Discover Hovland in Tysnes
Accommodation in Hovland
Hovland is a farm in Tysnes, Vestland, which was formerly a noble estate. Its history and the trails to Hovlandsnuten represent two different aspects of a visit: the historical significance of the farm and hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
The history of Hovland
At the beginning of the 17th century, the Hovland farm belonged to Anders Mowat. The farm passed from Anders Mowat to his son Axel Mowat and then to Anders’ daughter Karen Mowat. Karen was married to Ludvig Rosenkrantz (1628–1685), who founded the Barony of Rosendal. This succession links the farm’s history with the Mowat family and the founding of the Barony of Rosendal.
Hikes near Hovland
Nearby, on Tysnes, is the 727-metre-high Hovlandsnuten. From the summit, you can see the villages of Hovland and Tveit, as well as the jagged mountains of Kvinnherad across the Onarheimsfjord. Hiking trails lead to the summit from Skaret and Ă…rbakka.
The route from Skaret starts at Skaret, a parking area on Road 78 between Lunde and Nymark. There is an information board at the trailhead, and the route is well signposted and marked. Check local conditions before setting out, as signs and trail markings may change seasonally. The first section follows a gently rising forest path to Vasstøl and takes about half an hour, depending on your walking pace. It is mostly uphill, with a few flat sections.
From Vasstøl, a three-kilometre trail continues to Hovlandsnuten; this takes about an hour, depending on your fitness. The climb then follows a very steep, 300- to 400-metre-long path, which levels out shortly before the summit. After a few minutes on the forest path, you will reach the Fossane waterfalls on your right; the trail also runs alongside Vasstølstjødno. Follow the signs through Sandlopeskaret, turn left and begin the increasingly steep ascent.
Cultural traces near Hovland
Other named features are also part of the local cultural history: a municipal cultural heritage plan lists a stone footbridge over the Hovlandselva and Hovland Tursti under Hovland. Thus, the historical picture of Hovland includes not only the former succession of owners, but also a river crossing and a trail.
Tysnes in the wider context
Tysnes is an island group with a total area of 255 square kilometres. In the west of Tysnes, rocky coastlines and heathland face the open sea; in the east, along the Hardangerfjord, the landscape gives way to high mountains and extensive forest areas.
Tysnes also has two cycling routes that differ in length and scenery: The 43.5-kilometre Våge–Uggdal–Onarheim–Lunde–Våge route passes through undeveloped areas and cultural landscapes along the Onarheimsfjord and the Hardangerfjord. The 31-kilometre Våge–Flatråkervassdraget–Våge route runs through wooded areas and alongside waterways.
The Tysnesfest music festival takes place on Tysnes every year in July. Dates and programme vary from year to year; check the specific event dates before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Tysnes, Reksteren, FlatrĂĄker, Hope, Lundegrend, Onarheim, Uggdal
Go to the main travel overview: Tysnes.
