Hovland: Farm History and Routes to Hovlandsnuten

Hovland is a farm in Tysnes, Vestland, with a history as a former noble estate. A marked trail to Hovlandsnuten starts nearby. This brings together farm history and a hike whose route ranges from an uphill forest track to a very steep path when planning your trip.

Farm History and Cultural Heritage

At the beginning of the 17th century, Hovland belonged to Anders Mowat. The farm passed to his son Axel Mowat and then to his daughter Karen Mowat. Karen was married to Ludvig Rosenkrantz (1628–1685), the founder of Baroniet Rosendal. This sequence makes Hovland’s history tangible across several generations: the farm is the concrete starting point, while the marriage and the founding of the barony extend the story beyond the local area.

A stone stepping-stone bridge over the Hovlandselva and Hovland Tursti are also listed under Hovland in the municipal cultural heritage plan. Along with the farm’s history, these listings offer another point of reference for the cultural side of the destination.

Hike to Hovlandsnuten

Hiking routes to Hovlandsnuten start at Skaret and Årbakka, near Hovland. The marked trail from Skaret starts at a car park on Road 78 between Lunde and Nymark. There is an information board at the starting point, and the trail is well signposted and marked. Check the signs when you arrive, as trail markings may change.

From Skaret, the trail initially follows a gently uphill forest track to Vasstøl. This section is said to take about half an hour; it leads mostly uphill but also has flat stretches. This is followed by a very steep path, 300 to 400 metres long. The trail levels out again shortly before the summit. The section from Vasstøl to Hovlandsnuten is listed as three kilometres and about an hour, depending on fitness. These details help distinguish the different sections when planning your day; they do not give an overall walking time for the entire hike.

Along the way, the trail from Skaret passes the Fossane waterfalls. They are on the right, a few minutes along the forest track. The path then continues along Vasstølstjødno. In the Sandlopeskaret area, follow the signs, turn left and begin the increasingly steep ascent. At the top, the 727-metre-high Hovlandsnuten offers views of Hovland and Tveit, as well as the pointed mountains of Kvinnherad beyond the Onarheimsfjord.

Tysnes as a Wider Region

Hovland is located in Tysnes, an island group with a total area of 255 square kilometres. Tysnes itself has varied landscapes: in the west, rocky coastlines and heathland mark the transition to the open sea; to the east, by the Hardangerfjord, the landscape gives way to high mountains and extensive forests. This regional variety is a consideration in its own right when planning a trip and should not be confused with Hovland’s local history.

There are two cycling routes on Tysnes, each described differently. The 43.5-kilometre Våge–Uggdal–Onarheim–Lunde–Våge route runs through undeveloped areas and cultural landscapes along the Onarheimsfjord and Hardangerfjord. The 31-kilometre route from Våge to Flatråkervassdraget and back passes through forested areas and along waterways. Their lengths and landscape features offer specific points of comparison when choosing activities on Tysnes.

Regional culture and cheese production may also factor into your decision to stay on Tysnes. Myrdal Gård makes cheese from goat’s and cow’s milk and welcomes visitors to its farm shop and restaurant in spring and summer. Tours of the cheese dairy or farm can be arranged; check seasonal dates and options before your trip.

Choosing the Right Accommodation Area

If you are looking for a holiday apartment, consider whether Hovland’s local history and nearby hike fit your travel plans, or whether you would rather focus on other landscapes and activities on Tysnes. There is a ferry service from Halhjem to Våge for travel from Bergen to Tysnes; a scheduled bus also runs from Bergen bus station to the ferry terminal. Check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Tysnes, Reksteren, Onarheim, Lundegrend, Flatråker, Hope, Uggdal.

Go to the main travel overview: Tysnes.