Discover Hellesøy

Hellesøy offers plenty of reasons to get outdoors while also learning more about the history of the place. A network of trails reveals a variety of sights: in the south, a section of the Nordsjøløypa follows older paths and roads, passing through a cultural landscape and offering views of the sea. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether hiking, local history, or a day of markets and activities will shape your travel plans.

Trails with sea views

The southern section of the Nordsjøløypa between Nautnes and Trollvatn is 1.6 km long. The area along this section offers views of the sea, and the trail also passes through a cultural landscape. The Nordsjøløypa follows older paths and roads. When planning, you can choose a route that also follows historic paths. The length of the route alone does not indicate how long it takes to walk or how difficult it is.

Hellesøy also has a network of trails that are well maintained and marked by volunteers in the Bakken area. Kyrkjevegen is a former school route and is marked as a Nordsjøløype trail. Its former purpose gives this route its own history, while its name also connects it to the local trail network. The Hellesøy (N) hike can also start at Hellesøy kai. From Hellesøy kai, a route follows the canal and crosses Hellesundbrua. Those looking at different hiking options will find a short, precisely measured route in the south, as well as other local trails and a named starting point at the quay.

Hjelme gamle kyrkje and its history

Hjelme gamle kyrkje is located by the sea, near a maritime working environment in the hiking area on Hellesøy. Provost Hveding consecrated the church on 4 August 1875; 323 of the 700 people who belonged to the church were present at the consecration. As a church dating from after 1850, it is protected by listing and is considered a cultural heritage site of national importance.

The history of the trails is also connected to the church: historically, people from Hellesøy could reach it through the surrounding area without a boat. The northern Kystpilegrimsleia route runs from Hellesundet to the church. In autumn 2019, after a two-year restoration, Hjelme gamle kyrkje was restored and reopened as a cultural church. Its intended use included concerts and cultural events. These features make the church a special point of interest for anyone who wants to learn about architecture and local history as well as hiking on Hellesøy.

Markets and activities at Hellesøydagen

Hellesøydagen is an annual market and activity day on Hellesøy in Øygarden. It features market stalls, entertainment, competitions and a cultural programme. The market offers items including handicrafts, jewellery, visual art, knives, woodwork, honey and lefse. The market experience therefore ranges from handmade items and art to food.

Activities at Hellesøydagen include canoeing and catching small crabs. Together with the market and cultural programme, these offer a different focus from a hiking day on the Nordsjøløypa. As Hellesøydagen is held annually, you can include it as a special event in your travel plans; canoeing and catching small crabs are among the activities described for the day.

Choose accommodation to suit your interests

If you are looking for a holiday apartment on Hellesøy, first consider which experiences interest you most: the trails and sea views, the history of Hjelme gamle kyrkje, or the market and activity day. These interests can help you choose the destination to suit your travel plans, without letting a single attraction define your entire stay. If you would also like to discover other places, you can continue to Rong, Sele or Tjeldstø.

For the overall travel overview: Øygarden.