Kolbeinsvik: Nature Trails and Milling History

Kolbeinsvik combines nature trails with local milling history. The specific route layouts and historical points of interest give the area its own distinctive character. The wider destination of Austevoll offers additional nature and cultural attractions.

Hiking Trails with Different Points of Interest

Hjorteskogen is an established nature trail in Kolbeinsvik. It is described as a circular route from the bus stop to Tinghaugen and back. The also-established Beinskroken–Hestavika nature trail starts in the Beinskrokjen industrial area. From there, it leads down to Stjernehyttene on Ringasundvegen and then back to Beinskrokjen. The two trails therefore differ in their orientation: Tinghaugen is the named destination on the Hjorteskogen trail, while the Beinskroken–Hestavika trail goes to Stjernehyttene and back to Beinskrokjen.

Parking for the Skipavikløypa is available at Kolbeinsvik Montessori Skule.

Milling History in Kolbeinsvik

People in Kolbeinsvik used Matvikvatnet and the river there to grind grain. There was a mill at Kvednavatnet. The points of reference differ: Matvikvatnet is associated with using waterways to grind grain, while Kvednavatnet is associated with the historical site of a mill. The milling history is therefore a different aspect of the area from the hiking trails described above.

Facilities at Kolbeinsvik skule

In 2024, there was a playground and a football pitch at Kolbeinsvik skule. During periods of frost in 2024, there was also an ice rink there. The ice rink was therefore available seasonally, during periods of frost.

Austevoll as a Wider Travel Destination

Austevoll is an island realm comprising 667 islands. Rocky shores, narrow sounds, heathland and pine forests are part of Austevoll’s landscape. The Old Norse wild sheep have grazed along Austevoll’s coast for more than a thousand years and are an important part of its cultural landscape. This landscape combines natural coastal features with a long history of human use.

In Austevoll, marked hiking trails pass through forest and heathland to mountain peaks with views across the island realm. Popular routes include trails on Stolmen, Selbjørn, Hundvåkøy and Storekalsøy; check local conditions for individual trails. Cycling routes follow scenic roads and coastal paths across gently rolling terrain. Hiking and cycling therefore offer different experiences: forest, heathland and mountain views on the one hand, and roads and coastal paths across gently rolling terrain on the other.

Austevoll’s cultural history also reveals different sides of the region. Nothengja in Bekkjarvik was built to dry cotton fishing nets and is now a cultural venue with a stage. Guided tours of the old trading post and the fisheries museum are also offered in Bekkjarvik. Tours are arranged through the Austevoll reiselivslag; take this arrangement into account when planning your visit. Nothengja’s former purpose and its present-day use as a cultural venue represent different chapters in the area’s history.

Discover more destinations: Bakkasund, Stolmen, Bekkjarvik, Våge, Torangsvåg, Kalve, Vestre Vinnesvåg, Litlakalsøy.

Go to the wider travel overview: Austevoll.