Austrheim between fjords, coastal culture and nature
Accommodation in Austrheim
Vardetangen is the westernmost point of mainland Norway. Here in Austrheim, a vast fjord landscape meets a specific destination for an outing: the Vardetangen day cabin is located on Vardetangen, while the large, open Fensfjord lies to the north and west. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Austrheim, consider whether hiking, nature watching and seaside experiences should shape the holiday you want.
Vardetangen: Cabin and trails
A gravel path about 900 metres long leads from Vardetangen to the day cabin. The route is suitable for everyone. A gravel path from the car park at Vardetangen can also be used with strollers and wheelchairs—a useful detail if you are planning an outing for people with different mobility needs. The cabin is open and unlocked all year round, so you can include a visit in your travel plans regardless of the season.
A marked hiking trail also leads to Vardetangen. So, if you enjoy exploring on foot, there is a designated hiking option here in addition to access to the day cabin. In Hoplandsmarka, north of Fosnstraumen, there is another marked trail: the Stone Age Trail. These trails represent different themes—the landscape around Vardetangen on the one hand, and prehistory on the other. You do not have to think of them as one combined route to keep both in mind as possible destinations for outings.
Coastal landscape and history
History is also part of the character of the area. Austrheim Church is a wooden church built in 1865. The Hopland mills are mill buildings dating from the 17th century. If you are interested in buildings and historical uses, you can include these places as separate cultural destinations; their respective dates make clear that different eras are represented here.
Kilstraumen is one of the old coastal inns that is still in operation. This adds another aspect of coastal life to the perspectives of nature and history. The Lurefjorden and Lindåsosane marine protected area includes marine areas in the municipality of Austrheim. You can therefore take both land-based outings and the maritime surroundings into account when planning your trip, without combining them into a single tour.
Seaside experiences and local cuisine
Austrheim has tidal currents and wrecks that are popular with recreational divers. White-tailed eagles can be spotted in the area; kayaks or canoes can be used for a sea eagle safari. These are different ways to explore nature and the water. If you want to focus your stay mainly on these activities, they may influence your choice of a holiday apartment in Austrheim.
Kilstraumen Brygge can help arrange fishing trips, paddling tours, rides on a fast RIB and visits to an aquaculture facility. There are also two restaurants at this location. They serve, among other things, local fish and seafood, eggs and meat from local farmers, and local pastries. This gives you a tangible culinary connection to the region and complements the options for active days with local produce.
A recurring event in the annual calendar is Sea Sports Week in Mastrehamn, which takes place every year as part of Kystsogevekene. There is also a fast boat service to Bergen and Sogn that travels through Bakkøysundet and stops at Torvneset, west of Fonnes on the mainland. This is a useful connection to consider when planning your trip if Bergen or Sogn is part of your itinerary.
For further orientation in the area, see the pages on Austrheim and Fonnes.
For the broader travel overview: Hordaland.
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