Discover Omastrand

Omastrand combines coastal scenery with a history in which boatbuilding played an important role. The saw used to cut materials for boatbuilding still stands at Oma. There is also a boathouse with a steamboat quay. These reminders give the place a distinct cultural theme, different from the landscape around Omastrand.

Boatbuilding and Coastal Scenery

The importance of the craft is also reflected in a historical statistic: in 1930, boatbuilders made up more than half of the working male population in the census districts concerned in Omastrand. This illustrates the role of the trade in working life at the time. A municipal cultural heritage report from 2022 also notes the many preserved boathouses and boatbuilding workshops along the coasts of Oma. The focus is therefore not only on individual buildings, but also on the surviving traces of boatbuilding there.

A 2022 assessment found both Indre and Ytre Oma to have high cultural and historical value as well as high landscape value. The recreational area of Småholmane has its own connection to the landscape: it lies on a headland that extends into the sea. This gives you two distinct local aspects to consider when planning your trip—the history of the craft and the coastal setting.

Crafts, Café and Events

Breievne Gard is devoted to textile crafts: it produces woven textiles for the Hardanger bunad, including waistcoat bands, breast cloths, and belt and garter bands. The café at Breievne Gard serves light lunches, open sandwiches, coffee and pastries, and seasonal desserts. Since service details can change and the desserts are seasonal, it is worth checking the current offering before your visit.

Breievne Gard also offers a guided cultural trail. Its availability may vary, so check in advance if you would like to include it in your plans. Another local venue is Halvardsnaustet, where events are held on the premises in Omastranda. For specific travel dates, it is best to check the event schedule rather than assume there is a regular programme.

A little south of Omastrand, in Vika, stands an old smokehouse dating from the 16th century. It was protected in 1924. The house adds a much older example to the local references to architectural and cultural history.

More to Explore in the Wider Kvam Destination

The wider Kvam destination has more cultural attractions to explore. Kunsthuset Kabuso hosts changing exhibitions, concerts and events throughout the year. The Ingebrigt Vik Museum houses the collection of one of Norway’s most prominent sculptors. In Øystese, Hardanger Skyspace is a light installation by American artist James Turrell, right on the fjord shore. These attractions focus on different areas: exhibitions, sculpture and light art.

Steinsdalsfossen is also part of the wider Kvam destination: it has a drop of 50 metres, and visitors can walk behind the waterfall without getting wet. If you are more interested in a hike, Kvam offers a route to Krokavatnet. It is 2.3 kilometres long and takes about 1.5 hours each way; the hike is considered accessible and offers views of the Hardangerfjord. This helps you compare the region’s options by their specific themes and—in the case of this hike—by the approximate time required.

Discover more destinations: Steinstø, Øystese, Norheimsund, Strandebarm, Tørvikbygd.

View the wider travel guide: Kvam.