Herdla: Nature, Birdlife and History

Herdla is a moraine area with extensive deposits of unconsolidated material. Shallow beaches and a vast intertidal zone also shape the area, alongside traces of a long ecclesiastical and military history. Paths, viewpoints and outdoor activities offer different ways to discover Herdla. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider which of these aspects are most important for your trip: birdwatching and nature, historic sites, or exercise and activities.

Beaches and Birdlife

Herdla’s shallow beaches form a vast intertidal zone that attracts migratory wading birds. More than 240 bird species have been recorded on Herdla over the years. A birdwatching hide makes it possible to observe and photograph birds; you can also enjoy a meal you have brought along there. This makes the area interesting for anyone who wants to take their time observing nature. Vestrefjæra on the western side of Herdla is a pebble beach, adding a different type of coastline to the shallow beach areas.

There is also a seasonal restriction to bear in mind when spending time in nature: access is prohibited in parts of the Herdla Nature Reserve and in the seabird reserves from 15 April to 30 September. Plan activities during this period with these protected areas in mind. This information applies to parts of the nature reserve and to the seabird reserves, not to every path on Herdla.

Church and Military History

Herdla Church is mentioned in a letter from Pope Eugene dating from 1146. A larger church was built on the foundations of the earlier church in 1863. These two dates tell different parts of the area’s history: the church’s early mention and the construction of the later, larger building.

Another historical highlight is the Herdla Torpedo Battery. This protected military facility illustrates the history of the late Cold War as well as developments in military history and weapon technology. A guided tour of the torpedo battery takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you include the visit in your day’s itinerary, you can allow for this approximate duration.

Exploring Herdla Fort

Herdla Fort is a historic military facility and nature area managed by the Herdla Museum and AKE. The former fort is now a recreational area with paths and viewpoints. The path around Herdla Fort is paved and easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. There are 44 parking spaces and accessible toilets in the area. There are also several picnic areas with tables and benches along the paths and trails.

Other activities on Herdla include a disc golf course and a via ferrata route with several zip lines. There are good fishing spots on the north side of Herdla Fort, and Herdla is also a starting point for kayak trips. If you are planning a hike, you could consider Askøy på langs, a trail of about 37 kilometres that ends in Herdla. Krateret, an open-air stage at Herdla Fort, adds a cultural venue to the nature and activity options.

Getting There and Choosing a Place

You can reach Herdla from Bergen bus station by taking a bus via Ravnanger and changing to route 414. If you are travelling by bus, include this transfer in your travel plans.

More places to explore: Hetlevik, Kjerrgarden, Kleppestø, Ramnanger, Strusshamn, Ask, Davanger and Hauglandshella.

For the broader travel overview: Askøy.