites. Agriculture and traces of history together shape the character of the place. Those who take the hike encounter not only a viewpoint, but also a landscape whose agricultural importance and cultural heritage are closely connected with Kjerrgarden.

The cultural landscape’s recognition is also part of this history: the Kjerrgarden landowners’ register received the Cultural Landscape Award in 2016. The date makes this recognition a specific historical reference point. Together with the numerous cultural heritage sites, it gives the landscape a cultural dimension that differs from the view at Kjerrgardstårnet.

More trails and nature on Askøy

Those who look beyond Kjerrgarden to Askøy will find hiking trails of different lengths. Askøy på langs is about 37 kilometres long and runs from Kleppestø over the island’s highest points and through its densest forests to the finish at Herdla. The route passes through varied terrain. Askøy municipality also has a circular trail at Siglingavatnet Friluftspark; it is 5.2 kilometres long in total. The park also has a lit trail. These figures show two different scales: a shorter loop and an island route of about 37 kilometres.

Herdla also offers its own connection with nature: more than 240 bird species have been recorded there over time, and birdwatching is one of the possible activities. Access is prohibited in parts of Herdla Nature Reserve and the seabird reserves from 15 April to 30 September. During your visit, follow local signs and regulations. This makes it possible to plan an excursion on Askøy with the natural areas in mind, while Kjerrgarden itself is shaped by its hiking route, agriculture and cultural heritage sites.

Discover more destinations: Hauglandshella, Strusshamn, Davanger, Ask, Herdla, Ramnanger, Hetlevik, Kleppestø.

Go to the main travel overview: Askøy.