Høylandsbygd: Boatbuilding and Resistance History

Boatbuilding, archaeology and the memory of the Second World War shape the story told by Høylandsbygd. The shipbuilding hall brings together a large mural and the story of the actual boat “Oline”; the Halsnøy Historiske Senter complements this with exhibits and the Halsnøy boat. Radiohola adds the story of the Norwegian resistance. This gives you a clear focus on historical discoveries when planning your trip, complemented by other cultural and nature-related themes in the wider destination of Kvinnherad.

Boatbuilding history at the shipbuilding hall

The large mural at the shipbuilding hall in Hillestadvågen documents local boatbuilding history, showing boats at numerous stages of construction. The end wall also depicts the jakt “Oline”. It bears building number 3 at Gravdal, was built in 1858 and delivered to a part-owner shipping company in Høylandsbygd. The two images offer different perspectives: “Oline” represents a named and dated ship, while the mural shows boatbuilding across several stages of construction.

Archaeology and collections at the historic centre

The Halsnøy boat is on display at the Halsnøy Historiske Senter; it is dated to 200–300 AD. This places a very early period alongside the story of “Oline”, built in 1858. The centre’s collections also cover different aspects of the past. Exhibited items from wartime and everyday life include ration coupons, weapons and German steel helmets. A model of the “Blücher” and other well-known ships from the Second World War are also on display. A large collection of old pre-war radios complements these themes. The historic centre thus offers a perspective ranging from a dated boat to wartime and everyday history, and radio technology.

Radiohola and the history of the resistance

Radiohola in Høylandsbygd is a natural shelter used by the Norwegian resistance movement during the Second World War. From the road, it can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. The site differs from the exhibits at the historic centre: here, the history of the resistance is connected to a natural hideout used during the war. The approximate walking time provides a practical guide for planning this visit.

More cultural and nature-related themes in Kvinnherad

The wider destination of Kvinnherad offers additional themes in their own right. Baroniet Rosendal is Norway’s only barony and Scandinavia’s smallest castle. The estate includes a castle dating from 1665 and a garden with 300 years of garden history. Halsnøy Kloster offers another historical perspective: its history dates back to 1163. The site includes 14th-century ruins, a dwelling house from 1841 and gardens. Guided tours, exhibitions, lectures and concerts are held there throughout the year.

The Stone Park in Rosendal is a visitor attraction in Folgefonna National Park. Its collection of different rock types from the region and its exhibitions on prehistoric themes offer a different focus. It also features stories about life on Earth, climate change and fossils. Those interested in nature and hiking will also find the trail to Bondhusvatnet near Sundal in Kvinnherad. It is described as short and easy and can be walked almost all year round; winter conditions may affect access. Alongside local boatbuilding and resistance history, the wider destination therefore offers cultural, geological and hiking themes to explore.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When looking for a holiday rental, you can start by asking which themes you would like to shape your stay. Would you mainly like to explore boatbuilding, the Halsnøy boat and the history of the resistance in Høylandsbygd, or would you also like to include cultural and nature attractions in the wider Kvinnherad area in your holiday plans? The local stories and regional examples offer different approaches to planning; they do not describe the same places.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Halsnøy Kloster, Uskedalen, Ølve, Onarheim, Holmedal, Ænes, Seimsfoss, Mauranger.

Back to the main travel overview: Kvinnherad.