Solsvik: North Sea Trail and Maritime History

Solsvik can be considered for travel planning mainly in terms of two themes: the North Sea Trail and the area’s long maritime history. The route information identifies the lake, harbour and bridge; historical references range from its role as a trading post and inn to shipping between the open sea and Hjeltefjord. When choosing a destination, you can therefore weigh up whether you would rather focus on hiking trails or on the history of the area.

Hiking between Fuglavatnet and the harbour

The Fjæreide–Spjeld–Ågotnes–Vindenes–Solsvika–Misje route is called the North Sea Trail. The North Sea Trail runs along the eastern shore of Fuglavatnet; from the north side of the lake, it heads west towards Solsvika. The place names provide clear orientation in terms of the lakeshore and direction of travel.

A path leads from the eastern side of the harbour through a steep cut to a viewpoint at the Solsviksundet Bridge. The described route is defined by the climb through the terrain and the named viewpoint. This gives hikers different landmarks to orient themselves by: the lake on one side, and the harbour and bridge on the other.

Trade, herring fishing and shipping

Solsvika had been a trading post and inn since the early 18th century. The rich herring fishing along the west coast of Norway led to great activity in Solsvika until the late 1870s. After 1888, the descendants of Jørgen and Malene Langeland continued to run the trading business there for another hundred years. These dates give the history of trade a longer perspective than the herring-fishing period alone.

The location between Solsvika and Misje is also part of its maritime history: historically, the strait was an important shipping route between the open sea and Hjeltefjord. To the north, a stone wall runs between the farms of Landro and Solsvika. It is another tangible landmark in the cultural landscape. An historic photograph of Solsvik on Sotra was taken by Atelier KK between 1920 and 1922, adding an image from the first half of the 20th century to the earlier and later historical references.

More to explore in the wider destination of Øygarden

In the wider destination of Øygarden, the North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg focuses on the Telavåg tragedy, the coastal resistance movement and the escape route across the North Sea to the United Kingdom during the Second World War. The North Sea Traffic Exhibition also includes a 25-minute film about the Telavåg tragedy. Alongside Solsvik’s history of trade and shipping, this gives the region another distinct historical focus.

The wider destination also offers options for nature and leisure activities. The Hildringsbu birdwatching hut is on Skogsøyna and is open during the season; check current seasonal access before visiting. The Skogsøyna recreation area also offers opportunities for fishing and swimming. Ormhilleren is an open, family-friendly recreation area with a large, sheltered shell-sand bathing bay.

The Seløy–Gløvrebu route is another hiking option in Øygarden. It follows a marked, gently undulating path and offers views of the sea, islets and skerries. At Gløvrebu, visitors stopping there can use a fire pan and small fire pits. The descriptions of these trails differ clearly in terms of terrain and views: for Solsvik, they mention the steep cut and orientation by Fuglavatnet; for Seløy–Gløvrebu, the gently undulating path and views of the sea and skerries.

Discover more destinations: Foldnes, Brattholmen, Misje, Fjell, Kolltveit, Straume, Ågotnes

Back to the wider travel overview: Fjell.