Erfjord: Fjords, Hiking and Cultural Heritage

Fjord scenery, easy hikes and a historic farmstead define Erfjord. The village lies on an arm of the Boknafjord and is surrounded by Erfjord, Bogsfjord and Tyssefjord. In summer, Erfjord attracts boaters and fjord enthusiasts. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Erfjord, use your plans for outings as a guide: should your trip focus mainly on hiking, time by the water or cultural discoveries?

Fjord and bathing cove

Including the Tyssefjord, Erfjord is 17 kilometres long. At the inner end of the Bogsfjord lies Habn, a sheltered bathing cove facing southwest. The public beach has toilets, a barbecue area and tables. Habn is easy to reach on foot from the car park on the Bogsundvegen side; kayaks can be brought ashore there. These details make Habn a specific place to visit during a stay that includes time by the water.

The Hålandselva is also part of the fjord landscape: it flows into the fjord at Hålandsosen and is home to salmon. Salmon migrate upstream when water levels are high. This is a noteworthy feature of the river for nature enthusiasts, but it does not provide a reliable indication of when the salmon can be seen.

Hikes in a range of formats

Erøy Rundt passes through a vibrant cultural landscape by the Bogsfjord and Erfjord, with views of the Erfjord Bridge at Tednes. The route is described as a varied, easy hike. For a shorter option, follow the forest road along the Bogsfjord to Hattarvågen: the round trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours, and the route is also suitable for bicycles and pushchairs. This lets you choose a hike to suit your preferred distance and mode of travel.

Another option is Kammen, which can be reached from Erfjord on an easy 3.8-kilometre round trip. Erfjord has good hiking areas, and the routes described offer different kinds of outings, from the shorter walk to Hattarvågen to the Erøy Rundt hike. A hiking map of Erfjord is available to download and can also be found at the Suldal Tourist Information Centre and selected shops.

Hålandstunet and the history of Erfjord

Hålandstunet is one of Erfjord’s notable farmsteads and is run by the Ryfylke Museum. The restored property now consists of Målastova, Homannsbua and the farmhouse. The ceiling paintings and remnants of Gregorian notes on the walls are well preserved in Målastova. The farmhouse offers a glimpse into life on a large farm and the living conditions of the more prosperous members of the village community. Of the Ryfylke Museum’s historic buildings, it is the best furnished and equipped.

The Håland Bible is also part of Håland’s history: the copy dates from 1550 and was found behind wall panelling in 1913. The Bible is now kept in storage. Erfjord Church, a wooden long church built in 1877, also stands in Hålandsosen. These different historical landmarks give cultural outings in Erfjord a distinctive focus.

Arriving via the Erfjord Bridge

Route 13 runs along the eastern side of Erfjord and crosses the fjord near the mouth of the Tyssefjord, at its narrowest point, via a suspension bridge. The Ryfylke National Tourist Route passes through Erfjord over the Erfjord Bridge. It opened to traffic in 1963, is 294 metres long and has a main span of 228 metres. Those travelling by car through the landscape will also encounter a striking structure along the route.

When choosing a holiday rental in Erfjord, your planned activities may help you decide: the hiking trails, Habn and Hålandstunet appeal to different interests, while the fjordside location also attracts boaters. Choose a place to stay based on which of these aspects of Erfjord matters to your trip.

More local pages

Discover Jelsa, Sand, Marvik, Vanvik, Suldalsosen, Foldøy, Nesflaten and Hebnes.

For the broader travel overview: Suldal.