Foldrøyhamn: Trading history, bathing spot and trails

In Foldrøyhamn, traces of trade and seafaring meet waterside attractions and trails on Foldrøy. Its history stretches from a former trading post with an inn to stone markers from past centuries. There is also the bathing spot at Foldrøyvatnet and the route to Skotåsen. Which of these sides of the area you choose to explore may help shape the impressions that define your stay.

Trade, herring and shipping

Folderøyhamn was a former trading post with an inn. In the 1860s, a salting station was established there to handle the abundant herring catches. This information points to a place where trade and fishing played a tangible role. Parts of the old business also tell of a later period: they still have interior furnishings from the early 20th century.

Further maritime traces lie between Folderøyholmen and Fyrklubben. Mooring rings with coloured markings are still preserved in the rocks there. During the heyday of sailing ships, from 1535 to 1850, ships moored at this spot. The surviving rings draw attention to the site’s use as a stopping point for ships, without the need for a large structure.

Traces in the rock and landscape

Ostrabakkjen is an archaeological rock shelter 6.5 metres above sea level, just inland from Folderøyhamn at the outlet of Foldrøyvatnet on Bømlo. Excavations there revealed two main layers. The older dates from the Late Neolithic or Bronze Age, and the more recent from the Early Iron Age. Those interested in early settlement history will find a site with distinct layers from different periods.

Near Folderøy, at Høgestølen, a compass rose is carved into the rock: a circle with arrows, dated to between 1450 and 1550. The site offers a good view over the shipping route towards Bergen. It thus combines a stone marker with a wide view of maritime traffic. A different historical perspective is offered by the memorial to Ole Bertin Pettersen at Foldrøy’s old cemetery. It records that he was shot by German soldiers on 11 September 1942 and identifies him as a son of the Romanifolket.

Trails, water and nearby attractions

The trail to Skotåsen starts at a car park by Foldrøy’s old cemetery. A marked route follows a new gravel path to the summit, where there is a bench. Both access routes to Skotåsen can be used with a pushchair. This makes it possible to plan the outing around a specific route; another option is the bathing spot at Foldrøyvatnet.

Foldrøyvatnet has a popular bathing spot with a jetty, sandy beach and two diving platforms. A gravel path leads there from the car park. If you would like to include a swim in your stay, you will find a different kind of experience here than on a walk up to Skotåsen. There are also good fishing spots in Stokksundet, outside Folderøyhamn.

Other places on Foldrøy add to the picture: there is a playground with a shelter at Gjerdsåsvegen. The schoolyard at Foldrøy School has two pétanque courts, and Foldrøy also has its own pétanque club. The island is also home to Kari Berger’s ceramics workshop and gallery. These varied places to visit range from play and pétanque to ceramics and art. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider which of the experiences and interests mentioned matter most to your stay, without making any one activity the deciding factor.

Discover more places

For further searching, you can also explore Mosterhamn, Finnås, Bomlo, Bremnes, Langevåg, Brandasund, Urangsvåg and Håvik.

For the broader travel overview: Bømlo.