Solund: Island World, Coastal Culture and Seaside Trails

More than 1,700 registered islands and islets shape Solund. Waterways, coastal landscapes and culture are closely connected to the travel experience here. You can explore mapped rowing and paddling routes, take a guided trip from Hardbakke or choose marked hiking trails. A self-guided cultural walk and special insights into coastal culture also give your stay a range of different focuses.

Waterways and Coastal Landscapes

There are 34 mapped rowing and paddling routes in Solund municipality. Another way to get to know the area from the water is the guided Kystkulturpadling tour from Hardbakke. Along the way, you’ll learn more about local history, geology and wildlife. Availability and route details may change; check the latest information before planning your kayak tour.

Kystled Solund stretches from Litle Færøyna to Råkeneset, 5 km north of Hardbakke. On Litle Færøyna, facilities along this coastal route include a boathouse, a quay, a toilet, a drying room and a camping area. The facilities and route provide practical stopping points on land, too; check their current condition and trail conditions before your trip.

In Hardbakke, coastal heathlands are maintained through grazing by Old Norwegian sheep and controlled burning. This management preserves both biodiversity and cultural heritage. It shows how the landscape is not just a backdrop, but is also shaped by traditional land use.

Hardbakke: Walk and Coastal Culture

The self-guided cultural walk starts at the harbour, passes the commercial building, continues to the arboretum and then heads back towards the harbour. Along the way, you’ll pass 18 text markers. The route and presentation of the markers may change. You can combine the walk with a visit to the Solund Visitor Centre: it is located in Taklebua, a historic boathouse in Hardbakke, and presents coastal culture through indoor and outdoor exhibitions as well as sensory experiences.

In summer, the lighthouse safari to Utvær departs from Hardbakke. On Utvær, a guide leads you around the island along the North Sea Trail. The guided wild boar safari also starts in Hardbakke and lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is an easy hike through natural terrain or along a trail. The two safaris have different thematic focuses; for the seasonal lighthouse safari, it’s worth checking the dates in advance.

Hikes for Different Timeframes

Solund has marked hiking trails. From Hardbakke, a trail leads up to 232-metre-high Ramnenipa. From there, the view stretches across the centre of Hardbakke, the islands, fjords and sea. Allow about an hour for the round trip; conditions at the summit may vary.

Another point of reference is Sognesjøhytta, a day cabin south of Hardbakke near Hopsosen. It lies about 15 metres above sea level and offers views over Sognesjøen. The walk from the centre of Solund to the cabin takes about an hour, though terrain and weather affect walking time. The time estimates for the two destinations refer to different things: for Ramnenipa, the round trip is included, while for the cabin, the time given is for the walk there.

Getting There and Local Services

The Rysjedalsvika–Rutledal–Losna–Krakhella ferry route connects Solund with the mainland. Solund is also accessible by the express boat that runs between Bergen and Selje. Check the relevant timetables before travelling to make sure the connections suit your travel times.

The “Stjernesund” postal boat departs from Hardbakke and operates year-round. The crew guides the postal boat tour; harbour porpoises, harbour seals or white-tailed eagles may be spotted along the way. Gjenbruksbutikken in Hardbakke serves coffee, tea and waffles all year round. In summer, the local tourist information office is also located there. Check service and information hours before your visit.

When choosing where to stay, your planned activities can be a useful starting point: Hardbakke is the starting point for the cultural walk and several guided activities. For boat tours and hikes, take note of the relevant starting points, timetables and estimated walking times.

Discover more destinations: Kolgrov, Krakhella, Hardbakke, Hersvikbygda, Jølster, Eid, Vågsøy, Vik.

For the broader travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.