Vatne

Vatne lies at the end of the Vatnefjord, a branch of the Storfjord. Hiking trails lead to viewpoints and through woodland landscapes; meanwhile, the church and its altarpiece tell the story of the place. When looking for a suitable holiday apartment, it may help to first consider whether hiking, culture or both will be the focus of your stay.

Church History and the Altarpiece

There has been a church at the site of today’s Vatne kyrkje since at least the 15th century. A cruciform church dating from 1761 once stood here; before that, an old stave church was located by Vatnevatnet. These two location references relate to different church sites and periods: the stave church was by Vatnevatnet, while the cruciform church stood where the present-day church is located.

The altarpiece in Vatne kyrkje also offers a concrete insight into the local history of art. Jakob Sørensen Giskegaard, known as Tavle-Jakob, created it in 1763. The central section shows eight scenes from the Passion of Jesus. If church art is a particular interest on your trip, this is a clearly identified work with a named artist, date of creation and subject.

To Ulvestadsetra: Steady Incline and Rest Stops

The route to Ulvestadsetra above Vatne follows a gravel road with a steady incline. It is used year-round both for short evening walks and as an outing for small children. Benches and tables along the route provide places to rest. These details can help you plan your day without assuming a walking time or distance.

There is parking for approximately 15 cars at the waterworks in Vatne, at Bakkegjerdet 60, for the hike. The nearest bus stop is in the centre of Vatne. The trail is not cleared in winter, although a well-trodden track forms quickly. If you plan to go at that time of year, bear this difference from a cleared path in mind.

If you want to extend the route, you can continue along a rougher tractor road to Ulvestadvatnet. The lake is the drinking water source for Vatne and Tennfjord. When choosing between a short walk and a longer outing, the steady incline of the gravel road and the rougher nature of the tractor road that follows are important differences to consider.

Ramnfloget and Otrefjellet

The summit of Ramnfloget is 282 m high and offers views in the immediate vicinity of Vatne, looking north towards the village and west towards the Grytafjord. The hiking trail starts on a forest road behind Vatne ungdomsskule and Ravn stadion. It is accessible by bus route 230 between Moa, Skodje, Vatne and Brattvåg. You can therefore also take the bus connection into account when planning the Ramnfloget trail.

For the route to Otrefjellet, the trail first passes through the centre of Vatne and then turns towards Vatne Vassverk. There is a large car park along the route with views of Vatne. A mountain-farm trail runs through spruce and deciduous forest to Ulvestadsetra, where the landscape opens up. On the marked route to Otrefjellet, a trail continues past Sagåna and Kjerringholen to Vestresetra.

Very deep fissures in the terrain may lie between the ridge with the trail junction and the summit of Otrefjellet. Therefore, follow the marked trail. This feature is important when choosing the route and during the hike; it should not be confused with the information about the steady gravel road to Ulvestadsetra.

Vatne as a Starting Point for Your Search

Vatne combines a fjord-side setting with several different hiking destinations and a distinctive detail from its church history. Shape your search for a holiday apartment around which of these interests you want to define your stay. The routes described differ in their surfaces, winter conditions and navigation; the church, meanwhile, offers a cultural focus with a precisely described altarpiece.

More local pages: Vestre, Haramsøy, Fjørtoft, Haram, Longva, Helland, Kjerstad and Tennfjord.

Go to the main travel overview: Haram.