Lykling – Gold Mining and Cultural Trails

Lykling combines marked trails with traces of mining. Circular routes and walking paths lead through an area shaped by its cultural history; quarry remains and relics of gold mining give the place a distinct historical character.

Trails with Different Highlights

The marked Stemmane–Krokavatnet circular route is 3.5 kilometres long. It passes Krokavatnet and Stemmane through an area shaped by its cultural history. The Lyklingelva trail is 2.5 kilometres long and takes about an hour. It starts at the mouth of the Lyklingelva, follows the river upstream to Lyklingvatnet and Staurahølen, and returns along the opposite riverbank. Some sections can be wet; parking is available at Huset på kaien.

At 1.4 kilometres and about 20 minutes, the Gruvetur is shorter in both distance and duration than the Lyklingelva trail. It follows a good path; parking is available behind Oscarsgruva or at the turning area. Storhaugløypa passes through the former crofter’s holding of Brakaplasset, where remnants of foundations and stone walls can be seen. On Storhaug, a bench offers a good view west over the sea. This route has rough and wet sections; check trail conditions before setting out.

Mining History and Visible Traces

Gold was mined in the Lykling area from 1883 to 1910 by several large and small companies. The history is also evident at Klebersteinsbrotet, where mining channels, pick and wedge marks, and spoil heaps can be seen. The quarry is considered one of the largest quarries in Hordaland in the 12th century. Stone from there was supplied to Moster kyrkje, as well as to Mariakirken, Domkirken, Korskirken and the Nonneseter monastery in Bergen.

The Gruvetur also passes mining remains. It starts at Oscarsverket, by the remains of the crushing plant and the restored mine manager’s house, and then heads towards Djupvik kai. At Gullvegen Gardstun, visitors can try gold panning and enjoy activities adapted for adults and children. Lykling thus offers both visible traces of past work and gold panning as an activity.

Guided Tours and Regional Context

At Lykling gjestehamn, the soapstone quarry and the Lykling gold-mining area are cultural and hiking areas; guided tours are available at both sites. Check locally in advance to confirm availability. At Huset på kaien, kayaks can be borrowed free of charge. Check before your visit whether this rental service is currently available.

Elsewhere in the wider destination of Bømlo, other places offer their own highlights. At 474 metres, Siggjo is Bømlo’s highest mountain; from the summit, the view stretches from Folgefonna in the east to Haugesund in the south. The ascent includes about 1,010 Sherpa-built steps on Laksatrappo, as well as several rest areas. Moster Amfi presents the history of the introduction of Christian law in Norway and includes a visit to Moster gamle kyrkje. The site also features the Steinriket Bømlo exhibition, with a mine tunnel offering insights into Bømlo’s geology and mining history from the Stone Age to modern times.

Discover more destinations: Håvik, Foldrøyhamn, Urangsvåg, Rubbestadneset, Brandasund, Finnås, Langevåg, Bømlo.

View the wider travel overview: Bømlo.