Østhusvik: Hiking and Local History

Østhusvik brings together the history of an important arrival point and hiking trails through heathland and forest. In the past, boats brought goods, mail and people to the quay every day. Today, you can also explore the area as a starting point for hikes in the Rennesøyhodnet area and take the opportunity to paddle out onto the fjord. Local history and active experiences go hand in hand, so you don’t have to limit yourself to just one way of discovering the area.

The quay and historic routes

The cultural environment of Østhusvik includes the quay and the building now known as Fjordbris Hotel. Østvikhus Handelslag was founded in this building in 1924; it later became a hotel. The former trading post has architectural value. Together with the history of the quay, the building tells the story of a place where transport and social interaction played a central role: this cultural environment was an important meeting place and transport hub, where goods, mail and people arrived by boat every day.

The road connections also offer insight into local history. The first road to Østhusvik was built in 1897, running from Reianes and Galta via Eidet. The historic road from Vikevåg to Østhusvik originally served a different purpose: it was laid out as a riding and church path. These two stories show the different routes people took to reach Østhusvik and connect with other places.

Hiking around Rennesøyhodnet

Hiking trails begin right outside Fjordbris Hotel. The trails in the heathland area associated with Dale, Bjerga and Østhusvik are considered the most heavily used hiking trails in Rennesøy Municipality. A newly marked trail runs from Sel over Rennesøyhodnet and onwards to Hegglandslia in Østhusvik. Hegglandslia is also a starting point for hikes in the Rennesøyhodnet area.

For the hike from Hegglandslia to Rennesøyhodnet, the trail starts at the entrance to a residential area. It initially follows an easy gravel path; the route becomes more challenging through the forest and towards the summit. The trail from Hegglandslia first leads to the old peat bogs at Mikalsgrovene. The character of the hike changes along the way: forest sections and the more challenging stretch to the summit follow the gravel path.

Nearby Rennesøyhodnet is 234 metres high. From the summit, you can look out over well-kept farms and the heathland on the north side. A network of marked trails runs around Rennesøyhodnet, offering both circular walks and hikes along the length of the island. You can therefore plan your route according to whether you’d like to walk a loop or choose a longer route across the island; at the same time, bear in mind that the trail from Hegglandslia becomes progressively more challenging.

The fjord and getting there

You can paddle out onto the fjord right in front of Fjordbris Hotel. A scheduled bus service also runs directly outside the hotel, making it possible to arrive without a car. The hotel is at the far end of Østhusvik on Rennesøy. This location is useful to bear in mind when deciding whether hiking trails, paddling or travelling by bus will shape your stay. The routes and experiences described here offer different ways to explore the area, without any single excursion needing to define your stay.

Other places

For further orientation: Bru, Rennesøy, Mosterøy.

Back to the main travel overview: Rennesøy.