Høylandsbygd: Maritime History and Radiohola

Høylandsbygd offers several points of interest for travellers interested in maritime history and places of remembrance. Its boatbuilding history is reflected both in a depiction of a specific ship and in a mural showing boats at different stages of construction. The Halsnøy Historical Centre adds archaeological and everyday-life themes; Radiohola recalls the Norwegian resistance during the Second World War.

Shipbuilding and the Halsnøy boat

The schooner “Oline” is depicted on the end wall of the shipbuilding hall. Built in 1858, it was assigned building number 3 in Gravdal and delivered to a part-owner shipping company in Høylandsbygd. The details of its place of construction, year of construction and delivery give the ship a specific connection to the local boatbuilding history.

A large mural in the shipbuilding hall at Hillestadvågen shows boats at numerous stages of construction and documents the local boatbuilding history. This puts a depiction connected to a single ship alongside a broader view of the different stages of boatbuilding.

The Halsnøy boat is on display at the Halsnøy Historical Centre. It is dated to 200–300 AD. The historical period covered by the topics presented here thus stretches from a boat from antiquity to the 19th-century schooner “Oline”.

Collections from wartime and everyday life

The Halsnøy Historical Centre displays several objects from wartime and everyday life. These include ration cards, weapons and German steel helmets. A model of the “Blücher” and other well-known ships from the Second World War is also on display. The collection of old radios from the pre-war period adds another aspect of everyday technological history to these topics.

The exhibits bring together different perspectives: alongside the objects mentioned and the ship model, the radios form a collection of their own. Together with the Halsnøy boat, they offer a varied look at archaeological, technological and contemporary-history topics within the same historical centre.

Radiohola and its historical connection

Radiohola is a natural shelter in Høylandsbygd that the Norwegian resistance movement used during the Second World War. From the road, Radiohola can be reached via a walk of about 15 minutes. The approximate walking time provides a practical guide for planning the route.

More to explore in the wider destination of Kvinnherad

The wider destination of Kvinnherad offers further historical highlights. Baroniet Rosendal is Norway’s only barony and Scandinavia’s smallest castle. The estate includes a castle dating from 1665 and a garden with 300 years of history. This highlight brings together architectural history and the garden’s long history.

Halsnøy Monastery offers its own historical themes: its history dates back to 1163. The site includes, among other things, 14th-century ruins, a dwelling house from 1841 and gardens. Guided tours, exhibitions, lectures and concerts are held there throughout the year.

Kvinnherad Turlag compiles current and updated hiking suggestions for the whole of Kvinnherad; individual routes may change. The route to Bondhusvatnet near Sundal is described as short and easy and can be walked almost all year round, although winter conditions may affect accessibility. Another time estimate is provided for the hike to Malmangernuten: it can start in the centre of Rosendal at Rosendal Fjordhotel, takes about four hours in total and leads to a summit 890 metres high. The summit offers views of Rosendal, the neighbouring villages and the Hardangerfjord.

Discover more destinations: Dimmelsvik, Husnes, Valen, Matre, Ænes, Utåker, Rosendal, Mauranger.

View the wider travel guide: Kvinnherad.