Lykling: Gold Mining, Stone Heritage and Hiking Trails

Lykling combines hiking trails through a landscape shaped by cultural history with a long mining history and visible traces of stone quarrying. As you explore the area, you will encounter a variety of evidence of its past: former gold mining, a historic quarry and trails that pass remains of earlier land use.

Gold Mining and Traces of Stone Quarrying

Gold mining took place in the Lykling area from 1883 to 1910, involving several large and small companies. Klebersteinsbrotet also tells the story of how the landscape was used: quarrying channels, pick and wedge marks, and spoil heaps are still visible there. Klebersteinsbrotet is considered one of the largest quarries in Hordaland in the 12th century. Stone from there was supplied to Moster kyrkje, as well as to Mariakirken, the cathedral, Korskirken and the Nonneseter monastery in Bergen.

The soapstone quarry and the Lykling gold-mining area, both cultural heritage and hiking areas, are located at Lykling gjestehamn. Guided tours are possible at both sites; ask locally about availability. This lets you explore the traces of stone quarrying and the history of gold mining not only as separate historical topics, but also as two distinct aspects of Lykling’s history.

Trails for Different Timeframes

The routes in Lykling vary in length, duration and course. Gruvetur is a 1.4-kilometre walking route, estimated to take about 20 minutes. It starts at Oscarsverket, by the remains of the crushing plant and the restored mine manager’s house, and then heads towards Djupvik kai. The trail has a good surface; parking is available behind Oscarsgruva or at the turning area. Trail and parking conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

The Lyklingelva trail is 2.5 kilometres long and takes about an hour. From the mouth of the Lyklingelva, it follows the river upstream to Lyklingvatnet and Staurahølen; the return route follows the other bank. The trail is wet in places. Parking is available at Huset på Kaien. The distance and approximate duration provide a concrete timeframe for a riverside walk.

The marked Stemmane–Krokavatnet circular route is 3.5 kilometres long and passes via Krokavatnet and Stemmane through a landscape shaped by cultural history. Another option is Storhaugløypa, which passes through the former crofter’s holding of Brakaplasset, where the remains of foundations and stone walls are visible. At Storhaug, the trail reaches a bench with good views west towards the sea. This route has rough and wet sections.

Experiences for Different Interests

Those interested in the history of gold mining can focus on the historic sites and trails around the gold-mining area. Gullvegen Gardstun offers gold panning and activities adapted for adults and children. Alongside the traces of earlier work, this provides a hands-on way to explore the subject of gold. At Huset på Kaien, it is also possible to borrow kayaks free of charge. Check before your trip whether they are available.

The route lengths and estimated times help you plan different kinds of days: the approximately 20-minute Gruvetur and the roughly one-hour Lyklingelva trail offer different timeframes, while the 3.5-kilometre Stemmane–Krokavatnet circular route offers another distance option. The historic sites described and the riverside route also appeal to different interests. This makes it easier to decide whether gold-mining history, visible traces of stone quarrying or a walk along the river should be the focus of your stay.

Bømlo in a Broader Context

In the wider destination of Bømlo, Siggjo adds a different focus. At 474 metres, Siggjo is Bømlo’s highest mountain. From Siggjo, the view stretches from Folgefonna in the east to Haugesund in the south. The ascent includes around 1,010 Sherpa-built steps in Laksatrappo, as well as several rest stops. This mountain hike is part of Bømlo and is a regional excursion option alongside Lykling’s mining and hiking experiences.

Planning Your Stay in Lykling

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Lykling, you can choose your base according to the experiences you want to shape your vacation. The short and longer walks, historic mining sites and activities at Gullvegen Gardstun give you specific points to consider. If you also want to explore other parts of the wider destination of Bømlo, you can compare Lykling’s local highlights with attractions there, such as the climb up Siggjo. Planning can start with the question of which landscape and cultural themes interest you.

Discover more destinations: Mosterhamn, Langevåg, Finnås, Bomlo, Urangsvåg, Bremnes, Rubbestadneset, Foldrøyhamn.

Go to the main travel overview: Bømlo.