Bømlo: Island Landscapes, Mountain Views and Culture

Bømlo is a coastal archipelago of more than 1,000 islands. Wind-shaped coastal cliffs and lush, deep forests define the landscape. It stretches from Langevåg and the car-free island of Espevær in the south to Slåtterøy in the north. So, when choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, it may help to start with a question: should your trip focus mainly on hiking, water-based experiences, culture or exploring the islands?

Hiking between the coast, forest and summit

On Bømlo, hiking trails pass through coastal rocks, heathland and inland forests. Siggjo is a prominent landmark: at 474 metres, it is the highest mountain on Bømlo. From there, the view stretches from Folgefonna in the east to Haugesund in the south. If you plan to climb it, the Laksatrappo has about 1,010 steps built by Sherpas and several resting places. The approximate number of steps and the places to rest give you a concrete idea of the route, making it easy to plan as a hiking experience in its own right.

The summit and the trails through the varied landscapes offer different ways to discover Bømlo: Siggjo takes you up to expansive views, while coastal rocks, heathland and forests reveal the landscape at ground level. Which of these experiences matters most to you can help determine which part of the archipelago to look in for accommodation.

Explore history and geology

Moster Amfi tells the story of the introduction of Christian law in Norway and includes a visit to Moster gamle kyrkje. There are historical experiences and guided tours. The site also includes Steinriket Bømlo: the exhibition features a mine tunnel and offers insight into Bømlo’s geology and mining history, from the Stone Age to modern times. A visit lets you explore both the history of law and the church and the archipelago’s geological past.

Baadehuset on Espevær also offers a way to explore the past. The original trading house dates from the 1850s, has period furnishings and tells its story through a video presentation. For getting there, the cable ferry from Garvika across Norda Sundet is relevant. The ferry from Espevær crosses a 45-metre-wide stretch of water in about two minutes and can carry four people. Espevær is car-free, so the ferry crossing is a practical part of planning your visit.

At Kulleseidkanalen: water, food and activities

Kulleseidkanalen was completed in 1856 to make it easier to travel by boat between the east and west sides of Bømlo. Today, you can travel through the canal by boat or kayak. Kulleseidkanalen guest harbour has 40 berths and welcomes visitors arriving by kayak, bicycle, on foot or by car. The harbour has a restaurant serving traditional cuisine and light meals. The small Kanaldagane festival is also held at the canal every year.

If you’re looking for an activity beyond the waterway, Kulleseidkanalen has an official 18-hole disc golf course covering about 90 decares. The canal, harbour, restaurant, festival and disc golf offer different ways to enjoy a stay; when choosing where to stay, consider which experiences you actually want to include in your trip.

More things to discover on Bømlo

In Lykling, Gullvegen Gardstun is located in the historic gold-mining area. It offers gold-panning activities as well as other experiences tailored to different age groups, focused on history, coastal scenery, animals and farm life. In Langevåg, Langevåg Bygdatun arranges tailor-made trips as well as fishing or sightseeing trips aboard the fishing boat M/S Gå, by prior booking. Brandasund Kultur & Fritid offers RIB trips. These varied experiences give you more themes around which to plan your trip.

When choosing a holiday apartment, it’s worth first deciding on the mix of nature, culture and water activities you’re looking for. Bømlo stretches from Langevåg and Espevær in the south to Slåtterøy in the north, so consider which part of the archipelago you want your stay to focus on. More places on Bømlo: Bremnes, Langevåg, Rubbestadneset, Håvik, Urangsvåg, Mosterhamn, Finnås, Foldrøyhamn, Bomlo, Lykling and Brandasund.

For the overview of the wider region: Hordaland.