Omastrand: Boatbuilding and Coastal Culture

Omastrand makes its boatbuilding tradition tangible through preserved objects and buildings. The saw used to cut materials for boatbuilding is still on Oma; there is also a boathouse with a steamboat quay. Together, these remnants show different aspects of maritime work. The coastal scenery and craftsmanship complete the picture of the village. Anyone interested in the history of boatbuilding will find concrete traces here rather than mere buzzwords.

Boatbuilding as Local History

Boatbuilding was more than a single craft. In Omastrand, boatbuilders accounted for more than half of the working male population in the relevant census districts in 1930. This figure makes the trade’s importance at the time tangible. For families who find technology and craftsmanship fascinating, it offers a starting point for a conversation about the work behind a boat. A 2022 municipal report also records numerous surviving boathouses and boatbuilding workshops along the coasts of Oma. It rates Indre and Ytre Oma highly for both cultural history and landscape.

Coast and Historic Surroundings

On Oma, the Småholmane recreation area lies on a headland that stretches out into the sea. This gives the landscape theme a specific local connection alongside the historic traces of boatbuilding. A little south of Omastrand, in Vika, stands the old smokehouse dating from the 16th century; it was protected in 1924. The two dates mark different historical layers: the age of the building and its later protected status. Together with the boatbuilding tradition, it broadens the view of the cultural heritage in the surrounding area.

Textile Craft and Local Offerings

At Breievne Gard, craftsmanship is showcased in a material other than wood. Woven textiles for the Hardanger bunad are made there, including vest bands, breast cloths, and belt and garter bands. Breievne Gard also offers a guided cultural trail; availability may vary. The café at Breievne Gard serves light lunches, open sandwiches, coffee pastries and seasonal desserts. The offerings may change. Textile production, a guided cultural trail and café dishes cater to different interests without amounting to the same travel experience.

Events are held at Halvardsnaustet in its premises in Omastranda. If you would like to plan your stay around a particular date, check the event schedule in advance.

More Perspectives in the Wider Destination of Kvam

The wider destination of Kvam offers further landscape and cultural themes. Steinsdalsfossen has a drop of 50 metres; visitors can walk behind the waterfall without getting wet. In Øystese, Kunsthuset Kabuso presents changing exhibitions, concerts and events throughout the year. Also in Øystese, Hardanger Skyspace is a light installation by the American artist James Turrell, located right on the fjord shore. These examples complement Omastrand’s own themes without replacing them.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether Omastrand’s coastal and craft themes should be the focus, or whether your plans also include other destinations in the wider Kvam area. If you would like to combine both, check that each destination is accessible for your specific plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Strandebarm, Tørvikbygd, Øystese, Norheimsund, Steinstø.

Return to the wider travel overview: Kvam.