Værlandet: Island Nature and Maritime History

Værlandet brings together geological features, a protected wetland and traces of its fishing history. Travel options vary considerably: the Nordsjøløypa is a hiking route, the connection to Bulandet is a cycling route, and seasonal boat trips are also available.

Rocky Landscape and Sørværet Nature Reserve

The greenstone on Værlandet is ancient lava from the seafloor. The distinctive shapes of the rocky peaks also have a geological explanation: they are thought to result from the interaction between hard, solid rock and erosion by ice and sea during and after the last Ice Age. Høgkletten rises 163 metres above sea level and is the highest point on Værlandet.

The Sørværet Nature Reserve, a protected wetland, lies near Værlandet in Askvoll Municipality. Its conservation objectives include preserving an archipelago and wetland area with its natural vegetation and wildlife, its functions for birdlife, its marsh areas, and the geological conservation values of its Devonian sandstone. Visitors may be able to spot seals, otters, eagles and deer there. Check the applicable conservation regulations before visiting.

Hiking, Cycling and Paddling

On Værlandet, the Nordsjøløypa heads west along the old school route. This well-marked hiking trail takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk, and a side trail leads to Høgkletten. Trail details may be updated locally, so it is advisable to check the information on site.

Nordsjøporten connects the islands and can be experienced by car, bicycle or on foot. For a specific cycling route, the Værlandet–Bulandet route runs from the ferry quay on Værlandet to the quay in Bulandet and is about 10.8 kilometres long. It crosses six bridges, offers views of islands and sea, and passes art installations and attractive boathouses. An approximate walking time is given for the Nordsjøløypa, while an approximate distance is given for the cycling route—two different points of reference for planning. Check current trail conditions before setting out. The Værlandet and Bulandet archipelago is also considered a paddling destination.

Harbour History and Museum

The group of buildings at Hamna on Værlandet is considered worthy of preservation. Hamna was an important fishing harbour: from the late 19th century until Nordsjøporten opened in 2003, ships carrying passengers and goods called there.

The Engelbua Museum is an old boathouse in Værøyhamna on Værlandet. Its collection includes items from fishing, farming and household life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Along with the harbour’s history, it gives the maritime past a tangible setting, while the collection also covers other aspects of everyday life in earlier times.

Getting There and Getting Around

The ferry from Værlandet to the mainland and the municipal centre of Askvoll takes about an hour; the ferry also stops at Fure in Fjaler. The Askvoll–Fure–Værlandet connection is coordinated with express boats from Bergen, Sogn, Måløy and Florø. Check the timetable before travelling so you can factor the approximate crossing time and planned connections into your plans.

In summer, you can island-hop on the post boat from Solund via Bulandet to Værlandet. This seasonal route operates from mid-June to mid-August; passengers can disembark at Værlandet and explore the islands independently. As seasonal services depend on departure times and dates, check them before travelling.

Joker Værlandet is located by the ferry quay on Værlandet. Jungeltelegrafen at the Værlandet Handel shop sells baked goods, coffee and hot meals. As business information can change, check the latest details in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Korssund, Kvammen, Holmedal, Bulandet, Stongfjorden, Atløy, Askvoll

Go to the main travel overview: Askvoll.