Discover Holmefjord and find hotels

Holmefjord brings together several distinct travel themes: archaeological traces from different periods, the cooperage tradition in Fusa, the culinary offerings at Tønnegarden, and the paddling route around the Ådlandsfjord. If you are looking for a hotel, you can weigh these themes according to whether history, regional cuisine, or paddling will shape your travel plans.

Archaeological traces from different periods

The skeleton from Holmefjordhelleren was dated to around 2100 BC using radiocarbon dating, placing it at the end of the Stone Age. Medieval finds in the cave include brick fragments, iron nails, whetstones, and slag. The history of the finds therefore spans several different periods.

Archaeologists believe that Holmefjordhelleren served as a fire house in the Middle Ages, possibly in connection with a forge. A different use is thought to date to the Early Iron Age: between AD 200 and 550, the cave was probably used for brief stays involving food preparation, possibly by herders from nearby farms.

The dates refer to different things: the skeleton dates to around 2100 BC, while the period from AD 200 to 550 places the presumed brief stays. This helps distinguish the dating of the finds from assumptions about how the cave was used.

Whetstones were used to sharpen tools; slag is a by-product of metalworking. These terms add detail to the list of medieval finds and help distinguish the different types of finds.

The Holmefjord Man was found in a rock-shelter cave near the farm buildings at Søre Holmefjord in Fusa.

The cooperage tradition and cuisine

Holmefjord and Bogøya form the heartland of the cooperage tradition in Fusa. Coopers make barrels; the tradition adds a craft perspective on Fusa to its archaeological themes.

The cooperage tradition offers a historical and craft connection, while Tønnegarden provides a culinary one, with bread and a menu. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between an interest in regional crafts and specific food offerings.

Tønnegarden offers a traditional culinary experience, with bread baked in a stone oven and lunch or dinner from the menu.

The dishes on the menu may change.

Tønnegarden’s farm shop sells meat and products made from it, including venison. The selection may also change. This makes dining from the menu and shopping at the farm shop two distinct culinary options to plan for.

Paddling on the Ådlandsfjord

The paddling route around the Ådlandsfjord offers many small coves and tidal shores to explore.

Holmefjord and Ådlandssjøen are listed on the route as access points with parking and a municipal stone landing stage. Check this access information locally when planning your paddling route.

The travel options therefore offer different focuses: historical finds, cooperage, cuisine, or paddling. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Fusa, Eikelandsosen, Nordtveitgrend, Baldersheim, Sævareid, Strandvik

Return to the main travel overview: Fusa.