Kjerkevågen: Coast, Caves and Cultural History

Kjerkevågen combines a distinctive coastal setting with traces of cultural history. Near Kjerkevågen, around a headland jutting into the Bremsnesfjorden, there is a marine natural habitat with a larger kelp forest, assessed as “important”. In the northern part of the area near Kjerkevågen, there are also four buildings registered as SEFRAK cultural heritage sites. Here, different interests come together: the landscape along the fjord and the history of the people who shaped this area.

Coast and Nature around Kjerkevågen

The headland in the Bremsnesfjorden gives the natural area a specific geographical setting. There are also distinctive natural sites inland: Bremsneshatten is a geological site, and the natural habitats at Bremsnes include coastal heath. Raudsandberget Nature Reserve is also nearby. These places offer different points of interest if you would like to explore the region’s geological and natural features as well as its coastline.

Caves and Traces of the Stone Age

Nearby Bremsneshola is a cave. Its main chamber is about 80 metres long and between four and twelve metres wide. The entrance is high up in the rock face at Bremsneshatten: access is via a scree slope, followed by a descent of ten metres to the cave floor. Check the current access conditions before visiting.

Along the nearby Steinalderstien, information signs cover the Stone Age at Bremsneshatten, the former shoreline, the Fosna culture, caves and rock shelters on Averøy, and archaeological history. You can also make a detour to Bremsneshola. A constructed cultural trail in the area around Bremsneshatten and Bremsneshola also passes several older and more recent Stone Age settlement and activity sites. Allow about an hour for this.

Trails with Different Perspectives

The Steinalderstien connects historical themes with views of the landscape and how it was used in the past. A marked continuation south of Bremsneshatten is called Folkestien. Green arrows point to a viewpoint with a bench and panoramic views towards Ekkilsøy. If you are travelling with children, you can weigh up the options based on their interests: signs about the Stone Age, the viewpoint, and the cave with its described access over scree and changes in elevation each offer something different.

The start of the Steinalderstien at Gammelveien 51 has been adapted for wheelchair users; there is also a parking space for them there. This information refers to the start of the trail. A viewpoint offers panoramic views towards Ekkilsøy, but the adapted section does not mean that the entire Steinalderstien is described here. Check the practical conditions before your trip.

Cultural Sites on Averøy

Averøy also has its own historical highlights. Kvernes Stave Church was built in 1633 and is considered Norway’s only stave church built after the Middle Ages. Inside are acanthus paintings and a model of the 32-gun frigate Nordstjernen. Kvernes is also a stop on Kystpilgrimleden, a pilgrimage route from Stavanger to Nidaros.

The rock art sites at Søbstad offer another cultural perspective: the Søbstad rock art site is open to visitors and has extensive signage. The rock carvings at Søbstadklubben depict whales, boats and birds, with whale motifs predominating.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Accommodation Search

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, one simple question can help: should your trip focus mainly on the coastal landscape and nearby Stone Age sites around Kjerkevågen, or would you also like to include other cultural sites on Averøy? Your answer can guide your search without treating the different places as a single destination.

Discover More Destinations

Vebenstad, Averøy, Langøyneset, Kårvåg

For the main travel overview: Averøy.