Bøvågen: Hordabø Church, harbour and Byngja

Bøvågen brings together local history, maritime interests and a nearby outdoor recreation area. Hordabø Church stands in the village; about one kilometre to the south, Byngja offers opportunities to swim in fresh and salt water, kayak and sea fish. There is also the harbour run by Bøvågen Småbåtlag and the wreck of the M/S Sotra off Bøvågen. You can therefore plan your stay around different interests: history, time by the water or diving.

Hordabø Church and the history of the village

Hordabø Church in Bøvågen is a wooden long church dating from 1875. Its history goes back further: in the Middle Ages, Bø Church (Hordabø) was a parish church with its own priest. The church building and this earlier ecclesiastical role offer two points of reference for the history of the village.

The church is near the main road, on the isthmus between Bøvågen and Lake Bøtjørni, east of the bay. The nearest bus stop is directly in front of the church. There is a wheelchair ramp at the main entrance, which is heated in winter. Check current connections and accessibility information before travelling.

Harbour and wreck off Bøvågen

Bøvågen Småbåtlag operates a harbour in Bøvågen, in the north of Radøy in Alver Municipality. It has around 85 berths of various sizes across three piers. The number and distribution of the berths give a clear picture of the harbour. Harbour facilities can change, so check what is available before you arrive.

The wreck of the M/S Sotra off Bøvågen lies at a depth of 8 to 20 metres and can be dived from shore. Before diving, you should assess the local conditions yourself. Alongside the harbour, it offers a distinct maritime experience, with the diving depth and shore access as important points of reference.

Byngja: swimming and the route to Sjøbua

The Byngja outdoor recreation area lies about one kilometre south of Bøvågen. It offers opportunities to swim in fresh and salt water, as well as sea fishing and kayaking. If you want to do more than swim, you can include these more active options in your holiday plans. Facilities in the area include a large car park, toilets, tables and benches. Paths, swimming conditions and facilities may change; check the local situation before your visit.

The Sjøbua day cabin is in the outdoor recreation area. From the car park in Byngja, a gravel path leads to the bathing area, followed by a wooden boardwalk or path to the cabin. The route is about 750 metres long and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Most people can reach Sjøbua via the gravel path and wooden boardwalk; however, because of the incline, access is not classified as universally designed. The cabin can also be reached by kayak and boat. Path conditions may change, so it is advisable to check locally before your visit.

Practical differences to consider when planning

Conditions vary for the different experiences: at the church, the bus stop and ramp are important points of reference; for Sjøbua, the route length, walking time and incline matter; and before diving, you need to assess local conditions yourself. These differences can help you match your plans for the day to your interests and your search for a holiday rental in Bøvågen.

Discover more destinations: Manger, Sæbøvågen.

For the broader travel overview: Radøy.