Øygarden: Coastal Trails, History and Nature

At the North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg, the Telavåg tragedy, the coastal resistance movement and the escape route across the North Sea to the United Kingdom during the Second World War take centre stage. Marked hiking trails, birdwatching and waterside recreation areas also shape travel ideas in Øygarden. You can therefore plan your stay around different interests: with a focus on history, a particular hike or activities in nature.

History and Culture

The North Sea Traffic Exhibition at the museum includes a 25-minute film about the Telavåg tragedy. The film complements the exhibitions on coastal resistance and the escape route with a distinct perspective on historical events. Visitors interested in the history of the Second World War will find several ways to explore the subject in one place.

Some of the trails also lead to historical sites. Russarstegen is a section of the Nordsjøløypa and leads to Fjell Fortress, which was built by prisoners during the Second World War. On Hellesøy, the Nordsjøløypa follows old roads and paths through a network of hiking trails. The old Hjelme Church is located near the Hellesøy route, in a maritime cultural heritage setting.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The Seløy–Gløvrebu route follows a marked, gently undulating trail. Along the way, views open out across the sea, with its islets and skerries. At Gløvrebu, visitors stopping for a break can use a fire pan and small fire pits. The route thus combines a trail and scenic views with a designated resting place.

The Tjeldstø–Alvheim–Hovden loop offers a different kind of trip: it is 9 kilometres long and takes about 3.5 hours on foot. In contrast, Seløy–Gløvrebu is characterised by its marked, gently undulating trail and sea views; for Tjeldstø–Alvheim–Hovden, the distance and approximate walking time are given. The Anekletten route is marked with Nordsjøløypa logos, and Anekletten itself is a 60-metre-high viewpoint.

Nature and Recreation Areas

A total of 195 bird species have been recorded in the Tjeldstømarka Nature Reserve. The Hildringsbu birdwatching hut is on Skogsøyna and is open during the season; check seasonal access before your visit. The Skogsøyna recreation area also offers opportunities for fishing and swimming. Birdwatching, fishing and swimming therefore offer different ways to enjoy a stay in nature.

Ormhilleren is an open, family-friendly recreation area with a large, sheltered swimming cove laid with shell sand. From there, the Kyststien runs along the western side, while the Kystvaktstien runs by the sea beneath the Rongesund Bridge. On Algrøyna, the Barmane recreation area has sheltered waters, mooring facilities and coves with shell sand. Fishing takes place both from the sea and from land. The two areas combine waterside recreation with different local features: Ormhilleren is known for its swimming cove and named trails, while Barmane offers sheltered waters, mooring facilities and fishing opportunities.

Seasonal Experiences and Food

The Øygarden Visitor Center's visitor programme lists a seasonal guided RIB boat trip to an operating fish farm for 2026. There, an experienced fish farmer explains how Norwegian salmon and rainbow trout are produced. Before planning, check whether the trip is running in the current season.

Øygarden Opplevelser' seasonal offering for 2026 includes a fishing and crab-catching expedition from its base in Vik, a village in Øygarden. The expedition includes preparing the crab caught and tasting fresh crab from the cooking pot. Check current tour dates and booking conditions in advance. Water Stories' seasonal offering for 2026 includes a lunch at Porsvika 125. The venue is in the Øygarden archipelago and is described as a historic meeting place; check whether the offering is available in the current season.

Discover more destinations: Rong, Sele, Hellesøy, Tjeldstø, Austevoll, Masfjorden, Kvam, Granvin.

For the regional travel overview: Hordaland.