Barmen: Cultural Heritage on Barmøya

Barmen is located on Barmøya, between the mighty Stad Peninsula and the open sea to the west. The island has four villages: Barmen, Røyset, Vikja and Fjellet. After arriving by ferry, you will first reach the village of Barmen. Røyset is five kilometres away along the Røysetstranda beach. Vikja is on the open sea and 4.7 kilometres from the ferry terminal in Barmen.

Cultural History and Built Landscape

At Korsneset on Barmen, there is a group of burial mounds and standing stones, including Barmen’s best-known runestone. The Barmen stone is located on the eastern side of Barmen, near Korsneset. It is about 1.55 metres high and dates from the Early Iron Age, around 400 AD; it is considered a valuable cultural heritage site.

In Barmen Ytre, there are two historic soapstone quarries with several visible extraction hollows; at Nerlid, there are five unfinished pot blanks.

The cultural landscape and its buildings also shape Barmen’s cultural history. The rows of boathouses in Svinevika and on Røyset are important cultural heritage sites; Svinevika also has a well-preserved farmstead. In the hamlet of Fjellet, the cultural landscape has been shaped over centuries by livestock farming and by retaining walls built by people to support hay meadows. Prominent stone walls have been preserved on the farms. The retaining walls at Fjellet and Vikasvingane are considered cultural heritage sites associated with the landscape and roads. The road to Vikja also tells a story of construction history: it was built in the 1940s and 1950s; its walls are regarded as evidence of technically demanding construction work.

Hiking, the Sea and Fishing

Barmen’s landscape brings together the sea and mountains. Fish-rich sea areas and excellent mountain hiking areas are close to each other on the island. When planning your visit, you can choose between activities by the sea and hikes through the mountain landscape.

At 545 metres, Skjolden is Barmen’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination in the region. The Ytre Fjordane Trekking Association regularly organises hikes there; the programme may vary by season. Check in advance whether a date suits your visit. A circular hike goes via Skjolden, Branden and Loksvika, returning to Kåsbakkjen. The route is about 6.7 kilometres long, with a total ascent of 589 metres.

Freshwater fishing takes place in Barmen’s small lakes; fishing permits are available for Lake Fjellvatnet. Check local conditions before fishing, and find out about the current permit regulations for Fjellvatnet before your trip. Tour operators in the village of Barmen also offer fishing activities. Check their current availability in advance.

Events on Barmen

Barmøy Grendahus hosts concerts, dances and film screenings. If a visit there fits your travel plans, check the dates for your stay, as individual events and dates may change.

Discover more destinations: Stadlandet, Selje, Flatraket

Back to the main travel overview: Selje.