Heggjabygda: Church, Art and Trails by Hornindalsvatnet

Heggjabygda combines the landscape around Hornindalsvatnet with a wooden church, arts and crafts, and trails towards Hestefjellet and Blåfjellet. Families with different interests can choose between culture, creative activities and time outdoors. These experiences offer practical guidance when deciding whether Heggjabygda is the right holiday destination for you: focus on church art and the exhibitions or art courses at the studio, or are you more interested in trails and views across the lake?

Church by the lake and arts and crafts

Heggjabygda Church is located at the lower end of the village, right by Hornindalsvatnet. The wooden long church stands on the north side of the lake. It was consecrated on 21 October 1936 by Bishop Andreas Fleischer. The altarpiece and its frame each have their own connection to artists from the area: the painting is by Jens Leivdal from Nordfjordeid, and the frame was carved by Martin Lillestøl. The church has seating for 200. Its location, design and these details about the altarpiece offer several specific points of interest for culture enthusiasts, without reducing the church to a single feature.

Another way to discover art and crafts is to visit Åse Huse’s studio. It is located in an old barn and features exhibitions as well as art and crafts for sale. Åse Huse also offers art courses indoors and outdoors. Heggjabygda therefore offers different ways to experience art: view exhibitions, buy art and crafts, or take part in a course yourself. In 1904, the Heggjabygda youth association erected a memorial stone at the fire signal station. It adds a specific historical connection to the village’s cultural points of interest.

Views across Hornindalsvatnet and outdoor trails

From Åsebønakkjen, you can enjoy views towards Eid and across Hornindalsvatnet. There is parking for Åsebønakkjen at the upper end of Åstøbakkane. The slope is also worth bearing in mind when finding your way around: southeast of the Åsebønakkjen memorial stone, the terrain drops steeply towards Hornindalsvatnet. The view and the shape of the terrain are two distinct features to consider when planning a visit to this place.

For Veltene, parking is available at the timber storage area at Reset, at the upper end of Åstøbakkane. The forest road to Veltene is steep and unsuitable for cars. From Veltene, an easy trail leads towards the summit of Hestefjellet; from there, you can also continue towards Blåfjellet. These destinations offer different directions to consider when planning: a trail towards the summit of Hestefjellet and the option of continuing towards Blåfjellet. This lets you decide in advance which area and type of outdoor experience interest you more, without assuming a walking time or distance.

Courses and guided tours are also among the options in Heggjabygda. UT av Huse offers activities focused on paddling as well as friluftsliv—outdoor and nature experiences. Together with the art courses, these offer a choice between activities on the water, other outdoor activities, and creative work indoors or outdoors.

More village pages to explore: Holmøyane, Kjølsdalen, Haus, Torheim, Nordfjordeid, Stårheim, Hennebygda and Eid.

Back to the main travel overview: Eid.