Austrheim: Church Art, Coastal Trails and Water Sports

Austrheim combines a remarkable church history with open coastal landscapes and experiences on the water. Between historic church and mill details, trails at Vardetangen and activities in the municipality, you can shape your trip in different ways. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore helpful to first consider whether you want your stay to focus mainly on culture, landscapes or maritime activities.

Church History and Mill Heritage

Austrheim Church is a wooden church built in 1865. Among its distinctive features is a 17th-century altarpiece: after the former church was demolished, it was kept in storage for almost 100 years and later rediscovered. The church also uses a 12th-century baptismal font that belongs to the Bergen Museum. The former church stood 25 to 30 metres from the present building; the cemetery is now located on its former site.

Mills and trails also offer insights into regional history. The Hopland mills are mill buildings dating from the 17th century. A cultural trail leads from Snekkeviki to the small mill complex in Hoplandsmarka. Hoplandsmarka, north of Fosnstraumen, also has a marked Stone Age trail. Different aspects of history come together here: church art, mills and traces of the Stone Age.

Open Coastal Landscapes in the Municipality

The extensive coastal plain landscape of Austrheim municipality remained open and treeless for more than 4,000 years. It began to change only in the last generations of the 20th century. Open heathland still remains in parts of Fosnøy and on many islands in the western part of the municipality. These landscapes bear witness to the way of life of fishing farmers over thousands of years. Visitors interested in the landscape will find not only a coastal terrain but also a long history of human use.

Trails, Views and Activities on the Water

Vardetangen is mainland Norway’s westernmost point. There are maintained hiking trails through the open coastal landscape. A gravel path about 900 metres long leads to the Vardetangen day cabin; it is suitable for everyone and can also be used with pushchairs and wheelchairs. Check current trail conditions before setting out. From Vardetangen, the broad, open Fensfjord lies to the north and west.

A water sports week is held annually in Mastrehamn as part of Kystsogevekene. Check the current programme before making plans. At Mastrevik kai, children and young people can use the diving tower, obstacle course and trampoline offered by HavGlede; check with the operator for current availability before visiting. These different activities give families practical options for planning their days around the interests of those travelling with them.

The municipality’s coastal waters have tidal currents and wrecks that are popular with recreational divers. Check local sea conditions before diving. Sport anglers also visit Fosnstraumen. At the Austrheim destination, the team at Kilstraumen Brygge can help organise fishing trips, paddling excursions in the archipelago, fast RIB rides and visits to an aquaculture facility. Check with the operator for current availability. White-tailed eagles can also be spotted in Austrheim.

Choose a Holiday Apartment to Suit Your Plans

A stay focused on church history and mill heritage calls for different priorities than a trip centred on hiking, water sports or diving. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your days, and look for a holiday apartment that suits the mix you have in mind. If you are travelling with children, you can take into account the activities for children and young people at Mastrevik kai and the accessible path to the day cabin.

The local dining scene includes the two restaurants at Kilstraumen Brygge. They serve local fish and seafood, eggs and meat from local farmers, and locally baked goods, among other things. This combination of landscapes, activities and regional food can also help you choose the right focus for your holiday.

Discover more destinations: Fonnes.

Go to the main travel overview: Austrheim.