Discover Sæbøvågen

Sæbøvågen offers two clearly distinct themes for planning a trip: a historic cultural heritage area and hiking trails with named route features. A local hiking guide from 2019 describes Sæbøvågen as a very well-preserved cultural heritage area. The buildings, memorials and route descriptions each give these themes a concrete connection to the place.

Cultural heritage and traces of the built environment

The naust area includes timber-framed boathouses and their associated stone walls. Remains of Prestebryggja, also known as prestabryggjo, are still present. Skittkai and the Skitthus add a different architectural feature: they are built of natural stone and were constructed in the early 20th century. The timber-framed boathouses and natural-stone masonry thus represent different building methods, while Prestebryggja is distinguished by its status as a remnant.

An old road leads down to Sæbøvågen. It was built by local masons and is considered a memorial to the village’s master masons of old. This tribute explicitly connects the road with local craftsmanship. It adds another perspective to the built heritage: as well as boathouses, walls and the quay, the road built by local masons is part of the account of the area’s history.

The river is also connected with the history of milling. There used to be eight or nine mill houses along the river to Sæbøvågen. The lowest mill house, at the point where the river flows into the sea, is still standing and in good condition. The account thus records both the former number and the specific location of the surviving house, without treating the two pieces of information as equivalent.

Sæbø Church and its memorial stones

Sæbø Church is a three-aisled long church: the central and side aisles are beneath a shared roof. At the main entrance stands a memorial stone to the servicemen from Sæbø who served from 1807 to 1814. It was erected by local young people in 1914. Opposite it is another memorial stone to those who died in the war of 1940–1945. The two stones commemorate different periods; their position opposite one another connects them as memorials.

There is also a wheelchair ramp at the main entrance. Check access conditions before your visit, as such information may change.

Hiking trails from Sæbøvågen

The Sæbøvågen–Holeåsen–Lundsåsen route starts in Sæbøvågen. It follows a gravel road to the turnoff towards Lundsåsen and continues to Holeåsen. At Holeåsen, there is a lovely view west over Ulvatnet, towards Kartveit and Mangerfjorden. Parking for this route is available at Sæbø Church or by the gate in Sæbøvågen. The route and the viewpoint are two distinct reference points when comparing this description with other options.

The Kvistefjellet route from Sæbøvågen first follows a gravel road, then a marked trail towards Kvistefjellet. It passes Kvalvika, an abandoned smallholding with no road access. A marked trail also leads towards Sæbøvågen via Storstølen. This route description highlights the transition from gravel road to marked trail and the detour past Kvalvika as specific points to help you find your way.

The two route descriptions emphasize different features: the route via Holeåsen highlights the western view of the named landscape features, while the Kvistefjellet route is characterized by its trail surface and Kvalvika. Trail markings and conditions may change. Check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bøvågen, Manger.

Go to the main travel overview: Radøy.