Søfteland: Water, Trails and History

Søfteland combines waterside activities with traces of its monastic and transport history. At Vindalsvatnet, fishing and the Trosavika swimming area take centre stage. On Munkestien, you can encounter the history of the monks; the Osbanen trail recalls the former Osbanen railway with its railway bridges. A protected stone bridge dating from around 1800 adds the old postal road between Bergen and Stavanger to these historic features. The range of experiences spans everything from activities by the lake to historic trails and structures.

Fishing and swimming at Vindalsvatnet

Adults and children can fish at Vindalsvatnet without a fishing licence. Check the local fishing regulations again before your trip. Trosavika is a swimming area on the same lake; access is via Internatvegen 22. Access and facilities may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting. The fact that the fishing permit explicitly includes both adults and children is a practical consideration when planning outings together.

Munkestien: the history of a monastic trail

Munkestien is 3.9 km long and runs from the monastery to Røykenes in Søfteland. The historic route runs from Lysekloster through the Renna valley to Søfteland and was built by the monastery’s monks. Steps built by the monks about 800 years ago can still be seen along the way. The steps and the route through the valley give the trail a different historical character from the railway traces of the Osbanen trail. Trail conditions and signposting may change; check the latest information before your hike.

The Osbanen railway and its traces

Søfteland was a station or stop on the Osbanen railway. From Søfteland, you can follow the Osbanen trail as a walking route alongside parts of Gåssandvatnet and Hetleflotvatnet. On the short stretch from Søfteland towards Osøyro, you pass two railway bridges. When choosing a route, you can explore different directions and histories: Munkestien leads to Røykenes and has a monastic character, while the described section of the Osbanen trail runs towards Osøyro and passes railway bridges. Trail and bridge conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.

The postal route and stone bridge

In Søfteland, a protected stone bridge dating from around 1800 stands on Den stavangerske hovudveg, also known as Postvegen, between Bergen and Stavanger. It complements the railway history of the Osbanen with the history of road and postal transport. The periods also differ: the steps on Munkestien were built about 800 years ago, while the stone bridge dates from around 1800. Those interested in cultural history can distinguish the traces of monastic life, railway transport and road history.

Choose your holiday rental by what you want to do

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to consider what you would most like to focus on: the waterside at Vindalsvatnet, or the hiking trails and historic structures. This lets you plan your stay around specific interests for outings. Be sure to check the fishing regulations and any updated information about the swimming area, trail conditions and signposting before each visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Valevåg, Alvik, Fitjar

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