Discover Bremnes: Culture, Remembrance and Walking Routes

Get to know Bremnes through a range of experiences: the architecture of Bremnes kyrkje, the history commemorated at the Blia monument, and cultural and recreational activities in Svortland. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether you are more interested in architectural history and remembrance, a visit to the cinema, or time outdoors.

Church, Townscape and Remembrance

Bremnes kyrkje was inaugurated in 1869 and designed by the architect Nordan. Its interior has three aisles: six pairs of slender pillars separate the nave from the side aisles. If you are interested in church architecture, this is a distinctive feature to look out for.

Another place of remembrance is the public Blia monument. It bears the names of three women and 40 men who were aboard the M/K “Blia” when the vessel set out from Øklandsvågen on its ill-fated voyage across the North Sea on 11 November 1941. The monument stands between Bremnes kyrkje and Storavatnet, surrounded by green hillsides and deciduous trees. The church and monument offer different points of entry: one invites you to notice the layout of a church interior, the other the names and the story associated with them.

Gamlebanken also helps shape the centre of Svortland. The imposing Swiss-style building dates from 1916 and occupies a central position there. Together with the church and monument, it offers a glimpse of different facets of local architectural and commemorative heritage.

Cultural Activities and Swimming

Bømlo kulturhus is in the municipal centre of Svortland, right by Storavatnet and Bliaparken. The building houses a cultural stage for concerts and theatre, a cinema, a library, a café, exhibitions, and rehearsal and meeting rooms. Bømlo kino is also located in the cultural centre and screens current films on a large screen. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a film and other cultural activities in the same building; the events on offer depend on the programme at the time.

In Svortland, Bømlo symjehall offers another clearly defined activity: the competition pool is 25 metres long and has six lanes. There are also diving platforms at heights of one, three and five metres. These specific pool and diving facilities distinguish it from the cultural venues and outdoor trails.

Trails by the Water and at Fet

A trail runs along the water at Storavatnet towards the eastern part of the town centre. At Fet, there is a popular hiking area in the centre, by Raunevatnet and at the foot of Svortland-, Mæland- and Gilje-Marka. At Fet, the trail is well signposted and maintained by “Gutta på tur”. There is also a lit cross-country ski trail or walking path, designed for universal access and accessible to most people.

If you would like to include a summit in your travel plans, consider the 146-metre-high Grimsfjellet, which can be climbed from the Svortland side. These details can help you choose between a waterside path, a hiking area and a summit destination, without assuming they form one continuous route.

The places and activities described suit different interests; they give you a practical basis for choosing how to explore Bremnes and Svortland according to the kind of trip you have in mind.

More Local Guides

More local guides: Bomlo, Håvik, Rubbestadneset, Langevåg, Finnås, Brandasund, Urangsvåg, Foldrøyhamn.

For the main travel overview: Bømlo.