Lepsøy – Fjord, Coastal Trail and History

Fjord, Coastal Trail and Traces of Early Settlement

Lepsøy combines fjord experiences with a marked coastal hiking trail and evidence of early settlement. Bjørnafjorden Opplevelser is located in Søre Øyane on the Bjørnafjord. During an interactive fjord experience, guests can catch fresh scallops or fish caught while fishing, and try their catch straight from the fjord. Those who like to get involved during their holiday and want to discover local food beyond what is on their plate will find a special way to connect with the fjord here.

On the Water and Along the Coast

On Lepsøy, Bjørnafjorden Experiences offers an introductory kayaking course for beginners. A marked coastal hiking trail runs from Rønstad to Hellevika on the north-west side of Lepsøy. This offers two different ways to enjoy the outdoors: an introduction to kayaking and a hike along a signposted coastal route. For a family trip, this raises a practical question of interest: Is the group more drawn to kayaking or to the trail between Rønstad and Hellevika? This does not imply anything about the trail’s length or walking time.

Bjørnafjorden Opplevelser provides life jackets and the necessary equipment for its activities at sea. In the wider surrounding area, Bjørnafjorden Experiences offers kayaking, diving and snorkelling at a boathouse in Søre Øyane. Fishing from the shore or a boat, as well as fjord trips, are also available in Søre Øyane. Those planning a holiday around water activities can distinguish between the introductory course on Lepsøy and other offerings in the wider area.

History and Special Places

Three Stone Age settlement sites, thought to be about 10,000 years old, have been found on Lepsøy. The age is given cautiously: the finds are believed to date back about 10,000 years. For travellers interested in traces of past lives as well as activities, this adds a long prehistory to the present-day character of the place.

Another memorial can be found in Columbinebukta on the south-west side of Lepsøy. A memorial plaque attached to the rock there in 1986 commemorates a Shetland ship running aground on 7 February 1886 and the rescue of Betty Mouat. The plaque connects a specific place with an event in maritime history. Skitnavågen, an important recreation area, is also located at the southern tip of Lepsøy. The coastal trail, memorial site and recreation area therefore offer different points of interest on Lepsøy, without forming a single circular route.

Regional Culture and Choosing a Holiday Focus

There is also a cultural event in the wider area: Øyafest is a multi-day folk festival with a varied programme. Events take place at several venues in Søre Øyane and the municipality of Bjørnafjorden. Those who want to include culture and local festival traditions in their trip can consider this regional setting alongside the water-based activities.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide on your preferred focus first: Would you like to centre your trip on Lepsøy’s coastal hiking trail, Stone Age settlement sites and the fjord experiences mentioned here, or would you also like to include activities and events in the wider area around Søre Øyane?

Other places: Nordstrøno, Os, Hagavik, Osøyro, Lysekloster and Halhjem.

Back to the main travel overview: Os.