Discover Valestrandsfossen

Valestrandsfossen offers plenty of reasons for a trip combining cultural history with trails in nature. Valestrand became a centre of the tanning industry in Osterøy. There are also historic buildings, a Viking Age burial ground, and practical ways to explore the surrounding area by running or following a marked trail. When looking for a holiday rental, it is therefore helpful to consider whether you would prefer to focus on cultural discoveries or outdoor activities.

Tannery history and historic sites

Karlagarveriet was built around 1910 and is now preserved as a museum. Another part of the area's history can be seen at Bullahuset: it was built in 1869 on the property where Ole Bull spent his summers as a child. Both places offer different historical points of interest, so you need not limit your exploration of the area's history to a single building.

Kongshall adds another dimension to this picture as a youth centre with a long history of use. The building was constructed in the 1920s and is still used as a youth centre. If you are interested in how historic buildings have developed and are used today, it offers a different perspective from a museum: its original function as a youth centre continues.

Koppen: buildings, crafts and a cultural trail

Koppen consists of 14 indoor and outdoor buildings dating from the 17th century to the present day. This range of dates makes the site interesting for anyone who would like to compare buildings from different periods in one collection. Courses in traditional crafts are also occasionally held at Koppen.

There is a Viking Age burial ground along the cultural trail at Koppen. Cultural discoveries here therefore include both historic buildings and a site from the Viking Age. For families with different interests, this variety can help you divide your trip in your mind between crafts, buildings and history, rather than centring all your experiences on a single activity.

Planning running routes and trails

Valestrandsmarka Rundt is a 4.4-kilometre run starting at Furubakken sports ground in Valestrandsfossen. The event includes 9 to 13 races per year. The programme also includes Christmas and New Year's runs; no official times or personal bests are recorded for these. If you would prefer to be active without taking part in a race, another specific route to consider is the circular trail around Brakvatnet, near Valestrandsfossen. It is 2,595 metres long.

A marked trail leads from Valestrand via Reigstadåsen and Erstadfjellet to the Brakabu day cabin. It is located by Erstadfjellet at an elevation of 438 metres and can be reached from Valestrand via a natural trail. Brakabu has no overnight accommodation and no water. Plan to visit the cabin as a day trip and take the lack of water into account when preparing. The information about the different trails gives you specific distances and reference points for planning your day, without implying a walking time.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

The Breistein–Valestrandsfossen ferry route runs along County Road 567 between Breistein in Bergen Municipality and Valestrandsfossen in Osterøy Municipality. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider this connection alongside your own travel plans and decide which experiences you would like to focus on: cultural history, trails, or both. For ideas of other places to visit, see Lonevåg, Bruvik, Tysso, Fotlandsvåg, Bernes and Tyssebotnen.

For the broader travel overview: Osterøy.