Hellesøy: Nordsjøløypa, Hjelme Old Church and Hellesøydagen

Key features of Hellesøy include Nordsjøløypa, Hjelme Old Church and Hellesøydagen. They represent trails through the landscape, historical connections and an annual market and activity day.

Nordsjøløypa and trails on Hellesøy

Hellesøy has a network of trails; Nordsjøløypa follows older paths and roads. In the south of the island, the 1.6-kilometre section runs between Nautnes and Trollvatn. The area offers views of the sea, and the route passes through an area considered a cultural environment. Sælstakken, a mountain peak in the west, is visible from the trail.

Kyrkjevegen was once a school route on Hellesøy and is marked as a Nordsjøløype trail. Volunteers in the Bakken group maintain and mark the trails across Hellesøy. Hellesøy kai can also be used as a starting point for the Hellesøy (N) hike. From the landing place, the route follows the canal and crosses Hellesundbrua. If you want to start from Hellesøy kai, check current parking and quay conditions locally before your visit.

Hjelme Old Church: History and culture

Hjelme Old Church is located by the sea, near a maritime working environment in the hiking area on Hellesøy. On 4 August 1875, Provost Hveding consecrated the church. Of the 700 people belonging to the church, 323 attended the consecration. It is listed as a church dating from after 1850 and protected, and is considered cultural heritage of national value.

In autumn 2019, following a two-year restoration, the church was restored and reopened as a cultural church, intended for concerts and cultural events. Specific programmes and opening arrangements may vary. Historically, people from Hellesøy could reach Hjelme Old Church overland, without a boat. The northern Kystpilegrimsleia runs from Hellesundet to the church.

Hellesøydagen: Market and activities

Hellesøydagen is an annual market and activity day on Hellesøy in Øygarden. The programme includes market stalls, entertainment, competitions and a cultural programme. The date and detailed programme may change from year to year. So if the event date is important to your trip, check the dates and programme for that year.

The market offers, among other things, handicrafts, jewellery, visual art, knives, woodwork, honey and lefse; the selection may vary from year to year. Activities include canoeing and catching small crabs; the events on offer may also vary.

Hiking and history in Øygarden

In the wider Øygarden destination, the Tjeldstø–Alvheim–Hovden circular route is 9 kilometres long and takes about 3.5 hours. In the wider Øygarden destination, the Seløy–Gløvrebu route follows a marked, gently undulating trail with views of the sea, islets and skerries. At Gløvrebu in the wider Øygarden destination, visitors can take a break by a fire pan and small fire pits.

The North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg features exhibitions about 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 at the museum includes a 25-minute film about the Telavåg tragedy.

Discover more destinations: Rong, Sele and Tjeldstø.

Go to the wider travel overview: Øygarden.