Discover Hope: nature and culture in the wider destination of Tysnes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hope, you can also plan your trip around the attractions of the wider destination of Tysnes. Its character is shaped by landscapes along the open sea and Hardangerfjord, as well as cycling routes, cultural sites and seasonal offerings. The aspects that interest you most can help guide your plans for your stay.

Landscapes between the sea, fjord and mountains

Tysnes is an island group with a total area of 255 square kilometres. In the west, rocky coastlines and heathland facing the open sea define the landscape. In the east, along Hardangerfjord, it gives way to high mountains and extensive forests. The mountain ridges also make their own impression: Hovlandsnuten is 727 metres high and offers views of Hovland, Tveit and the Kvinnherad mountains beyond Onarheimsfjord.

For a hike to Tysnessåto, the description of the ascent is a useful distinction: the shortest and steepest route starts at Myrdal on a Sherpa path. These are the route’s characteristics; conditions may change. Solstråleøya has been made available to Tysnes Municipality for use as a recreational area.

Cycling and outdoor activities

Two cycling routes differ in both length and scenery. The 43.5-kilometre Våge–Uggdal–Onarheim–Lunde–Våge route passes through undeveloped areas and cultural landscapes along Onarheimsfjord and Hardangerfjord. The 31-kilometre Våge–Flatråkervassdraget–Våge route runs through wooded areas and along waterways. This allows you to compare the routes by length and scenery; road and traffic conditions may change.

There are opportunities for paddling on Tysnes, including on Flatråkervassdraget and Onarheim-vassdraget, and in Bårdsundet, Godøysund and by Ånuglo. A sauna at OnarHamn harbour is available for everyone to use free of charge. At Våge guest harbour, a service building has showers, toilets, a washing machine and a tumble dryer.

Cultural history and sights

Årbakkavollen is an archaeological site from the Early Iron Age. The remains include 20 burial mounds and at least six standing stones. Tysnes skulemuseum is housed in a school building from 1896; original school desks and furnishings are on display. The old courthouse in Uggdal has exhibitions about how people in Tysnes lived in the past. A memorial at Kaldafoss commemorates three British airmen who were shot down in 1941.

Crafts and buildings also tell the story of the destination. Årbakka is home to a classic western Norwegian country store dating from 1898; its interior has been preserved as it looked in the 1930s. The fort at Flygansvær on Reksteren is relatively large and well preserved. An information board shows the site plan. The lime kiln at Flakka was restored in 1992 by Tysnes kulturminnelag together with Tysnes Municipality. It is about two kilometres south of Onarheim; there is a car park and an information board by the main road. As parking conditions may change, check the situation before visiting.

Farm experiences and events throughout the year

Myrdal Gård makes cheese from goat’s and cow’s milk. In spring and summer, the farm welcomes visitors to its farm shop and restaurant. Tours of the cheese dairy or farm can be arranged; check dates and seasonal availability before your trip. This makes it easier to fit a potential visit into your plans while keeping seasonal conditions in mind.

The Tysnesfest music festival takes place on Tysnes every July. The specific dates and programme vary from year to year. If you’d like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Getting there and practical information

From Bergen, Tysnes can be reached by ferry from Halhjem to Våge. There is also a scheduled bus service from Bergen bus station to the ferry terminal. Check the ferry and bus timetables before travelling. For planning around Hope, this information gives an overview of connections to the wider destination; it does not replace checking the specific departure times.

Discover more destinations: Flatråker, Hovland, Onarheim, Tysnes, Lundegrend, Reksteren, Uggdal.

Back to the wider travel overview: Tysnes.