Torvastad

Torvastad offers a variety of ideas for holiday activities: minigolf in an old barn, illuminated trails across the heights of Bjørgene, the Olavskilden spring and a landscape of islets and coves around Vikingstad. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will find plenty to explore here, as will travellers who prefer indoor activities when it is windy or raining. Each experience has its own distinctive character.

Minigolf with two different focuses

The two minigolf courses on Torvastad differ in their layouts and features. Låven has 11 holes, nine of which are played inside an old barn. The indoor area provides shelter from wind and rain—a distinctive feature on days when the weather affects your plans.

Gårdstunet surrounds the old barn and has 18 holes of varying difficulty. Its features include a honey machine, a fried egg and a wine cellar. This makes it easy to compare the focus of each course: Låven combines minigolf with sheltered holes, while Gårdstunet offers more holes, different levels of difficulty and unusual features. Which option is better depends on what you value most when playing.

Bjørgene, Veten and Olavskilden

Bjørgene is a family-friendly hiking area with hilly terrain. An illuminated trail loops around five hilltops, while other trails offer circular routes of varying lengths. From the summit of Veten in Bjørgene, 68 metres above sea level, the view extends in several directions: west towards Føynå and the sea, north towards Haugesund, Risøy and Røvær, east towards Norheim and the mainland, and south towards Karmøy. This hiking area brings together exercise and scenery, with trails offering a variety of circular routes.

Olavskilden is also located on Torvastad. From Kyrkjevegen, you can reach the spring via a livestock crossing; according to local tradition, it never runs dry. As local conditions at the access point may change, it is worth checking conditions on site before your visit. Around Vikingstad, numerous islets and coves shape the landscape for kayaking. Hiking trails, a spring and experiences on the water therefore offer different options for planning your day.

Planning your day as a guide to choosing accommodation

A scheduled boat connects Haugesund with Kveitevik on Torvastad. If you are planning a trip, check the current service and sailing times with the operator before you travel. This lets you include the connection in your plans without relying on a specific timetable.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Torvastad, your preferred way to spend the day can also be a helpful starting point: would you like to focus on the trails of Bjørgene, the weather-protected minigolf at Låven or kayaking around Vikingstad? Choose based on the experiences that interest you most. The differences between the activities offer practical guidance for planning your holiday.

Karmøy as a broader cultural and historical setting

The wider destination of Karmøy brings together coastal culture, varied natural scenery and a strong industrial setting. Cultural and historical attractions include Avaldsnes. The Olavskirken there was built around 1250 by Håkon Håkonsson and was an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Olav’s grave in Nidaros. The Nordvegen History Center presents the history of Norway and the royal estate at Avaldsnes over a period of 3,500 years. The church and history centre thus offer different ways to explore the destination’s historical themes.

History also shapes what visitors can experience elsewhere in Karmøy: Skudeneshavn is known for its sailing ship history, which dates back to the 19th-century herring fishery. The Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården, explores the town’s maritime history and everyday life in times gone by. These cultural destinations add to the picture of Karmøy, while Torvastad’s minigolf courses, hiking trails, spring and kayaking landscape give the place its own character.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Eike, Kopervik, Vormedal, Sandve, Røyksund, Ytraland, Skre, Avaldsnes

Back to the main travel overview: Karmøy.