Askøy: Island Trails, Birdlife and Culture

Discover Askøy along its long trails, by Lake Siglingavatnet and at historic cultural sites. The island combines varied terrain and dense forests with experiences at Herdla and glimpses into the history of Strusshamn. When choosing your holiday apartment, you might consider whether a long hike, nature observation or culture should be the focus of your trip.

An island hike with a distinctive start and finish

“Askøy på langs” covers about 37 kilometres from Kleppestø, over the island’s highest points and through its densest forests, all the way to Herdla. You can explore the route at any time.

If you would rather add a shorter, clearly described route to your day’s plans, you’ll find one by Lake Siglingavatnet. The route from the car park to the Siglingabu cabin is 1.2 kilometres along a gravel path throughout. The route is accessible, with few barriers. Siglingabu is in a developed recreation area in the eastern part of Askøy. There, you can go boating or canoeing, fish and swim; Siglingavatnet Friluftspark also has a lit ski trail and canoe rentals.

Herdla: Birdwatching and outdoor activities

Herdla is a special destination for nature observation: more than 240 bird species have been recorded there over the years. From the birdwatching tower at Valen, you can watch waders, ducks and gulls; you might even spot an eagle. If you’d like to combine birdwatching with some activity, you can play disc golf on Herdla or visit the nine-hole Herdla Golf course. This relaxed coastal course offers sea views from every hole.

Please observe local restrictions when visiting: access is prohibited in parts of Herdla Nature Reserve and the seabird reserves from 15 April to 30 September. Herdla Fort has parking, toilets and visitor information. Bus route 499 runs from the bus station to Herdla; Herdla is the final stop. BUA at Herdla offers free loans of recreational equipment.

Cultural history in museums and Strusshamn

Askøy also offers a range of options for a culture-focused trip. Mindehuset in Ask is a listed building dating from the mid-18th century. It holds open days and offers tours for schools and kindergartens; private tours can be arranged. Bergen kringkaster Radio Museum displays old Telefunken and Marconi transmitters. Hetlevik Cultural History Museum has a permanent exhibition of objects, texts, photographs, documents, maps and descriptions of cultural value to Hetlevik and Askøy.

In Strusshamn, industrial heritage buildings have been converted into cultural venues. Today, they form a cultural centre for the Askøy community and the wider Bergen region. You can also learn about history through the place and its buildings, museum visits, and cultural activities for clubs and organisations. The Askøy Museum Association maintains permanent and changing collections at Sjoddien. If you’re interested in practical coastal culture, Askøy Kystlag offers courses and seminars for members and others.

Other special places and activities include the Husmannsplassen i Træ farmstead in Follese, with its village museum, which has been owned by the local community since 1955, as well as a swimming area, swimming pool and diving board. Askøy also hosts the annual Askøy Rundt sailing regatta and the Askøy Paddle Festival. Around 30,000 people visit Kolbeinsvarden each year.

Explore places on Askøy

For further orientation on the island, you can also explore these places: Ask, Davanger, Ramnanger, Hetlevik, Hauglandshella, Herdla, Kjerrgarden, Strusshamn and Kleppestø.

For the broader travel overview: Hordaland.