Stolmen: Coastal Paths and History

Stolmen brings together a range of interests to consider when planning a trip: Kvalvåg’s trading history, paths through coastal heathland and World War II memorial sites, as well as local activities. The distinctions below will help you understand Stolmen as a destination and find suitable hotels for your stay.

Kvalvåg: Trading History and Maritime Life Today

Kvalvåg on Stolmen was first mentioned as a trading post in 1655 and received a royal trading privilege in 1731. Another local landmark is Kvalvåg’s old main building. The 19th-century building is located near the church and is owned by a foundation of the Bergen Sailing Association, which also uses it. Today, Kvalvåg is associated above all with sailing, water sports and recreation. Its trading history and its maritime character today are thus distinct aspects of the place.

Paths, Landscapes and Memorial Sites

The Globen–Såta path runs through varied terrain and coastal heathland. It is partly developed and has boardwalks in some places; the path can be wet. These conditions are a practical guide when planning your trip.

Globen is an illuminated monument marking the 60th parallel. It is less than one kilometre on foot from the road, along a well-developed path. The marked site and short walk from the road make for a clearly defined visit, while the Globen–Såta path traverses varied terrain.

The route to Ystaneset offers a different option: it leads from Sætrevika via Rosseide and continues through the terrain around the water at the far end of Ystaneset. The return follows the same path back to Sætrevika. Remains of a World War II radar and listening station can be found along the Nordsjøløypa. At Grøntua, foundations mark the location of two large listening stations from the same period.

Activities on Stolmen

Stolpejakt is a free, mobile search activity. You look for posts set up nearby and register them using an app. Klatreskogen is also located in the woods by the former Stolmen school. It includes a zip line, a barbecue shelter, a sandbox, and play and exercise equipment. There is also a padel court at the former school, which can be booked through a booking system; rackets and balls are available to borrow.

Stangeland Gard’s farm shop opens in late summer. It offers local produce, coffee and something to eat. Opening hours are listed in the calendar; check it before your visit. You can combine a visit with a walk to Globen or along the Nordsjøløypa.

Planning by Bike and Car

The bike tour from Bekkjarvik to Stolmen is 22.7 kilometres long and goes via Salthella to Stolmen. During the tour, you can leave your bike at the shop in Årland and walk the marked Nordsjøløypa from there. This lets you include a cycling leg and a walk in your plans without treating them as the same route.

One option for travelling by car is to take the car ferry from Krokeide to Hufthamar and then continue by car to Stolmen. Check the ferry timetable before travelling. This is particularly helpful if you are including the crossing in your travel plans.

Choosing Stolmen for Your Hotel Search

When looking for hotels in Stolmen, you can choose your destination based on the interests you want your stay to focus on: Kvalvåg combines trading history with its present-day connection to sailing and water sports; the paths described here differ in terrain and route. This gives you concrete points to consider when deciding whether Stolmen fits your travel plans.

The Wider Region: Austevoll

The wider destination of Austevoll is characterised by rocky shores, straits, heathland and pine forests. Austevoll is an island kingdom consisting of 667 islands. This regional context adds the broader landscape of the destination to the specific paths and places on Stolmen.

Discover more destinations: Kolbeinsvik, Storebø, Kalve, Våge, Bakkasund, Bekkjarvik, Torangsvåg, Litlakalsøy.

See the full destination overview: Austevoll.