Austrheim: Trails, Sea and Coastal History

Vardetangen and its trails

Vardetangen is the westernmost point of mainland Norway. The Vardetangen day cabin is located in Austrheim, at Vardetangen. From Vardetangen, the large, open Fensfjord lies to the north and west. This provides precise geographical orientation as well as a specific destination for a day trip: you can include both the location on Fensfjord and the day cabin in your plans.

A gravel path about 900 metres long leads from Vardetangen to the day cabin. The gravel path from the car park at Vardetangen can be used with strollers and wheelchairs. Both the approximate distance and the surface are relevant to your plans; accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs may also be a deciding factor.

Sea, nature and excursions

A marked hiking trail leads to Vardetangen. There is also a marked Stone Age trail in Hoplandsmarka, north of Fosnstraumen. You can therefore plan your day around two different types of trails: the destination of Vardetangen or the Stone Age theme in Hoplandsmarka. In addition to hiking, the destination and the theme are also possible criteria for choosing an excursion.

The Lurefjorden and Lindåsosane marine protected area includes marine areas in the municipality of Austrheim. Austrheim offers tidal currents and shipwrecks that are popular with recreational divers. You can also watch sea eagles in Austrheim; a kayak or canoe is a good option for a sea eagle safari. One distinction matters when choosing: diving focuses on currents and shipwrecks, while a sea eagle safari is about birdwatching from a kayak or canoe. Compared with the marked trails, the focus here shifts to the sea and wildlife watching.

Coastal culture and regional cuisine

Kilstraumen is one of the old coastal inns that is still in operation. The Hoplandskvernene are mill houses dating from the 17th century; Austrheim Church is a wooden church built in 1865. These three examples represent different aspects of local history: coastal hospitality, mill houses and church architecture. If you would like to include history and architecture as well as nature in your travel plans, you can consider each of these themes separately.

Kilstraumen Brygge has two restaurants. They serve, among other things, local fish and seafood, eggs and meat from local farmers, and local baked goods. Kilstraumen Brygge can also help arrange fishing trips, paddling tours, trips on a fast RIB and visits to an aquaculture facility. Food and planned activities offer different ways to experience the region: local produce in the restaurant and excursions or visits that Kilstraumen Brygge can help arrange.

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Austrheim, your priorities can help structure your search: hiking trails and a day cabin, cultural heritage, regional cuisine or maritime activities. This way, you can start by considering the experiences you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Austrheim, Fonnes, Modalen, Fjell, Fedje, Odda, Sund, Masfjorden.

For the regional travel overview: Hordaland.