Discover Etne

The Åkrafjorden is an arm of the Skånevikfjorden and reaches as far as Åkra in the municipality of Etne. Steep mountain cliffs, lush slopes, a mirror-like fjord and rushing glacial water shape the fjord landscape. Langfoss, a 612-metre-high waterfall, lies by the Åkrafjord.

Hiking between the waterfall and mountain landscape

Langfoss lies right by the E134. There is parking at the rest area below the waterfall, where the hike begins. The marked trail climbs alongside the waterfall towards Varahaugen and Langfosstølen, with several steep sections. Along the way, it passes through forest and rocky terrain close to the roaring water. Viewpoints offer views of the Åkrafjord and the surrounding mountain landscape.

For a different kind of hike, take Vaula via Langfoss: this challenging hike is about 9 kilometres long and climbs almost 900 metres. It usually takes around five hours. For a circular route with a different profile, consider Osnes rundt: this family-friendly trail close to the town centre is 5.8 kilometres long and follows hilly gravel and asphalt paths. You can walk, push a pram or cycle along it. The two hikes can thus be compared by their distance and trail profile.

A nature trail also leads from the Osnes area to the Borgåsen hillfort. There is a rest area about halfway along; the final section is steep. In Etnefjella, a network of marked trails stretches between Seljestad and Olalia, with tourist cabins along the way.

Cultural sites and historic trails

Stødle kyrkje is located in Stødle. Its oldest part served as a private chapel for Erling Skakke and his family in the 12th century. The Stødle terraces in the municipality of Etne are protected and rich in cultural heritage sites. Gjerde kyrkje, built in 1676, is in the centre of Etne. Sæbøtunet in Etnesjøen is the largest authentic historic farm complex from the 18th and 19th centuries in Sunnhordland.

Trails also tell the story of how the landscape was used: Postvegen in Rullestad is a restored old road through a waterfall landscape between Rullestad and Skromme. Those interested in regional nature can visit a 100-year-old beech forest at Milja in Skånevik, with a nature trail.

Cycling, swimming and fishing

The mountain roads near Skarstøl and Rus in Etnefjella are suitable for cycling. Honsvikjo near Osnes is a bathing spot. Stordalsvatnet offers good freshwater fishing; access and rules may vary by season. Check the current regulations before fishing.

Fishing permits for the Etneelvo also differ by river section: day permits are mainly sold for the main river, while season permits are also available for longer stretches of the Sørelva. Permit arrangements and seasonal details may change; check the current conditions in advance.

Events and fjord experiences

Etnemarknaden began in 1981. The three-day programme in early August combines cultural and family experiences with a wide range of activities and concerts; the market has 150 exhibitors. Check the latest event dates before travelling.

Åkrafjorden Oppleving runs fjord cruises and tractor safaris to the farms on the roadless northern shore of the Åkrafjorden. Operators and schedules may change; check which trips are running on your dates before making plans. This lets you choose between hikes, historic sites, activities on the water and a trip on the fjord when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Kyrping, Markhus, Fjæra, Etne, Skånevik, Tysnes, Modalen, Fedje.

For the main travel overview: Hordaland.