Huglo: Beach, Cultural Trail and Farm Life

Huglo offers a range of experiences: Leiro has a large, gently sloping beach, while a cultural trail through forest and countryside leads to traces of the island’s history. There is also a cultural heritage complex, an area for boat trips, and a farm with animals and its own products.

Beach and Water Experiences

Leiro beach is surrounded by some woodland and cultivated land. Its gentle slope sets this stretch of coast apart from the historic sites along the cultural trail. Those who want to spend time by the water can also find a bathing spot at Kvednavikjo. The area is often used for boat trips; the combination of a bathing spot and boating makes Kvednavikjo a distinct place to include in your travel plans.

The waterside and landscape experiences complement Huglo’s cultural sights, but they do not form part of a single circular route. You can therefore consider which aspect of the island you would like to focus on: the beach, activities on the water, or the history revealed along the cultural trail.

Cultural Trail and Traces of History

The cultural trail on Huglo is approximately five kilometres long and takes about two hours. It passes through forest and countryside, past disused copper mines, and continues to Tveitavatnet, the largest lake on Huglo. Information boards along the way tell you about local history as well as the flora and fauna. Both the approximate route length and walking time are useful when planning your day.

One of the sites along the trail is the signposted Tveit Gruve copper-mining area. The copper mines have been out of operation for a hundred years. The remains include the foundations of mine buildings, as well as traces of a path and a mine railway. The trail also passes Kuhidlaren, an archaeological site associated with fishermen and hunters from 3,500 years ago. The same walking route thus brings together evidence of different chapters in the island’s history.

Sjønhamar is also on the cultural trail, offering views of Halsnøy, Fjelberg and the Etnefjella mountains. Those interested in older buildings can find a complex of three boathouses in Tveitevågen. One of them probably dates from the mid-18th century. In Kvednavikjo, meanwhile, the cultural heritage complex consists of a mill and a lime kiln and is considered to have high conservation value.

Animals and Farm Products at Myrvold Gård

Myrvold Gård offers another side of Huglo: there are approximately 47 animal species and about 100 animals there. These include traditional farm animals as well as exotic birds and reptiles. This variety is a helpful point of reference for anyone who would like to include animals and farm life among their interests during their stay.

Visitors can sample and buy products made from the farm’s resources in the farm shop. The café serves freshly baked rolls, pastries and bread; on some days, it also offers pizza from the wood-fired stone oven. The farm products and café add a culinary dimension to the nature and cultural experiences, without requiring visits to follow a particular order.

Which Experiences Should Shape Your Stay?

When choosing accommodation on Huglo, you can start by deciding which of these interests matter for your trip: the beach and bathing spot, boat trips, cultural history, or animals and farm products. The cultural trail brings together several historical and landscape themes along an approximately five-kilometre route; for other days of your holiday, Leiro, Kvednavikjo and Myrvold Gård each offer their own points of interest. Base your search for a holiday apartment or holiday home on the experiences you actually plan to enjoy.

If you’d like to explore more destinations: Stord, Leirvik, Sagvåg, Jektvik and Kåravika.

Back to the main travel overview: Stord.